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Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Guide

Everything you need to earn your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate — eligibility, knowledge test prep, certificate renewal, waivers, and building a commercial drone operation.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Guide

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your license to operate drones commercially. This guide covers certification, exam prep, commercial rules, waivers, and insurance requirements.

What is Part 107?

Part 107 refers to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107. It establishes the framework for small unmanned aircraft operations in the United States. It applies to commercial operations and requires pilot certification, aircraft registration, and compliance with operational limitations.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old, able to read and speak English, physically and mentally fit, and meet security requirements. No formal medical certificate is required like for manned pilots.

Part 107 Knowledge Test

The Part 107 test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with 100 minutes to complete. You need 70% (42 questions) to pass. Cost is $175. It covers regulations, airspace, weather, aircraft performance, flight principles, and safety practices.

Test Content

Regulations cover airworthiness, equipment requirements, operational limitations, and Remote Pilot responsibilities. Airspace covers classifications A-G, special use airspace, TFRs, LAANC, and B4UFLY. Weather covers wind effects, METAR/TAF reading, visibility, and density altitude. Aircraft performance covers weight/balance, payload, and battery limitations. Flight principles cover aerodynamics, control, and lift/drag/weight/thrust. Safety covers preflight, emergency procedures, and decision-making.

Exam Preparation

Study the FAA Part 107 Study Guide (free), review 14 CFR Part 107, take practice tests until scoring 90%+, and focus on weak areas. Most candidates spend 20-40 hours studying. Register through Pearson VUE at testing centers nationwide.

Receiving Your Certificate

After passing the exam, you receive a temporary certificate immediately and your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate by mail within 2-4 weeks. Your certificate displays your name, certificate number, any limitations, and expiration date (typically 2 years).

Certificate Renewal

Your certificate expires every two years. You can renew by retaking the knowledge test (passing 70%+) or completing an FAA-approved Aeronautical Knowledge Refresher Course. You must complete the refresher 24 months after issuance, within a 2-month window before expiration.

Commercial Operation Rules

You must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) using unaided eyes at all times. Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level (AGL), measured from the ground at takeoff location. Maximum speed is 100 miles per hour (MPH). Operations limited to daylight hours or twilight with anti-collision lights. Minimum visibility 3 statute miles horizontally from drone. Cannot operate over people without waiver (exceptions: covered structures, moving vehicles, directly involved personnel). Cannot operate under influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medications. Aircraft must be registered and airworthy.

Commercial Operation Limitations

VLOS operations required. Altitude cannot exceed 400 feet AGL. Speed cannot exceed 100 MPH. Night operations prohibited. No flying over people except under specific circumstances. Minimum weather: 3 statute miles visibility, 500-foot ceiling clearance. No hazardous operations (dropping objects, towing, hazmat). Operations outside these limits require a waiver.

Requesting Waivers

Common waivers include BVLOS operations, operations over people, night operations, operations above 400 feet, and operations in restricted airspace. Process: Go to FAA DroneZone portal, request waiver type, provide detailed operation information, include safety documentation and risk mitigation, submit and wait 7-14 days for review.

Waiver Approval Tips

Demonstrate clear safety procedures, show hazard analysis and risk mitigation, provide evidence of pilot qualifications, include contingency plans, demonstrate public safety measures, submit detailed operational plans, respond promptly to FAA requests.

Insurance Requirements

Not legally required by FAA but mandatory by most clients. General liability covers property damage and bodily injury ($1-2 million per incident typical). Annual costs: $300-$1,500 depending on operations. Hull/property insurance covers damage to your own drones. Major providers: AIG, Hiscox, Dancie Insurance.

Professional Development

Consider additional training for BVLOS operations, night operations, high-altitude operations, FPV flying, thermal imaging, LiDAR operations, and advanced flight maneuvers.

Building Your Commercial Business

Service areas include aerial photography (real estate, marketing, events), videography (films, documentaries), surveying and mapping, inspection services (roofs, bridges, power lines), agriculture, search and rescue, and real estate development.

Business Essentials

Establish legal structure (LLC recommended), get insurance, develop client contracts and waivers, acquire professional equipment, establish post-processing capability, develop marketing strategy, and set up invoicing and financial management.

Maintaining Your Certificate

Follow all Part 107 rules on every flight. Maintain detailed flight logs. Renew certificate every two years. Carry certificate when operating commercially. Stay updated on regulation changes. Conduct rigorous preflight inspections. Maintain your aircraft properly. Fly conservatively and safely. Build reputation for reliability. Document all operations professionally. Monitor FAA notifications and airworthiness directives. Keep firmware updated. Review airspace restrictions regularly. Network with other pilots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking for TFRs before flights. Flying over people without waiver. Neglecting preflight inspections. Poor flight logging. Operating without client agreements. Not securing proper insurance. Assuming local permission doesnt matter without getting written permission from property owners.

Key Resources

  • FAA Part 107: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
  • 14 CFR Part 107: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
  • Study Guide: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/study_materials/
  • FAA DroneZone: https://faadronezone.faa.gov/
  • Pearson VUE Testing: https://home.pearsonvue.com/faa/
  • DPE Locator: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/designees/index.cfm

Conclusion

Obtaining your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate opens doors to commercial drone business. Study diligently, pass both exams, maintain your certification, operate safely and professionally, and build a successful business based on competence, safety, and client trust.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general educational information about drone regulations and should not be considered legal advice. Drone laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official FAA sources and relevant state and local authorities before operating. Consult a qualified aviation attorney for legal questions specific to your situation.