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Pilots > Become a Remote Pilot > Remote Pilot Privileges and Requirements

Remote Pilot Privileges and Requirements

Are You a Recreational Flyer, or a Drone Pilot for Hire?

Flying a drone under 55 lbs for hire will fall under the regulations in 14 CFR Part 107, referred to as the Small UAS Rule. If you are flying purely for personal enjoyment, there are a simple set of requirements to follow. Before the drone lifts off its platform, you should know the purpose of your flight, and what regulations will apply.

To determine which rules apply to you, complete the FAA’s What Kind of Drone Flyer Are You? Questionnaire Opens in new window to find out.

Recreational Drone Flyers

The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809) describes all the rules when flying for recreational purposes.

number one
Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
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Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
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Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
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Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
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Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport) only with prior FAA authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.

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Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
Note: Flying drones in restricted airspace is not allowed. Drone pilots should always check for airspace restrictions prior to flight on the FAA’s B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.

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Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.

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Have a current FAA registration, mark your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you when flying.
Note: Beginning September 16, 2023, if your drone requires an FAA registration number, it will also be required to broadcast Remote ID information. For more information on drone registration, visit the FAA’s How to Register Your Drone.
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Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.

For more information on how to fly your drone for recreational purposes, visit the FAA’s recreational drone information page and refer to Advisory Circular 91-57C.

Part 107 Drone Flyers

Certificate Eligibility

To become a Part 107 drone pilot, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”

However, you may also be eligible for a Part 107 Certificate if you:

  • Hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61
  • Have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months
  • Complete the FAA’s ALC-451 course on the FAASTeam website

Certificate Requirements

If you have a small drone that weighs less than 55 lbs, you may fly it for hire by following the Part 107 guidelines.

Learn The Rules

Understand all the rules under 14 CFR Part 107. To help you learn the regulations, grab a copy of the Gleim Remote Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep Book or online program.

Pass the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (For non-Part 61 certificate holders)
Complete the Small UAS Initial training course. (For Part 61 certificate holders)
Complete FAA Form 8710-13
  • Login to IACRA and complete Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate
  • For non-Part 61 certificate holders, a confirmation email will be sent to print your temporary certificate once you complete the TSA security background check.
  • For Part 61 certificate holders, make an appointment with a DPE, ACR, CFI, or the FSDO and provide Form 8710-13, proof of current flight review, photo ID, and online course completion certificate.
You will receive your permanent certificate in several weeks.

Keep Your Certificate Current

Complete the following courses within the previous 24 calendar months to operate under Part 107

  • For anyone who holds a Part 107 remote pilot certificate: ALC-677
  • For pilots certificated under Part 61 and 107 with a current flight review: ALC-515

Submission of Waivers

Recognize that certain drone operations may be allowed by submitting a waiver to the FAA. These operations are listed in 14 CFR 107.205.

Register Your Drone with the FAA

Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.

  • You’ll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone to register.
  • Refer to the FAA guide on How to Register Your Drone.
  • Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone.
  • Once you’ve registered, mark your drone with your registration number in case it gets lost or stolen.

What Can a Part 107 Remote Pilot Do?

Fly for recreational or commercial purposes

Unlike recreational drone pilots who may only fly recreationally, Part 107 pilots may fly both for recreational or commercial purposes.

Ability to fly in situations that are restricted for recreational flyers

Flying in such situations may require a waiver for authorization

Ability to fly in uncontrolled airspace

Fly in Class G airspace under 400 feet and within five miles of a nearby airport without requiring prior authorization as long as you are not interfering with airport operations

Participate in search and rescue operations

Fly your drone for organized public safety or governmental purposes

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