Part 107 is the FAA regulation that governs most non-recreational small unmanned aircraft (drone) operations in the United States.
Who needs it
If you fly a drone for anything beyond purely personal enjoyment — for a business, as part of a job, for a client, or to sell photos or footage — Part 107 generally applies. Recreational flyers have a separate, simpler set of rules (still requiring The Recreational UAS Safety Test, TRUST), but the moment flying has any commercial purpose, Part 107 is the relevant framework.
Core requirements at a glance
- Hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the FAA's Part 107 knowledge test.
- Fly a drone under 55 lbs (25 kg) registered with the FAA.
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times, without visual aids other than corrective lenses.
- Fly at or below 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace (with specific rules near structures).
- Fly during daylight or civil twilight (with anti-collision lighting).
- Avoid other aircraft and never fly over people or moving vehicles without meeting specific additional conditions.
Controlled airspace needs authorization
Flying in controlled airspace (near most airports) requires authorization, most commonly obtained instantly through LAANC (covered in a separate guide) rather than a lengthy manual application.
This is an overview, not legal advice
Part 107 has grown more detailed over time, including waivers for specific operations (night flight, flights over people, beyond visual line of sight). Always check the FAA's current rule text and any Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for your specific location before flying.