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remote pilot in command (RPIC)
The Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is the person directly responsible for and with the final authority over a drone operation under Part 107. The RPIC ensures the flight complies with all FAA regulations, checks that the aircraft is safe before each flight, and has the authority to stop or change the operation if safety is at risk. Even if others assist, the RPIC holds full responsibility for the safety of the flight and for following all Part 107 rules and regulations
visual observer (VO)
A Visual Observer (VO) is a person the Remote Pilot in Command may use to help maintain visual line of sight with the drone. The VO’s job is to scan the airspace for hazards such as other aircraft, people, or obstacles and to communicate this information to the pilot. While the VO can assist, they do not have authority over the flight, the Remote Pilot in Command is always the one legally responsible. A VO must be in constant, effective communication with the pilot to ensure safe operations.
Control Station (CS)
The Control Station is the physical location and equipment used by the Remote Pilot in Command to operate the drone. It typically includes the remote controller, any connected devices such as tablets or monitors, and the spot where the pilot stands to maintain control and situational awareness. The control station must allow the pilot to maintain line of sight with the aircraft, communicate with any visual observers, and have immediate access to the controls to ensure safe operation at all times.
Maximum ALLOWABLE Altitude
The maximum allowable altitude for operations under Part 107 is 400 feet above ground level (AGL). A drone may fly higher only if it remains within a 400-foot radius of a structure, in which case it can go up to 400 feet above the structure’s uppermost limit. This rule keeps drones safely separated from most manned aircraft while still allowing practical operations around buildings and towers. The structure can be a building, tower, mountain or skyscraper.
Maximum ALLOWABLE Speed
14 CFR § 107.51(a), the groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots, which is equal to 100 miles per hour (mph). This is a groundspeed limit (i.e. speed relative to the ground), not necessarily airspeed. The regulation is framed in terms of groundspeed because many drones use GPS.
WEIGHT LIMIT REGISTRATION
Under 14 CFR Part 107, under Part 107, a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything on board such as payload and attached equipment. Anything 55 pounds or more does not qualify as an sUAS under Part 107 and requires a special exemption to operate.
If your drone (plus payloads, attachments, etc.) weighs 55 pounds or more, then it does not fall under Part 107 rules.
MINIMUM WEIGHT REQUIREMENT
Under 14 CFR Part 107, a “small unmanned aircraft” that weighs 250 grams and up at takeoff, including everything that is on board or attached is required to register the drone with the FAA.
Note: It's important to remember 0.55 pounds does NOT equal 250 grams. FAA registration requirements are for drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds or more than 249 grams.
recreational weight requirements
Recreational drone flying is governed by 14 CFR Part 48. Key requirements: Fly for fun only, pass the TRUST online test, stay below 400 ft AGL in Class G airspace, register if the drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds. Follow safety guidelines, maintain VLOS, and get FAA approval for controlled airspace unless flying in a FRIA.
visual line of sight rules
Under Part 107, you must maintain "Visual Line of Sight" (VLOS) of your drone, unaided except by glasses/contacts. FPV drone flying is allowed only if a "Visual Observer" (VO) maintains VLOS, and "Beyond-VLOS" (BVLOS) is prohibited unless you obtain an FAA waiver.
MINIMUM VISIBILITY
Under Part 107, the minimum visibility for drone operations is 3 statute miles (3SM) from the control station. This ensures the Remote Pilot in Command and any visual observers can maintain effective visual line of sight with the sUAS and see other airspace users, obstacles, or hazards to operate safely. Visibility is determined based on current weather conditions, which can be obtained from official sources like METARs, TAFs, or other FAA-approved weather services.
corrective lenses Vs Binoculars
the Remote Pilot in Command or any Visual Observer may use corrective lenses to maintain visual line of sight with the drone. Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) are allowed to meet vision requirements, but binoculars can be used ONLY for the pilot to maintain unaided situational awareness and see other aircraft, obstacles, and the drone itself.
ANTI-COLLISION LIGHTS
Anti-collision lights are required when operating a small UAS during "Civil Twilight" (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset) or at night. The lights must be visible for at least 3 statute miles, and must have a flash rate or strobe.
In FAA drone operations, night begins 30 minutes after sunset and ends 30 minutes before sunrise, roughly corresponding to the end of evening civil twilight and the start of morning civil twilight.
Operations over moving vehicles
14 CFR §107.150 Operations over human beings and moving vehicles. Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over a moving vehicle unless the operation meets the conditions established in Subpart D (Operations Over People). So basically, the same rules that govern operations over people also govern over moving vehicles.
DRONE REGISTRATION AGE
14 CFR §48.25 FAA Registratons Applicants
To register a small unmanned aircraft in the United States you must be: At least 13 years of age if registering on your own; or
If younger than 13, a parent or other responsible person must register the drone for you; and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (non-U.S. residents register under a different process).
remote pilot certificate
14 CFR §107.61 - To be eligible for an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating, an applicant must be at least 16 years old in order the take the Part 107 Exam. Also,..
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English; and
Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.
After receiving a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, you must maintain it every 24 Months by taking a Recurrent Online Training Course.
(property damage) 14 CFR §107.9
No later than 10 calendar days after an operation that meets the criteria of paragraph (a) of this section, a remote pilot in command must report to the FAA if the operation results in:
Damage to any property, other than the small unmanned aircraft, if the cost is greater than $500 to repair or replace the property (including labor and materials).
How to report:
Complete the FAA Drone Safety or UAS Accident/Incident form online: FAA Drone Zone Reporting.
- Include details such as:
- Date, time, and location
- Description of the accident or injury
- UAS make, model, and registration
- Remote pilot information
- Any injuries or property damage
(Personal injury) 14 CFR §107.9
No later than 10 calendar days after an operation that meets the criteria of paragraph (a) of this section, a remote pilot in command Must Report to the FAA if the operation results in:
Serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness; or
resulting in hospitalization.
How to report:
Complete the FAA Drone Safety or UAS Accident/Incident form online: FAA Drone Zone Reporting.
right of way aircraft
Under §107.37, Under Part 107, manned aircraft always have the right of way over unmanned aircraft. As a Remote Pilot in Command, you must yield and avoid collisions with manned aircraft at all times. If a manned aircraft is approaching, you must take immediate action to maintain a safe distance, including altering altitude, direction, or even temporarily landing your drone if necessary.
It is NOT a requirement to report this incident to the FAA unless it is requested. (Upon request of the Federal Aviation Administration)
night flight operations
After April 6, 2021: § 107.29 was updated to allow night operations if the UAS has anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles and the remote pilot meets the knowledge/training requirements.
So the statute does allow night flying now, as long as you comply with the lighting and training rules.
- Anti-Collision Lighting: The sUAS must be equipped with lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. The lighting must have a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.
- Training Requirement: The remote pilot in command must have completed an initial knowledge test or training under § 107.65 after April 6, 2021. (Already included in the current revised exams)
- Operational Conditions: The remote pilot in command may reduce the intensity of the anti-collision lighting but may not extinguish it if, due to operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to do so.
recreational operations over people
The law does not explicitly allow operations over people.
Recreational flyers must follow FAA safety guidelines
Do not operate over people unless the people are directly participating in the operation (e.g., you and a visual observer) or the person is under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle that would protect them.
commercial operation over people
Operations over people are allowed only if the drone meets one of the following Categories (1–4):
Category 1
Drone weighs 0.55 pounds or less upon takeoff and throughout the flight. Must not have exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin. No FAA declaration of compliance
Category 2
Drone that weighs more than 0.55 pounds and must not cause injury greater than 11 ft-lbs of kinetic energy on impact with a human. No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin.
Requires FAA-accepted Means of Compliance (MOC) and Declaration of Compliance (DOC).
Category 3
Similar to Category 2, but allows up to 25 ft-lbs of kinetic energy with operational restrictions: May not fly over Open-Air Assemblies of people. Operations over people must be in a restricted-access area where people are aware of and consent to the operation.
Category 4
Drone must have an Airworthiness Certificate issued by the FAA. Must be maintained according to that certificate. Can operate over people without the restrictions of Categories 1–3.
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