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Small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)
🤔 What is an sUAS?
An sUAS is a Small Unmanned Aircraft System, a term used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to describe any unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything needed to operate it (the drone, controller, communication links, etc.).
It’s the regulatory category that most consumer and commercial drones fall into. It includes:
- The drone itself
- The ground control station (remote controller)
- Communication systems
- Any payloads (camera, sensors, etc.)
The FAA uses “sUAS” in Part 107, the rule set that governs non‑recreational drone operations in the U.S. If you fly for work, business, or anything not purely hobby‑related, you’re operating an sUAS under Part 107.
Test # 4 Question # 43 🧐
Under what condition should the operator of a small UA establish schedule maintenance protocol?
The operator of a small unmanned aircraft should establish scheduled maintenance protocols when the manufacturer does not provide specific maintenance intervals or procedures.
Under Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 guidance, the remote pilot in command is responsible for ensuring the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation before flight. If no manufacturer maintenance schedule exists, the operator should develop their own based on factors such as:
- Flight hours
- Battery cycles
- Environmental exposure
- Wear and tear
- Previous malfunctions or repairs
This is commonly tested on the FAA Part 107 exam as:
“When should an operator establish scheduled maintenance protocols?”
Answer to the above question! ✅
When the manufacturer does not provide them, or when operational experience indicates they are needed to ensure safe operation.
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
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Who is directly responsible for ensuring the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft?
- A) The person manipulating the controls of the sUAS
- B) The visual observer
- C) The Remote Pilot in Command
Answer: ✅ C) The Remote Pilot in Command
According to 14 CFR §107.19, the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) holds the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight, even if another person is physically controlling the aircraft.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the primary role of the Visual Observer (VO) during a small UAS operation?
- A) To take control of the aircraft if the RPIC loses signal
- B) To maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft and assist the RPIC in avoiding hazards and other aircraft
- C) To monitor weather conditions and communicate with ATC
Answer: ✅ B) To maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft and assist the RPIC in avoiding hazards and other aircraft
Under 14 CFR §107.33, the Visual Observer helps the RPIC and the person manipulating the controls maintain situational awareness by keeping visual contact with the drone to avoid collisions and maintain safety. The VO must be in direct communication with the RPIC at all times.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the function of the control station in a small UAS operation?
- A) It provides automated flight logging and battery management.
- B) It is the interface used by the remote pilot to control the flight path of the small unmanned aircraft.
- C) It records the flight for post-mission analysis and maintenance tracking.
Answer: ✅ B) It is the interface used by the remote pilot to control the flight path of the small unmanned aircraft.
According to 14 CFR §107.3, the control station is defined as the interface used by the remote pilot to control the small unmanned aircraft. This typically includes the transmitter, display screen, and software used for navigation, telemetry, and system monitoring.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the maximum altitude a small unmanned aircraft may be operated under Part 107 regulations?
- A) 200 feet above ground level (AGL)
- B) 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
- C) 500 feet above the structure being inspected, regardless of its height
Answer: ✅ B) 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
Under 14 CFR §107.51(b), a small UAS may not be flown higher than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), unless it is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure and does not fly more than 400 feet above the structure’s immediate uppermost limit.
Maximum ALLOWABLE Speed
14 CFR § 107.51(a), the ground-speed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots, which is equal to 100 miles per hour (mph). This is a ground-speed limit (i.e. speed relative to the ground), not necessarily airspeed. The regulation is framed in terms of ground-speed because many drones use GPS.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the maximum groundspeed allowed for a small unmanned aircraft under Part 107?
- A) 100 knots (87 mph)
- B) 100 knots (115 mph)
- C) 87 knots (approximately 100 mph)
Answer: ✅ C) 87 knots (approximately 100 mph)
This speed limit helps ensure safety and adequate reaction time for the remote pilot to avoid hazards.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
To operate under Part 107, what is the maximum allowable weight of a small unmanned aircraft, including everything on board or attached?
- A) 55 pounds or more
- B) Less then 55 pounds
- C) Exactly 55 pounds
Answer: ✅ B) Less than 55 pounds
Under 14 CFR §107.3, a small unmanned aircraft is defined as one that weighs less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) on takeoff, including payloads such as cameras or sensors.
If the aircraft weighs 55 pounds or more, it cannot be operated under Part 107 and would require a special exemption or waiver.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the minimum weight for a small unmanned aircraft to require registration with the FAA?
- A) Less than 250 grams
- B) More then 0.55 pounds or (250 grams)
- C) 0.55 pounds
Answer: ✅ B) More than 0.55 pounds or (250 grams)
According to 14 CFR §107.3 and FAA registration rules, any small unmanned aircraft weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more on takeoff, including payload, must be registered with the FAA before flight. Aircraft under this weight do not require registration, though following safety guidelines is still recommended.
recreational requirements
Recreational drone flying is governed by 14 CFR Part 48.
Key requirements: Fly for fun only, pass the TRUST online test, stay at or 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.
Question! 🧐
Regarding Registration of a drone: Which of the following allows a recreational (hobbyist) to fly a drone without FAA registration?
- A) The drone must weigh 0. 55 pounds or less
- B) The drone must be 250 grams
- C) The drone must be under 55 pounds
Answer: ✅ A) The drone must weigh 0.55 pounds or less to be considered as recreational. A drone weighing 250 grams and up must be registered.
*Part 107 certification is not required for recreational operations.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What does Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) mean for a small unmanned aircraft operation?
- A) The remote pilot or visual observer must maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft at all times.
- B) The remote pilot may rely on cameras or first-person view (FPV) to operate the aircraft.
- C) The aircraft can be flown beyond visual range if it has an approved anti-collision light.
Answer: ✅ A) The remote pilot or visual observer must maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft at all times.
Explanation:
Under 14 CFR §107.31, VLOS requires that the remote pilot or VO be able to see the aircraft with their own eyes, without the use of binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices. This ensures the pilot can detect and avoid other aircraft, obstacles, and hazards. FPV cameras can be used, but they do not satisfy VLOS requirements.
CLOUD CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Under FAA Part 107, remote pilots must maintain at least 3 statute miles of visibility from the control station and stay 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from any clouds. These cloud clearance and visibility requirements ensure pilots can always see their drone and avoid other aircraft or obstacles. Flying into or through clouds is strictly prohibited, and if visibility or cloud distance can’t be determined, the flight should not take place.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Under Part 107, what is the minimum distance a small unmanned aircraft must remain from clouds during flight?
- A) 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds
- B) 1,000 feet below clouds and 3,000 feet horizontally from clouds
- C) 200 feet below clouds and 500 feet horizontally from clouds
Answer: ✅ A) 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds
According to 14 CFR §107.51(c), small unmanned aircraft must remain at least 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. This ensures the aircraft remains clear of manned aircraft, which often operate near clouds, and reduces the risk of collisions.
AIRSPACE AUTHORIZATION
Under FAA Part 107, you must have authorization to fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and surface E). These areas are around major and smaller airports where air traffic is actively managed. You can request permission through the LAANC system (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or the FAA DroneZone if LAANC isn’t available. Flying in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) does not require authorization. Always check airspace classifications on a sectional chart or apps like B4UFLY before flying to ensure compliance.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Before operating a small unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E), what must a remote pilot obtain?
- A) A visual observer endorsement
- B) An airspace authorization from the FAA
- C) A Part 61 pilot certificate
Correct Answer: ✅ B) An airspace authorization from the FAA
Under 14 CFR §107.41, a remote pilot must obtain authorization from the FAA before operating in controlled airspace. This is typically done electronically through the FAA’s DroneZone or LAANC system. Operating without authorization in controlled airspace can lead to enforcement actions.
carrying hazardous materials
A small unmanned aircraft may not carry hazardous materials.
Lithium batteries that are installed in an sUAS providing power to the drone during flight operation are not considered a hazardous material under Part 107. However, additional uninstalled lithium batteries may not be carried on the sUAS.
Small unmanned aircraft may NOT carry hazardous materials.
Regulation:
14 CFR §107.36
A small unmanned aircraft may not carry hazardous material.
- No exceptions for Part 107 operations
- Applies to any hazardous material, including:
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids or gases
- Toxic or radioactive materials
- Even small quantities are prohibited
- Batteries installed in the aircraft (LiPo) are NOT considered cargo
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the minimum flight visibility required for small unmanned aircraft operations under Part 107?
- A) 1 statute mile
- B) 3 statute miles
- C) 5 statute miles
Answer: ✅ B) 3 statute miles
According to 14 CFR §107.51(a), small UAS operations must be conducted in weather conditions with at least 3 statute miles of flight visibility. This ensures that the remote pilot or visual observer can maintain visual line of sight and detect other aircraft or hazards during flight.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Can a remote pilot or visual observer use binoculars to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with a small unmanned aircraft?
- A) Yes, binoculars are allowed to maintain VLOS.
- B) No, VLOS must be maintained unaided by any vision-enhancing devices.
- C) Only if the aircraft is flying above 400 feet AGL.
Answer: ✅ B) No, VLOS must be maintained unaided by any vision-enhancing devices.
Under 14 CFR §107.31, VLOS must be maintained with the naked eye. Binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices cannot be used to satisfy VLOS requirements. They may be used for general observation, but the RPIC or VO must still be able to see the aircraft without aids to avoid collisions and maintain safe operation.
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 3 statute miles, and must have a flash rate or strobe.
Drone operations at 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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
When operating a small unmanned aircraft, which of the following is required when using anti-collision lights (strobes)?
- A) Anti-collision lights must be visible for at least 1 mile during daylight operations.
- B) Anti-collision lights, must be visible for at least 3 miles, and must strobe to make the aircraft more visible.
- C) Anti-collision lights may only be used if the aircraft is flying above 400 feet AGL.
Answer: ✅ B) Anti-collision lights, must be visible for at least 3 miles, and must strobe to make the aircraft more visible.
According to 14 CFR §107.29, small unmanned aircraft operated during periods of reduced visibility or at night must have anti-collision lights that flash or strobe and are visible for at least 3 statute miles. This helps increase the aircraft’s visibility to other airspace users and reduces the risk of collisions.
FAA Part 107 "New" Test Question!
✅ Can a Remote pilot reduce the intensity of Anti-collision lights,? Answer below 😎👇
§ 107.29(a)(2) The small unmanned aircraft has lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. The remote pilot in command may reduce the intensity of, but may not extinguish, the anti-collision lighting if he or she determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to do so.”
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Under Part 107, which statement is true regarding small unmanned aircraft operations over people?
- A) Flying over people is always allowed as long as the aircraft is below 400 feet AGL.
- B) Flying over people is generally prohibited unless the remote pilot meets the requirements of 14 CFR §107.39 and the operation falls into an allowed category.
- C) Flying over people is allowed if the aircraft is equipped with a camera and records video only.
Answer: ✅ B) Flying over people is generally prohibited unless the remote pilot meets the requirements of 14 CFR §107.39 and the operation falls into an allowed category.
According to 14 CFR §107.39, small UAS operations over people are restricted unless the aircraft meets specific part 107.39 standards, such as being lightweight, enclosed, or having FAA-approved risk mitigations. Operations over people require either:
- Categorical approval (e.g., Part 107.39 operational categories), or FAA waiver authorization.
Flying over people without meeting these requirements is not allowed due to the risk of injury from falling aircraft or moving parts.
DRONE REGISTRATION AGE
14 CFR §48.25 FAA Registration 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).
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is the minimum age required to register a small unmanned aircraft with the FAA?
A) 13 years old
B) 16 years old
C) 18 years old
Answer: ✅ A) 13 years old
According to FAA regulations, anyone 13 years of age or older can register a small UAS that weighs 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more. If the operator is under 13, a parent or guardian must register the aircraft on their behalf. Registration is required before flying the drone outdoors.
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. You are allowed take the Part 107 Exam at 👉 16 years of age, and you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English; and be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.
You must maintain the certification every 24 Months by taking a Recurrent Online Training Course.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Under 14 CFR Part 107, how long is a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating valid before it must be renewed?
- A. 12 calendar months
- B. Must be renewed every 3 years.
- C. Recurrent training must be completed every 24 calendar months
Answer: ✅ C — Recurrent training must be completed every 24 calendar months.
The Remote Pilot Certificate itself remains valid indefinitely. However, to maintain currency and exercise the privileges of the certificate, the remote pilot must complete FAA recurrent training or testing every 24 calendar months (§107.65).
CHANGE OF ADDRESS or Name notification
If a Certified Remote Pilot changes his or her permanent mailing address, or there is a name change, they must notify the FAA Airman's Certifications Branch in writing within 30 days after the move.
Step-by-Step: Update Your Address
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
- Go to the FAA Airmen Services website:
👉 https://iacra.faa.gov (for certificate management)
or directly to the Airmen Certification portal:
👉 https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/amsrvs/Login.asp
- Log in (or create an account if you haven’t).
- Click “Update Address” under “Airmen Services.”
- Enter your new address and submit.
Option 2: By Mail
If you prefer paper:
- Send a signed letter to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch including: Your full name, Date of birth, Certificate number, Old address, New address, Signature
- Mail it to:
FAA Airmen Certification Branch (AFB-720)
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
- Mail it to:
Option 3: By Fax or Email
- Fax: (405) 954-4105
- Email: 7-awa-afs760-airmen@faa.gov
(Same information required as the mail option.)
Alcohol & Drugs (14 CFR §107.27)
A remote pilot in command (RPIC) or person manipulating the flight controls may NOT operate a small UAS if they:
- Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or greater, OR
- Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that would adversely affect safety, OR
- Have consumed alcohol within the previous 8 hours, OR
- Are using any drug (including prescription or OTC) that affects their ability to safely operate the aircraft.
Key exam points (very important):
- BAC limit is 0.04%, not 0.08% (that’s for driving).
- 8 hours bottle-to-throttle applies even if BAC is below 0.04%.
- Applies to anyone manipulating the controls, not just the RPIC.
- FAA uses “under the influence”, so impairment matters even below 0.04%.
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 Do You 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
Remember that the damage needs to be more than $500 before you are required to report it to the FAA.
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.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
What is required if a small unmanned aircraft operation results in serious injury or property damage?
- A) The Remote Pilot in Command must file a report with the FAA within 10 days.
- B) Only injuries to people require a report; property damage does not.
- C) No report is required unless the drone weighs more than 55 pounds.
Answer: ✅ A) The Remote Pilot in Command must file a report with the FAA within 10 days.
14 CFR §107.9, RPIC must report any operation that results in:
- Serious injury to any person causing hospitalization.
- Damage to property (other than the aircraft) exceeding $500.
The report must be submitted to the FAA within 10 calendar days of the operation. This ensures that the FAA can track accidents, identify hazards, and improve safety regulations.
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.
✅ HOT AIR BALLOONS
Hot air balloons are manned aircraft (not drones).
- They operate under 14 CFR Part 91.
- Balloons are classified as lighter-than-air aircraft.
- Hot air balloons have the right-of-way over ALL other aircraft, including:
- Airplane
- Helicopters
- Gliders
- Unmanned aircraft (drones)
➡️ A remote pilot must always yield to a hot air balloon.
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
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. The law does not explicitly allow operations over people. Recreational flyers must follow FAA safety guidelines.
Part 107 Question! 🧐
Under current FAA regulations for recreational drone pilots (49 U.S.C. §44809), which of the following statements about flying over people is correct?
- A. Recreational pilots may fly over people as long as the drone weighs less than 0.55 pounds (250 grams).
- B. Recreational pilots may fly over people only if the operation meets the same requirements as Part 107 Category 1–4 operations.
- C. Recreational🤔 pilots may never fly over people, regardless of the drone’s weight or design.
Answer: ✅ B —Recreational pilots may fly over people "only" if the operation meets the same requirements as Part 107 Category 1–4 operations.
Although recreational flying is governed by 49 U.S.C. §44809, the operational limitations for flying over people reference the same safety categories defined in Part 107 Subpart D (Categories 1–4). This means a recreational pilots can only fly over people if the aircraft qualifies under one of those categories.
🔥 New FAA Part 107 Question 🧐 2026*
A small unmanned aircraft is designed and tested to meet the performance requirements of both Category 2 and Category 3 operations over people. What must the manufacturer do to ensure compliance with 14 CFR Part 107?
- A) Provide operating instructions specifying when the aircraft may be used under each category.
- B) Declare compliance for the specific make and model, including each eligible configuration, under an FAA-accepted Means of Compliance.
- C) Submit a new Declaration of Compliance each time the aircraft is sold or transferred to a new owner.
Answer: ✅ B —Under 14 CFR §107.130 and §107.140, aircraft operating in Category 2 or Category 3 must meet injury limitation requirements and must be produced under an FAA-accepted Means of Compliance (MOC).
The manufacturer is required to:
- Use an FAA-accepted Means of Compliance
- Submit a Declaration of Compliance (DOC) to the FAA
- Declare the aircraft for the specific make, model, and configuration
- Label the aircraft accordingly
If an aircraft qualifies for more than one category (such as Category 2 and Category 3), the manufacturer must declare compliance for each eligible configuration. The declaration applies to the aircraft model/configuration — not to individual sales or transfers.
*Study more below 👇
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 required. Must be free of safety defects.
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. FAA-accepted Means of Compliance (MOC) and Declaration of Compliance (DOC).
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.
MOC & DOC not required.
Confirmation of Identification
“If you’re operating a foreign-registered drone in U.S. airspace, FAA rule 14 CFR § 89.130 applies. Before you fly, you must submit a Notice of Identification to the FAA. That includes your name, physical and mailing address, phone number, email, the drone’s make and model, serial number or Remote ID module, country of registration, and registration number.
Once submitted, the FAA issues a Confirmation of Identification—but this does not mean U.S. registration. You must keep that confirmation at the control station, have it available for FAA or law enforcement, and make sure all information stays current before every operation. No confirmation, no legal flight.”
✅ *New Part 107 Question:
What is the purpose of the Confirmation of Identification?
A. To authorize a U.S. citizen to operate a sUAS under Part 107
B. A Confirmation of Identification is required to operate a foreign-registered UAS in the U.S.
C. To allow a foreign test taker to bypass the FAA knowledge test requirements
Correct Answer: ✅ B
The Confirmation of Identification is basically the FAA saying, “We know who you are and what drone you’re flying while you’re in the U.S.” It links the operator to the foreign-registered drone and Remote ID data, and you must carry it just like registration.
A Confirmation of Identification is required to operate a foreign-registered UAS in the U.S., must be available at the control station, and does not constitute U.S. registration.
Operation of Multiple drones
Under Part 107, a Remote Pilot in Command may not operate more than one small unmanned aircraft simultaneously.
The FAA determined that managing multiple aircraft at the same time increases workload and risk, even if automation or visual observers are used. Each flight requires continuous situational awareness, collision avoidance, and compliance with airspace and operational limits.
14 CFR §107.35 — Operation of Multiple Small Unmanned Aircraft
A person may not operate or act as remote pilot in command or visual observer in the operation of more than one small unmanned aircraft at the same time.
⭐️ This regulation is direct, absolute, and now commonly being tested.
✅ *New Part 107 Question:
Under 14 CFR Part 107, how many small unmanned aircraft may a single Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) operate at one time?
- A. As many as the remote pilot can safely control, provided all aircraft remain within visual line of sight
- B. Only one small unmanned aircraft at a time
- C. Up to three small unmanned aircraft, if the operation is conducted during daylight hours
✅ Correct Answer:
B. Only one small unmanned aircraft at a time
One remote pilot = one drone. No exceptions under Part 107.