Operations is the biggest area of the Part 107 test, and these rules from 14 CFR part 107 are its core.
The aircraft and the pilot
- A small unmanned aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything on board.
- The remote pilot in command holds the certificate. Others may fly only under the pilot's direct supervision, with the pilot able to take over immediately.
- Carry your certificate and ID, and show them on request to the FAA, NTSB, TSA or law enforcement.
The flight limits
- Altitude: no higher than 400 feet AGL, unless within 400 feet of a structure and no higher than 400 feet above its top.
- Speed: no more than 87 knots (100 miles per hour) groundspeed.
- Weather: at least 3 statute miles visibility, and at least 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
- Visual line of sight: you or a visual observer must see the aircraft the whole flight with unaided vision (glasses allowed).
- Night and twilight: anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles; night flight also needs the knowledge test or training.
- Right of way: yield to all manned aircraft.
- Other limits: one aircraft at a time; no hazardous materials; never from a moving aircraft.
Registration and Remote ID
Register the aircraft and mark it with its identifier on an outside surface; registration lasts 3 years. For Remote ID, fly a standard Remote ID aircraft, add a broadcast module, or stay inside an FAA-recognized identification area.
Alcohol and accidents
No alcohol within 8 hours of flying, and a blood alcohol level below .04. Report an accident to the FAA within 10 calendar days if it causes serious injury, loss of consciousness, or more than $500 of damage to property other than the drone.
Waivers
In an emergency the pilot may deviate from the rules as needed. Beyond that, several rules can be waived by the FAA, including those on night lighting, visual line of sight, operations over people, operations in controlled airspace, and the operating limits such as altitude and speed.