If you are flying small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) – more commonly called drones – for commercial purposes in the United States, then you know – or should know – that you are required to comply with a host of regulations concerning operations within the National Airspace System (NAS) which are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Regulations apply to sUAS aircraft that are 55 pounds or less and extend nationwide. There are also state and local restrictions which apply to the ground below. Whether you are a novice flyer or a seasoned aviator, 14 CFR Part 107 regulates commercial operations and can be quite complex. Despite these complexities, there are a few commonsense rules that can help you safely fly your drone.
Pilot Certification
To jump behind the controls of an sUAS under Part 107, you will first need a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating or be operating your sUAS under the direct supervision of a person who holds such a certificate. To obtain your remote pilot certificate, you must be at least 16 years old; be able to read, speak, write, and understand English; and be in a healthy enough physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone and pass a Part 107 written exam in one of two ways:
- You may pass an initial test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center; or
- If you already have a Part 61 (aircraft) pilot certificate, you must have completed a flight review in the past 24 months and must take a sUAS online training course provided by the FAA.
sUAS Registration
After obtaining your pilot certificate, you will need to make sure to register your drone with the FAA. Go to faadronezone.faa.gov. It’s fast, easy, and costs only $5 (as of July 2026). When you register your sUAS, you will receive a registration number that you must physically mark on the drone. You can engrave the number, put it on a permanent label, or use a permanent marker – pilot’s discretion! Remember to always carry your registration documentation with you when operating your drone.
If you are acting as pilot in command, you agree to:
- Make your drone available to the FAA for inspection or testing upon request and provide any associated records required under the rule.
- Report to the FAA within 10 days any operation that results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage of at least $500.
Operating Requirements
Now that you have your remote pilot’s certificate in hand and your drone is registered with the FAA, it’s time to fly! Just like driving a car, there are rules of the sky when operating your sUAS within the NAS. Part 107 states that a certificated pilot must adhere to the following basic rules:
- Always avoid manned aircraft.
- Never operate in a careless or reckless manner.
- Keep your drone within sight. If you use First Person View or similar technology, you must have a visual observer who always keeps your drone within unaided sight (for example, no binoculars).
- You cannot be a pilot or visual observer for more than one drone operation at a time.
- Do not fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation.
- Do not operate your drone from a moving aircraft.
- Do not operate your drone from a moving vehicle unless you are flying your drone over a sparsely populated area and it does not involve the transportation of property for compensation or hire.
- You can fly during daylight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) or in twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting.
- Minimum weather visibility is three statute miles from your control station. The maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above ground, higher if your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure. Maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots).
- Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without air traffic control (ATC) permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace require ATC authorization.
- Your drone can carry an external load if it is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft. You may also transport property for compensation or hire within state boundaries provided the drone (including its attached systems), payload, and cargo weighs less than 55 pounds total and you obey the other flight rules. (Some exceptions apply in Hawaii and the District of Columbia.)
- Pilots who need to conduct operations outside of these limitations may request a waiver from any regulation listed in Part 107.205 if you can show your operation will provide a level of safety at least equivalent to the restriction from which you want the waiver. For example, some of the most requested waivers are for operations beyond visual line of sight, above 400 feet, and over people.
Purely Recreational Use Exception
If you are flying your drone for purely recreational purposes, then you are not required to hold a Part 107 certificate. Rather, your operations fall under the provisions of 49 U.C.S. 44809: Exception for Limited Recreational Operation of Unmanned Aircraft. Under these rules, there are a few key takeaways that include limits on line-of-sight operations, altitude of 400 feet or less, and restrictions on where the sUAS may operate in relation to regulated airspace and aircraft operations. Before operating your drone under this “carve out” exception, make sure to read the regulations carefully to ensure your flight falls within the exception.
Technological advancements in drone design, functionality and operational control have opened the door to many incredible commercial applications. Understanding and complying with PART 107 FAA requirements for safe operations in the congested NAS ensures that every sUAS operator brings the highest level of competency, proficiency and safety to this growing profession. Here’s wishing you blue skies and fair winds, fellow aviator – now get out there and FLY!