What Is FAA Part 107? (And Who Needs a Drone License)
Part 107 is the FAA rule that lets you fly a drone for work. Here's what it covers, who it applies to, and how you get certified.
- Applies to drones under 55 lb flown for any non-recreational purpose
- Certification = pass a 60-question FAA knowledge test (70% to pass)
- No flight test or prior aviation experience required
- Certificate must be renewed with free online recurrent training every 24 months
What Part 107 is
Part 107 is the section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that governs small unmanned aircraft (drones weighing less than 55 pounds) flown for anything other than pure recreation. Formally it is Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter F: Air Traffic and General Operating Rules, Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Throughout our course we refer to it simply as Part 107 and, where relevant, to other aviation Parts such as Part 61 (private pilot certification) and Part 91 (general operating and flight rules).
You can read the full regulation on the eCFR website. Our course studies Part 107 and the related aviation material so that you can pass the FAA knowledge test.
Who needs a Part 107 certificate
If you fly a drone for anything other than fun, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate. That includes filming for a YouTube channel that earns money, roof and insurance inspections, real estate photography, action sports videography, crop scouting and agricultural spraying, mapping and surveying, and any other flight that serves a business purpose, even if you are not paid for the flight itself.
Recreational flyers do not need a Part 107 certificate but must pass the free TRUST safety test and follow the recreational rules. The moment a flight has a commercial purpose, Part 107 applies.
How you earn it
You pass a 60-question multiple-choice aeronautical knowledge test, the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) exam, at an FAA-approved testing center, then apply for your certificate through the FAA's IACRA system. The test covers regulations, airspace, weather, aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communications, aeronautical decision-making, airport operations, and maintenance. Our ground school is built around exactly that outline.
Problems, questions, concerns?
We're striving to make this course as perfect as possible. Our goal is to provide clear, concise content so that you understand the regulations and other aviation content and are confident in your operations as a commercial drone operator. If you encounter any problems, see errors in the content, or need clarification on a topic, please reach out. It helps us keep the material accurate.
Ready to study for the real thing?
The full UAS for Less ground school has 47 lessons and 10 quizzes covering every topic on the FAA Part 107 knowledge test.
Start the full course: $59/yearAnnual access · study at your own pace on any device