FAA Part 107 Certification: Your Complete Guide to Flying Drones Legally and Safely

Are you a drone enthusiast or a professional looking to fly legally in the United States? If so, obtaining your FAA Part 107 certification is a must. Whether you're a commercial drone operator, aerial photographer, or a surveyor, understanding and complying with FAA regulations is crucial for safe and legal operations. This guide, brought to you by 120mAGL.com, dives deep into everything you need to know about FAA Part 107 certification, from requirements and practical applications to compliance and real-world examples.

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What is FAA Part 107 Certification?

FAA Part 107 is the regulatory framework for operating small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in the United States for commercial purposes. Introduced in 2016, this rule provides clear guidelines for drone pilots, ensuring safety in the National Airspace System (NAS). If you're flying drones for work or business, Part 107 certification is required.

Why Does Part 107 Exist?

Before Part 107, commercial drone operations required a special exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. This process was cumbersome and time-consuming. Recognizing the growing demand for drones in industries like real estate, agriculture, and public safety, the FAA created Part 107 to streamline commercial drone operations.

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Who Needs Part 107 Certification?

You need Part 107 certification if:

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  You're flying a drone for commercial purposes, such as photography, mapping, or inspections.
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  You plan to charge clients for your drone services.
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  Your operations involve any activity that is not purely recreational.

Examples:

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  A real estate photographer using a drone to capture property images for marketing.
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  A construction company surveying job sites with drones.
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  A farmer using drones for precision agriculture to analyze crop health.

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Detailed Requirements Under FAA Part 107

To fly under Part 107, operators must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility

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  Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
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  Language: You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
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  Medical Condition: You must not have any physical or mental condition that could interfere with safe drone operation.

Certification Process

To obtain your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate:

1. Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test: Administered at an FAA-approved testing center.
2. Complete FAA Form 8710-13: This application certifies you as a remote pilot.
3. Undergo TSA Security Vetting: This ensures you meet security requirements.

Operational Rules

Under Part 107, drone pilots must comply with specific operational limits:

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  Maximum Altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
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  Speed Limit: 100 mph (87 knots).
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  Daylight Operations: Flights are restricted to daylight hours or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting.
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  Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The drone must always remain visible to the remote pilot or visual observer.
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  Weight Limit: The drone must weigh less than 55 lbs, including payload.
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  Airspace Restrictions: Operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E) require prior authorization via FAA’s LAANC system (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability).

Regulatory Reference: 14 CFR Part 107

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Practical Applications of Part 107 Certification

Scenario 1: Real Estate Photography

A photographer wants to use drones to capture aerial shots of homes for sale. With a Part 107 certification, they can legally operate within the 400-foot altitude limit, ensuring compliance with FAA rules while providing clients with high-quality images.

Scenario 2: Construction Site Surveys

A construction company uses drones to monitor progress and conduct safety inspections. With Part 107 certification, they can operate in controlled airspace near urban areas by obtaining proper authorization through LAANC.

Scenario 3: Agricultural Mapping

A farmer deploys drones to map fields and analyze crop health. Part 107 certification allows operations over private property, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations while optimizing agricultural productivity.

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Common Questions and Challenges

Q1: Can I fly my drone at night under Part 107?

Answer: Yes, but you must have anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles. You also need to comply with the latest FAA updates on night operations.

Q2: What happens if I fly over people?

Answer: Flying over people is prohibited unless they are directly involved in the operation or under a covered structure. Waivers may be available for specific scenarios.

Q3: Do I need insurance to fly under Part 107?

Answer: Insurance is not required by the FAA, but it’s highly recommended for liability and equipment coverage.

Q4: Can I fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)?

Answer: BVLOS operations require a special waiver from the FAA. The process involves demonstrating the ability to maintain safe operations without direct visual contact.

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Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to ensure you're operating legally under Part 107:

1. Obtain Your Remote Pilot Certificate: Pass the FAA knowledge test and complete the certification process.
2. Register Your Drone: All drones must be registered with the FAA.
3. Understand Airspace Restrictions: Use tools like FAA’s B4UFLY app to check for airspace limitations.
4. Plan Your Operations: Conduct a pre-flight inspection and create a flight plan.
5. Maintain VLOS: Ensure the drone remains visible at all times during operation.
6. Follow Altitude and Speed Limits: Stay within 400 feet AGL and below 100 mph.
7. Keep Records: Document maintenance, flight logs, and any waivers obtained.

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Case Studies

Case Study 1: Photography Business Expansion

A photographer expands their business by offering aerial photography services. After obtaining their Part 107 certification, they can legally market their services, operate in various airspaces, and attract new clients.

Case Study 2: Disaster Response

A public safety agency uses drones for search-and-rescue missions. With Part 107 certification, they can deploy drones quickly and legally, even in complex airspace environments.

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Key Takeaways

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  Part 107 Certification: Required for all commercial drone operations in the U.S.
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  Operational Limits: Includes altitude, speed, and airspace restrictions.
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  Practical Applications: From real estate photography to public safety, Part 107 opens doors for diverse industries.
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  Compliance is Critical: Always follow FAA rules to avoid penalties or accidents.

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Final Thoughts

Flying drones commercially under FAA Part 107 certification is an exciting opportunity for professionals across industries. By understanding the rules and adhering to compliance standards, you can operate legally, safely, and effectively. At 120mAGL.com, we're committed to providing drone pilots with the resources they need to succeed.

For further guidance, explore our other articles on drone safety, airspace navigation, and advanced flight techniques. Remember, safety and compliance are key to successful drone operations.

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Additional Resources

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  FAA Part 107 Official Page
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  Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22)
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  LAANC Authorization System

Disclaimer: Regulations are subject to change. Always check the FAA’s official website for the latest updates.