Common Questions About Part 107 Certification Answered by Experts

Earning your Part 107 remote pilot certificate is a significant milestone for any drone operator looking to fly commercially. Whether you’re aiming to start a drone photography business, offer aerial inspection services, or work in mapping and surveying, the certification ensures you understand federal aviation regulations, airspace rules, and safety best practices. This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked questions about the Part 107 process, drawing on expert insights to help you prepare, pass, and maintain your credential.

What Exactly Is the Part 107 Certification?

The Part 107 certification is a license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that authorizes individuals to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial and non-recreational purposes. Unlike a hobbyist flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations, a Part 107 pilot must pass a written aeronautical knowledge test and undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. The certificate covers drones weighing less than 55 pounds (including payload) and applies to a wide range of commercial activities, from real estate photography to agricultural monitoring.

Who Needs Part 107?

Any pilot who uses a drone for work, business, or any purpose that is not purely recreational must hold a Part 107 certificate. This includes:

  • Real estate agents capturing aerial property photos
  • Construction professionals inspecting job sites
  • Filmmakers and content creators shooting commercial footage
  • Surveyors and mappers collecting geospatial data
  • Public safety officials conducting search and rescue operations (though government entities may operate under a different COA, Part 107 is still the common path for individual officers)

How Do I Get Part 107 Certified? A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is straightforward but requires dedicated study. Below is the expert-recommended workflow for obtaining your certificate.

Step 1: Study the FAA Knowledge Areas

The FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (Unmanned Aircraft General – UAG) covers 12 main topics. Every question is drawn directly from the FAA's published materials. Key areas include:

  • Applicable regulations relating to sUAS rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
  • Airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions
  • Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on sUAS performance
  • Loading and performance (weight and balance, battery management)
  • Emergency procedures and crew resource management
  • Radio communication procedures (if applicable)
  • Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
  • Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
  • Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures

Study resources include the FAA Remote Pilot Handbook (FAA-H-8083-25) and the FAA Part 107 Airmen Certification page. Many pilots also use third-party prep courses or mobile apps for practice tests.

Step 2: Schedule and Pass the Knowledge Test

You must schedule your test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Appointments can be booked online through the testing center’s website or phone. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 2 hours to complete it. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. Upon passing, you receive a temporary score report (valid for 2 years from the test date for application purposes).

Important note: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to take the test, but you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Non-citizens may need to provide additional documentation during the background check.

Step 3: Submit Your Application via IACRA

After passing the knowledge test, you must create an account in the FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. You will enter your test ID number and personal information, and the system will generate a pending application. The FAA will then conduct a TSA background check, which typically takes a few weeks. Once cleared, you can download your temporary remote pilot certificate (valid for 120 days) from IACRA. Your permanent plastic certificate will arrive by mail in 6–8 weeks.

What Are the Requirements for Part 107 Certification?

The FAA has established clear eligibility criteria:

  • Be at least 16 years old (there is no upper age limit)
  • Able to read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Be mentally and physically capable of operating a small UAS safely (no FAA medical certificate is required, but you must self-certify that you are fit to fly)
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved facility
  • Pass the TSA background check (criminal history review)

Unlike manned aircraft pilot certifications, there is no flight test or minimum flight hours requirement. However, you are expected to have the practical skills to operate your drone safely. Many experts recommend logging at least 10–20 hours of simulated or supervised flight before conducting commercial operations.

How Long Is the Part 107 Certificate Valid?

The initial certificate is valid for 24 calendar months from the date you pass the knowledge test (or from the date on your permanent certificate, depending on issuance timing). To keep it active, you must complete a recurrent knowledge test before your certificate expires. The recurrent test is shorter (45 questions, 90 minutes) and focuses on regulatory updates, airspace changes, and common operational scenarios.

Recurrent Test Tips

  • Don’t wait until the last month. Schedule your recurrent test 60–90 days before expiry to have buffer time.
  • Review the latest FAA guidance, as regulations occasionally change (e.g., Remote ID, LAANC, and waivers).
  • Use the same study methods that worked the first time, but focus on recent amendments.

Can I Fly Anywhere With My Part 107 Certification?

No. Your Part 107 certificate gives you the legal authority to fly commercially, but you must still obey all FAA operational rules. Key restrictions include:

  • Airspace limitations: You cannot fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and some Class E) without prior authorization from Air Traffic Control via the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system. Flying near airports without permission is strictly prohibited.
  • Altitude limit: Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level unless you are within 400 feet of a structure and fly no higher than 400 feet above the structure's top.
  • Visual line-of-sight (VLOS): The drone must remain within unaided visual line-of-sight of the remote pilot or a visual observer at all times. No First-Person View (FPV) goggles can be the sole means of control.
  • No flying over people or moving vehicles: Standard Part 107 prohibits flight over unprotected persons or moving vehicles unless you have a specific waiver (e.g., Operation Over People category).
  • Daylight only (with exceptions): Standard operations are limited to civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) unless you have completed required night flying training and equipped your drone with anti-collision lights.
  • No operations from a moving vehicle/aircraft: Except in sparsely populated areas, you may not launch or land from a moving vehicle or aircraft.

Waivers are available for many of these restrictions (e.g., waiver 107.39 for flying over people, 107.145 for flight in controlled airspace without LAANC). Applying for a waiver requires submitting a detailed safety case to the FAA. You can learn more on the FAA Part 107 Waivers page.

Expert Tips for Passing the Part 107 Knowledge Test

Aspiring pilots often ask for the best preparation strategies. Here are expert-recommended approaches that go beyond simple memorization.

Understand Airspace, Don’t Just Memorize Classifications

Many test questions present you with a sectional chart and ask you to identify airspace type, ceiling, and operating requirements. Instead of rote memorizing colors, learn to read the chart legend and understand the logic. For example, a solid blue line around an airport generally indicates Class D airspace (surface to 2,500 feet AGL). Practice interpreting symbols like floor and ceiling altitudes, Military Operation Areas (MOAs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and special use airspace.

Master Weather Theory

Weather is the number one difficulty for drone pilots. Focus on understanding weather phenomena that directly affect flight safety: wind shear, microbursts, fog, and cloud formations. Be able to read METARs and TAFs (aviation weather reports and forecasts) and interpret basic weather satellite images. Remember that drones are particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts and downdrafts, so knowing what to look for in a weather briefing can make or break a safe flight.

Practice With Realistic Test Simulations

Taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions builds test-taking stamina and identifies weak areas. Many online platforms offer hundreds of questions modeled after the actual exam. Aim for consistent scores above 85% before scheduling your official test.

Use a Structured Study Plan

“I recommend studying two hours per day for three weeks, rather than cramming in a weekend. The material is dense, and spaced repetition helps retain the regulatory details, especially airspace and weather.” — John Miller, FAA-certified flight instructor and drone consultant

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-prepared pilots sometimes stumble. Avoid these pitfalls:

  • Ignoring the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM): The AIM contains crucial background for interpreting regulations. It’s not just the Part 107 rule itself; you need to understand the broader NAS (National Airspace System).
  • Overlooking “Remote Pilot Certificate” vs “Drone Registration”: Many new pilots confuse the certificate with drone registration. Your drone must be registered separately on FAADroneZone. Registration is required for all drones weighing over 0.55 pounds used commercially.
  • Not updating your knowledge on Remote ID: Since September 2023, all drones requiring registration must broadcast Remote ID information. Ensure your drone is compliant (either standard Remote ID or a broadcast module).
  • Skipping the background check steps: Filling out IACRA incorrectly can delay your certificate. Double-check your FTN (FAA Tracking Number) and test ID entries.

What Happens After You Pass?

Once you have your certificate in hand, you must also comply with ongoing operational responsibilities:

  • Preflight inspection: Perform a thorough check of your drone, battery, remote controller, and any payload. Document any anomalies.
  • Maintain your logbooks: While not required by the FAA for Part 107, it is best practice to keep a flight log that includes date, location, duration, and any incidents. This can help in insurance claims or compliance audits.
  • Stay current: In addition to the biennial recurrent test, stay up to date with FAA notices like Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and TFRs. Subscribe to the FAA UAS email updates.
  • Obtain insurance: Commercial drone operations carry liability risks. Most experts recommend at least $1 million in liability coverage. Some clients (e.g., construction companies, film productions) require proof of insurance before hiring you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use my Part 107 certificate for recreational flying too?

Yes. Your Part 107 certificate authorizes you to fly commercially. There is no restriction preventing you from also flying recreationally. However, you must comply with whichever set of rules you are operating under at the time. If you fly recreationally, you must follow the recreational rules (e.g., avoid flying near airports without notifying ATC, stay under 400 feet). Many pilots simply choose to fly under Part 107 at all times for consistency.

Do I need a medical certificate to operate a drone commercially?

No. Unlike manned aircraft pilots, Part 107 remote pilots are not required to hold an FAA medical certificate. However, you must self-certify that you are in a physical and mental condition to safely operate the drone. If you have a condition that could impair your ability (e.g., seizures, vision problems that cannot be corrected), you should consult an aviation medical examiner to ensure safety.

What happens if I let my certification expire?

If you do not complete the recurrent knowledge test before the expiration date, your certificate becomes invalid. You will not be able to legally operate commercially. To reinstate, you must retake the initial knowledge test (not the recurrent) and go through the IACRA application process again. This is why setting a calendar reminder 6 months before expiry is a smart move.

Can I fly my drone at night with Part 107?

Yes, after the 2021 rule change, night operations are allowed under Part 107 if you meet specific conditions: (1) complete an updated initial or recurrent knowledge test that covers night flying (if your previous test was before the rule change, you must take the current version), (2) equip your drone with functioning anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles, and (3) follow all standard Part 107 requirements.

Final Thoughts from Industry Experts

Obtaining your Part 107 certification is more than a checkbox—it’s a commitment to professionalism, safety, and continuous learning. The FAA expects remote pilots to act as true aviators, not just gadget operators. By investing time in thorough preparation, you not only pass the test but build a foundation for a successful career. Stay curious, practice regularly, and always prioritize safety over a shot or a schedule.

For additional resources, visit the FAA UAS homepage and consider joining professional organizations like the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) for networking and education opportunities.