UA.I.A.K1

What you need to know

Part 107 is the rulebook for civil small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). The key question is why you are flying.

• Non-recreational flying falls under Part 107. Anyone operating a civil sUAS in the NAS for any purpose that is not recreational or pleasure must hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating [6].
• Recreational flying follows a different path. A recreational flyer must pass TRUST under 14 USC 44809, and there is no minimum age or other eligibility requirement to take it [6].
• Part 107 also governs what you can do with the aircraft. For example, it sets the categories for operating over people [2] and restrictions on sustained flight over open-air assemblies [5].

The excerpts here do not give the exact scope text of § 107.1 (the weight limit and the list of excluded operations). Verify those in 14 CFR part 107, subpart A, and AC 107-2.

Key facts and numbers

• Remote pilot certificate applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to speak and understand English [6].
• Part 61 certificate holders (not student pilots) with a current flight review may complete FAA online training instead of the initial knowledge test, or they may take the test [6].
• Part 107 sets four categories of operations over people [2]:
  • Category 1: maximum 0.55 lb, including everything on board, with no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate skin [2].
  • Categories 2 and 3: the aircraft must meet performance-based safety requirements [2].
  • Category 4: the aircraft has a part 21 airworthiness certificate and must follow its flight manual limits [2].
• Sustained flight over open-air assemblies in Category 1, 2, or 4 is prohibited unless § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) is met. Category 3 is not allowed over open-air assemblies [5].
• Foreign-owned and operated small UAS must be registered under part 47 or 48. Commercial air operations with foreign civil aircraft also need a Foreign Aircraft Permit under part 375 [3].

Common traps on the test

• "Hobby vs. business" confusion. Part 107 applies to non-recreational operations, and recreational flyers use TRUST [6]. Don't assume every drone flight needs a Part 107 certificate, and don't assume TRUST covers paid work.
• Mixing up requirements. TRUST has no age minimum, but the Part 107 certificate requires age 16 [6].
• Overgeneralizing the 0.55 lb figure. It is a Category 1 limit for operations over people [2]. It is not the general scope limit of Part 107.
• Assuming "over people" means one rule. The four categories have different requirements [2], and open-air assemblies carry extra limits [5].
• Assuming foreign operators are exempt. Foreign-owned aircraft must still be registered, and commercial operations need a permit [3].

Check yourself

1. A photographer is paid to film a real estate listing with a drone in the NAS. What certificate does she need? (A remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, because the flight is not recreational [6].)
2. A hobbyist flies purely for fun. What must he have completed? (TRUST, per 14 USC 44809 [6].)
3. Can a Category 3 operation fly over an open-air assembly of persons? (No, Category 3 operations are not allowed over open-air assemblies [5].)