Legalities and Licensing (FAA Part 107 in the U.S.)

 Lesson Objective:

By the end of this lesson, students will understand the legal responsibilities of flying a drone commercially in the U.S., including how to obtain the FAA Part 107 license and comply with federal regulations.

Lesson Overview:

If you plan to earn money using your drone, the FAA considers you a commercial drone operator. That means you must follow specific laws under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. In this lesson, we’ll break down what the FAA Part 107 certificate is, why you need it, how to get it, and what rules you'll need to follow once you have it.

Section 1: What is FAA Part 107?

FAA Part 107 is the set of regulations governing the commercial use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in the United States.

Key Points:

• It’s required for any commercial drone operation—even if you only earn $5.
• Covers aircraft under 55 lbs (most photography drones).
• Includes rules about flight operations, safety, airspace, and pilot certification.

Section 2: Do You Need a Part 107 Certificate?

Section 3: How to Get Your FAA Part 107 License (Commercial Drone Pilot License)

 Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Be Eligible
   • At least 16 years old
   • Able to read, write, and speak English
   • Physically and mentally fit to fly
2. Log in to IACRA.FAA.gov, register and create your profile.
    (See Quick Start Video at bottom of Section 3 to learn how to register on IACRA)
   
   Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge (Written)  test.
   
   
   
3. Study for the Knowledge (Written)  Exam
   • Covers airspace, weather, regulations, operations, and safety
   • Use the FAA's official Remote Pilot Study Guide (Download the Study Guide from the Resource tab at bottom of page).
      
   • Practice with quizzes and apps (RemotePilot101, King Schools, etc.)
      (Download Sample Practice Test from the Resource tab at bottom of page).
     
     
   • If you need more structure online ground study, we recommend Part 107 Commercial Drone License Course at Pilot Institute. There is an additional cost associated with this online ground school study.
4. Schedule and Pass the Exam
   • Test name: UAG – Unmanned Aircraft General – Small
     
     
   • Take at an FAA-approved testing center
     To find nearest test centers, follow this instruction:
     
       Click link above, go to "Find a Test Center" tab at top of page.
     
       Input your postal code, country(most likely USA), and in the Exam drop down field, scroll down to "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG) and click.
     
       Then Click the Search button to find nearest FAA-Approved test centers near you.
     
     
   • Costs around $175
   • 60 multiple choice questions (70% to pass)
   • Sign up and Pass test

Section 3: (Continue)

Apply for the Certificate

• After passing test:  Log in to IACRA.FAA.gov. Submit your application
• TSA background check included
• Receive temporary certificate in a few days; permanent card by mail

Section 4: What Rules Must You Follow Under Part 107?

• Max altitude: 400 feet AGL
• Max speed: 100 mph (87 knots)
• Must fly within visual line-of-sight (VLOS)
• No flying over people or moving vehicles (unless exempt)
• Daylight or civil twilight only (unless waiver granted)
• Yield to manned aircraft
• No flying in Class B, C, D, or E airspace without ATC authorization
• Pre-flight inspection is mandatory
• Must report accidents causing injury or significant damage to the FAA within 10 days

Section 5: Optional but Smart — Drone Insurance

Though not required by the FAA, liability insurance is highly recommended. It protects you if:

• Your drone damages property
• You accidentally injure someone
• Your client requires proof of insurance

Companies: SkyWatch.ai, Verifly, State Farm

Lesson Activity:

Assignment:

1. Go to IACRA.FAA.gov and create your pilot profile.
2. Download the official FAA Part 107 Study Guide.
3. Write down the three legal rules you think are most important to remember before taking a client job.

Key Takeaways:

• FAA Part 107 (Commercial Drone License) is required for all commercial drone operations in the U.S.
• Getting certified involves passing a written test and applying through IACRA.
• Operators must follow safety and airspace rules, or risk fines and losing their license.