A Part 107 operator is an individual authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly a drone (Unmanned Aircraft System or UAS) for commercial or non-recreational purposes under the regulations outlined in Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Essentially, if you're flying a drone for business, governmental work, or any purpose that isn't purely recreational, you need to be a Part 107 operator.
Understanding Part 107 and the Remote Pilot Certificate
Part 107, officially known as the "Small UAS Rule," provides comprehensive operational limitations and requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems flown for commercial or other non-hobby purposes. This rule ensures that drone operations are conducted safely and responsibly within the National Airspace System.
To legally operate a drone under Part 107, an individual must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS rating from the FAA. This certificate serves as proof that the operator possesses a thorough understanding of the regulations, operational requirements, and procedures necessary for safely flying drones in various scenarios.
Becoming a Part 107 Operator
Becoming a certificated remote pilot involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and successfully completing a certification process.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you can pursue the Remote Pilot Certificate, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Be in a physical and mental condition that does not interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS.
Certification Process
The path to becoming a Part 107 operator primarily involves demonstrating aeronautical knowledge:
- Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test: This comprehensive exam, often referred to as the "Part 107 test," covers a wide range of topics crucial for safe drone operation. These include airspace classifications, weather effects on drone performance, loading and performance calculations, emergency procedures, crew resource management, airport operations, and, critically, FAA regulations pertaining to small UAS.
- Complete a TSA Background Check: As part of the application process, candidates undergo a security background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate: Once you pass the test, you can apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
For detailed information on the process, you can visit the FAA's "Become a Certificated Remote Pilot" page.
Responsibilities and Privileges
As a certificated remote pilot, an operator gains significant privileges but also assumes important responsibilities to ensure safe and compliant operations.
Operational Privileges
Holding a Remote Pilot Certificate allows operators to:
- Fly a drone for compensation or hire: This is the primary distinction from recreational flying, enabling commercial activities.
- Operate in various industries: Part 107 operators are crucial for diverse applications such as:
- Real estate photography and videography
- Agricultural surveying and crop analysis
- Infrastructure inspection (bridges, power lines, cell towers)
- Aerial cinematography for film and television
- Construction site monitoring
- Search and rescue operations
- Mapping and surveying
- Apply for Waivers: If a specific operation cannot be conducted under standard Part 107 rules (e.g., flying over people or beyond visual line of sight), a Part 107 operator can apply for a waiver from the FAA, provided they can demonstrate the operation can be conducted safely.
Key Operating Rules and Responsibilities
Part 107 outlines numerous operational rules that certificated remote pilots must adhere to:
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The remote pilot in command (PIC) and the visual observer (if used) must maintain direct visual line of sight with the drone at all times without the use of binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices (except corrective lenses).
- Maximum Altitude: Operations are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or 400 feet above a structure's uppermost limit within a 400-foot radius.
- No Operations Over People: Drones generally cannot operate over people unless the people are directly participating in the operation, located under a covered structure, or inside a stationary vehicle, or if the drone meets specific FAA performance-based safety requirements.
- Daylight Operations: Operations are permitted during daylight hours and civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) with appropriate anti-collision lighting. Night operations are permitted with proper anti-collision lighting and completion of recurrent training.
- Yield Right-of-Way: Drones must yield the right-of-way to all other aircraft.
- Pre-flight Inspection: The remote PIC must conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection of the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe operation.
Being a Part 107 operator signifies a commitment to professional and safe drone operations, backed by a foundational understanding of aviation regulations and best practices.
