Applicable Regulations

Part 107 regulations form the legal backbone of every small UAS operation, and the FAA knowledge test expects you to know them with enough precision to apply them in realistic flight scenarios—not just recite them. Topics range from remote pilot certification and registration requirements to operational limits, waivers, and the responsibilities that come with flying commercially. A solid grasp of these rules keeps your operation legal and your score competitive. Work through our 16 in-depth, ACS-aligned applicable regulations articles below, or return to the Part 107 (Drone) library.

Part 107 Registration Requirements for Small UAS

Under 14 CFR Part 48, most small UAS weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA before flight, and the registration number must be displayed on the aircraft.

Remote Pilot Certificate Requirements and Eligibility

To earn an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, applicants must meet specific age, language, and knowledge-test requirements and pass a TSA security vetting process before flying drones commercially.

FAA Part 107 Operating Limitations Overview

Part 107 sets the core operating rules for commercial small UAS flights, covering altitude, airspace, visibility, and daylight requirements that every remote pilot must know cold.

Part 107 Waiver Process and Eligible Operations

Part 107 waivers allow commercial drone operators to conduct operations otherwise prohibited under standard rules; understanding the application process and eligible operation categories is essential for the Remote Pilot knowledge test.

FAA Part 107 Applicability and Scope

Part 107 governs most commercial small UAS operations in the US airspace, defining who must certify, what operations are covered, and what requires a waiver or exemption.

Part 107 Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Rule

Under 14 CFR Part 107, a remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact with the drone at all times during flight—understanding exactly what VLOS requires, and what breaks it, is essential for the knowledge test and safe sUAS operations.

Part 107 Altitude Limits and Cloud Clearance Requirements

Under 14 CFR Part 107, small UAS operations are limited to 400 feet AGL (or within 400 feet of a structure) and must maintain specific cloud clearance and visibility minimums at all times.

Airspace Authorization Under Part 107 and LAANC

Part 107 drone pilots must receive airspace authorization before flying in controlled airspace; LAANC provides near-instant approval for most operations under 400 feet AGL in pre-approved grid cells.

Part 107 Operations Over People and Moving Vehicles

Part 107 rules for flying small UAS over people and moving vehicles are tiered by drone weight and design safety features, with specific operational and waiver requirements pilots must know cold for the exam.

Remote Identification (Remote ID) Rule for sUAS

Remote ID requires most sUAS operating in US airspace to broadcast identification and location data, enabling law enforcement and the FAA to identify drones in flight — a foundational rule every Part 107 pilot must know.

Yielding Right-of-Way to Manned Aircraft Under Part 107

Under 14 CFR Part 107, sUAS operators must always yield the right-of-way to all manned aircraft — no exceptions — making situational awareness and pre-flight planning critical safety skills.

Part 107 Accident Reporting Requirements

Under 14 CFR Part 107, remote pilots must report certain sUAS accidents to the FAA within 10 days when specific injury or damage thresholds are met — knowing exactly when and how to report is a key regulatory requirement and common test topic.

Careless or Reckless Operation Under Part 107

Part 107 prohibits careless or reckless sUA operation that endangers life or property, and understanding exactly what this means — and what the FAA can do about it — is essential for every remote pilot.

FAA Enforcement Actions and Certificate Suspension for Remote Pilots

FAA enforcement actions against remote pilots range from warning letters to civil penalties and certificate suspension — understanding the process protects your Part 107 privileges.

Part 107 vs. Part 101 Recreational Flyer Rules Comparison

Part 107 governs commercial small UAS operations while Part 101 covers recreational flyers; knowing the key differences in certification, airspace, altitude, and waivers is essential for the Remote Pilot knowledge test.

Daylight and Civil Twilight Operations Under Part 107

Part 107 permits small UAS operations during daylight and civil twilight, but anti-collision lighting is required at night and twilight—know the exact definitions and waiver rules for the FAA knowledge test.

More Part 107 (Drone) subjects

Airspace Classification & Requirements Aviation Weather Sources & Effects sUAS Loading & Performance Operations Radio Communication Procedures Crew Resource Management & Physiology Sectional Chart Reading Emergency Procedures & Maintenance

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Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.