Part 107 Certification

The Commercial Drone License Question

Part 107 isn't optional for commercial operators. The FAA's Small UAS Rule, enacted August 2016, requires federal certification for any drone operation conducted for business purposes. That means real estate photography, infrastructure inspection, agricultural surveying, events coverage - anything beyond pure hobby flying requires the Remote Pilot Certificate.

The regulatory framework creates a straightforward question: how do you get certified, what does the process actually involve, and what's coming next? Understanding Part 107 isn't just about passing a test - it's about building the foundational knowledge that keeps operations legal, safe, and professionally credible.

Operating without certification carries civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation. More importantly, it creates liability exposure that no professional operator should accept. The certification process exists to ensure pilots understand airspace, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures before conducting commercial work.

The Regulatory Framework

FCC and FAA: Dual Authority

Two federal agencies govern drone operations, each with distinct jurisdiction. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates flight operations, pilot certification, airspace integration, and aircraft registration. The Federal Communications Commission governs radio frequency spectrum - most commercial drones use 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies under FCC Part 15 rules for unlicensed devices.

For typical commercial operations, FAA requirements demand most attention. Part 107 certification, drone registration, airspace authorization, and operational compliance all fall under FAA authority. FCC concerns become relevant primarily for operators using higher-powered transmission systems or operating equipment that exceeds Part 15 limitations.

What Part 107 Actually Covers

14 CFR Part 107 establishes the complete framework for small UAS operations under 55 pounds. The regulations define operating limitations, pilot certification requirements, aircraft registration, and waiver procedures for operations outside standard parameters.

Eligibility Requirements

The FAA established specific criteria ensuring remote pilots possess sufficient maturity and capability for safe operation in the National Airspace System. Requirements are straightforward but non-negotiable.

Alternative Certification Paths

Current Part 61 certificate holders with valid flight review can complete free online training (ALC-451) instead of the knowledge test. Military pilots may qualify for expedited processing with appropriate documentation. International pilots must still complete full Part 107 requirements for U.S. operations - there's no reciprocity with foreign certifications.

The Certification Process: Step by Step

Total process time runs 4-8 weeks from initial registration through permanent certificate receipt. Plan accordingly for any client commitments requiring certification.

Step 1: Create IACRA Account and Obtain FTN

The process begins at the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system. Navigate to iacra.faa.gov and click "Register" under the login section. Complete your profile using your legal name exactly as shown on government-issued identification.

Upon registration, you'll receive an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Record this number - you cannot register for the knowledge test without it. If you hold any existing FAA airman certificate, you already have an FTN in the system.

Step 2: Schedule the Knowledge Test

PSI is the FAA-approved testing provider. Visit faa.psiexams.com to schedule your exam appointment. Request the "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)" exam for initial certification. For recurrent certification every 24 months, request "Unmanned General Recurrent (UGR)" instead.

Step 3: Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test

The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with 2 hours to complete. Passing score is 70% - minimum 42 correct answers. Questions draw from five content areas with weighted distribution:

Content Area	Weight
Operations	35-45%
Regulations	15-25%
Airspace	15-25%
Weather	11-16%
Loading/Performance	7-11%

If you fail, there's a 14 calendar day waiting period before retaking. Pass rate is approximately 92-95% for properly prepared candidates. Most study plans recommend 15-25 hours of preparation over 3-4 weeks.

Step 4: Complete IACRA Application

After passing, log into IACRA to complete Form 8710-13 (Remote Pilot Certificate application). Click "Start New Application," select Application Type "Pilot," then Certifications "Remote Pilot." The application fee is $5. Sign electronically and submit for processing.

Step 5: Verify Identity

Schedule an in-person appointment to validate your identity. Acceptable verification sources include local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), FAA-designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), Airman Certification Representative (ACR), or FAA-certificated Flight Instructor (CFI). Bring your completed Form 8710-13, knowledge test results, and government-issued photo ID.

Step 6: TSA Background Check and Certificate Issuance

TSA security screening typically takes 2-4 weeks. Upon approval, you'll receive a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate valid for 120 days. Your permanent plastic certificate arrives by mail within 2-3 weeks of approval. The certificate remains valid for 24 calendar months from issuance.

Knowledge Test Content Areas

Understanding content distribution guides efficient study allocation. The FAA publishes Airman Certification Standards defining exactly what knowledge areas are tested and at what weight.

Operations (35-45%)

The largest section covers preflight inspection procedures, emergency procedures including lost link and flyaway response, aeronautical decision-making, crew resource management, night operations, operations over people, airport operations and traffic patterns, radio communications, maintenance requirements, and physiological factors affecting pilot performance.

Regulations (15-25%)

Part 107 operating limitations, privileges, and requirements. Waiver procedures for operations outside standard parameters. Remote PIC responsibilities. Aircraft registration and marking requirements. Accident reporting - mandatory within 10 days for serious injury or property damage exceeding $500.

Airspace Classification (15-25%)

Classes A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace characteristics and requirements. Controlled versus uncontrolled airspace. Special Use Airspace including Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, and Alert areas. LAANC authorization system for controlled airspace access. Sectional chart interpretation - this is heavily tested and requires practice identifying airspace boundaries, airport information, and obstruction symbols.

Weather (11-16%)

METAR and TAF interpretation. Weather hazards affecting small UAS including wind shear, turbulence, microbursts, and density altitude effects. Weather sources and aviation weather products. Understanding how temperature, humidity, and pressure affect aircraft performance.

Loading and Performance (7-11%)

Weight and balance principles. Center of gravity effects on flight characteristics. Performance calculations. Environmental effects on battery and motor performance. Density altitude considerations for high-altitude or hot-weather operations.

Maintaining Currency

Remote Pilot Certificates expire 24 calendar months from issuance. Maintaining currency requires completing recurrent training before expiration - not retaking the full knowledge test.

Remote pilots with certificates issued before April 6, 2021 must complete updated recurrent training to operate at night or over people without a waiver. The Operations Over People rule effective April 21, 2021 added these privileges but requires the updated training.

Part 108: Beyond Visual Line of Sight

Status as of November 2025: NPRM published August 7, 2025. Comment period closed October 6, 2025. Final rule expected early 2026.

Part 108 represents a fundamental shift from case-by-case waivers to standardized framework for routine BVLOS operations. The proposed rule would enable scalable commercial operations including package delivery, agricultural surveying, infrastructure inspection, and public safety missions at altitudes up to 400 feet AGL.

The DJI Complication

As currently drafted, Part 108 requires Airworthiness Acceptance only for drones manufactured in the U.S. or countries with bilateral airworthiness agreements. China has no such agreement with the U.S. This means DJI drones - comprising approximately 90% of the U.S. consumer market and 80% of the professional market - would be excluded from Part 108 BVLOS operations. DJI has filed formal comments urging adjustments to make the rule "truly scalable, practical, and inclusive."

Proposed Part 109: Non-Autonomous BVLOS

Status: Industry coalition proposal - not yet FAA rulemaking

A coalition including Pilot Institute, Influential Drones, Drone Service Provider Alliance, Drone Advisory Council, FPV Freedom Coalition, and Flite Test has proposed Part 109 as a pathway for low-risk, non-autonomous BVLOS operations. The proposal addresses a gap in Part 108: current waiver holders flying BVLOS safely under Part 107 would have no pathway under the new rule's autonomous-focused framework.

The Strategic Reality

Part 107 certification isn't just regulatory compliance - it's professional credibility. The knowledge gained studying airspace, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures directly translates to safer operations and better client outcomes. Clients increasingly ask about certifications, and many commercial insurance policies require Part 107 compliance.

For operators running DJI platforms, the evolving regulatory landscape matters beyond Part 107. Part 108 as currently drafted could significantly impact future operations. Part 109 proposals suggest pathways for manual BVLOS that might preserve current equipment investments. Staying informed isn't optional - it's part of professional operation.

The certification process itself builds habits that separate professionals from hobbyists: systematic preflight checks, weather awareness, airspace consciousness, emergency planning. These aren't bureaucratic requirements - they're operational disciplines that prevent accidents, protect equipment, and deliver consistent results.