Commercial Drone Flight:

As a general rule, Part 107 applies to the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes.

Part 107 regulations apply to all commercial drone operations, no matter the drone’s weight. Even if your drone weighs 0.32 pounds (145 grams), you must follow Part 107 rules.

Falsifying Records – This is a “no-no”:

You can’t…

• Create fake records or reports to show you’re following the FAA rules.
• Make fake certificates, ratings, authorizations, records, or reports.

If you do, you could…

• Be denied a remote pilot certificate or a certificate of waiver
• Be denied a declaration of compliance
• Have any certificates, waivers, or declarations of compliance you have suspended or revoked
• Receive a civil penalty
• Get fined

(1) Have your remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and identification in your physical possession (or electronically) and readily accessible when exercising the privileges of that remote pilot certificate.

(2) Present your remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and identification upon request, should any of the following parties request this of you:

• Federal Aviation Administrator
• An authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board
• Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer
• An authorized representative of the Transportation Security Administration

Age Requirement: At least 16 years old

You must be at least 16 years old to receive a Part 107 Certification.

Retake Your Exam: 14 Days Second Attempt

If you don’t pass your Part 107 exam on the first try, don’t worry—there’s a clear path to retake it. You must wait 14 days before you can attempt the exam again.

This 14-day waiting period allows you time to review the material and prepare better for your next attempt. Make sure to use this time wisely to improve your knowledge and increase your chances of passing on your second try.

Part 107 Recurrent Training: 24 Months

Once you pass your Part 107 exam, you will not retake the entire test. Instead, you must complete a recurrent training course every 24 months to keep your Part 107 certification active. This training ensures that you stay updated on the latest regulations and safety procedures.

Timeliness

The recurrent training for Part 107 needs to be completed by the end of the month of your certificate’s expiration date.

For example, if your certificate was issued on January 15, 2022, it would need to be renewed by January 31, 2024. This means you would need to complete your recurrent training before the end of January 2024 to stay compliant.

If You Missed Your Recurrent Training Deadline:

Fly according to the rules set for hobbyist operators, which include limitations on commercial use, until you have successfully completed the required recurrent training through the FAA’s online platform.

1. Temporary Hobbyist Status

If you missed completing your recurrent training by the deadline, you must temporarily operate under hobbyist rules. This means you must avoid any commercial drone activities and follow the regulations set for recreational use only.

2. Complete Required Training

You need to finish the necessary recurrent training through the FAA’s online platform to restore your Remote Pilot certificate privileges. This training will get you back into compliance and ready for commercial operations.

3. Understand Requirements

Remember, before the end of 24 calendar months after receiving your Part 107 certification, you must pass the recurrent aeronautical knowledge test. The end of your 24 month period is determined by the exam date, not by when your license was issued. Make sure you stay up-to-date with these requirements to maintain your certification.