14 CFR 107.51 — Operating Limitations for Small Unmanned Aircraft
Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL, maximum speed 100 mph (87 knots), maximum weight 55 pounds, minimum visibility 3 statute miles.
Regulation Text
A remote pilot in command must ensure that the small unmanned aircraft operates: below 400 feet above ground level, unless within 400 feet of a structure; at a groundspeed no greater than 87 knots (100 miles per hour); with weather visibility from the control station of no less than 3 statute miles; below any cloud layer and no less than 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds; and the aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds including payload.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
The key Part 107 operating limits: max 400 feet AGL (unless flying near a structure, then within 400 feet of it), max 100 mph, minimum 3 miles visibility, 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds, and max takeoff weight 55 pounds. The 400-foot altitude limit keeps drones below most manned aircraft traffic patterns. Flying near a structure allows going up to 400 feet above the structure. These are the most commonly tested numbers on the Part 107 exam.
Tested On These Exams
Related Regulations
14 CFR 107.29 — Daylight Operation
Small UAS may only be operated during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.
§107.3114 CFR 107.31 — Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation
The remote PIC or visual observer must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times during flight.
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