Part 107 Night Operations
intermediate
Difficulty
6-10
Study Hours
9
Topics Covered
Who Is This For?
- Part 107 pilots wanting to add night operations to their services
- Real estate photographers seeking twilight/night aerial shots
- Event coverage drone pilots (concerts, sports, festivals)
- Search and rescue volunteer drone operators
- Public safety and law enforcement drone teams
What You'll Learn
Key Regulations
Anti-Collision Light Required for Night Operations
For night operations, the sUAS must have lighted anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles with a flash rate sufficient to avoid collision. The remote PIC may reduce light intensity if it causes a safety hazard.
Night Operations Training
To operate at night, the remote PIC must have completed updated initial knowledge training or recurrent training that includes night operations content.
Visual Line of Sight at Night
VLOS must still be maintained at night. The PIC must be able to see the aircraft well enough to know its location, attitude, altitude, and direction of flight.
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Career Opportunities
Night Real Estate Photography
$200 - $500/session
Twilight and dusk drone shots are premium services that command 2-3x standard rates.
Event Coverage
$500 - $2,000/event
Nighttime events like concerts, festivals, and sports need aerial coverage after dark.
Public Safety / SAR
$60,000 - $95,000
Law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams need thermal/night-capable drone pilots.
Study Guide
Phase 1: Regulatory Foundation
Phase 2: Night Vision & Physiology
Phase 3: Practical Preparation
Recommended Study Books
The print guides top-scoring Part 107 candidates use to supplement their question bank study.
ASA Remote Pilot Test Prep
The #1 bestselling Part 107 study guide. Covers all FAA knowledge areas with practice questions and detailed explanations. Updated for 2026.
View on Amazon →FAA Remote Pilot Airman Certification Standards
The official FAA document that defines exactly what you'll be tested on. Print copies make it easier to highlight and study.
View on Amazon →ASA Aviation Weather Textbook
Weather is the #1 topic students fail on Part 107. This textbook breaks down METARs, TAFs, density altitude, and cloud types with clear illustrations.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Rotate Pilot may receive a commission on items you buy through our links at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a waiver to fly at night under Part 107?
No. Since April 21, 2021, Part 107 pilots can fly at night without a waiver, provided the drone has anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles and the PIC has completed updated training.
What lighting do I need for night drone operations?
You need anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 statute miles. Popular options include Lume Cube, Firehouse Technology, and Cree strobe lights that mount on the drone.
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