14 CFR 107.12 — Requirement for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating
Requires a remote pilot certificate to operate small UAS for commercial purposes. Must pass knowledge test or hold Part 61 pilot certificate with current flight review.
Regulation Text
Except as provided in paragraph (b), no person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system unless that person holds a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to subpart C. Alternatively, a person may operate under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command who holds the required certificate.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
To fly a drone commercially (for any business purpose), you need a Remote Pilot Certificate, commonly called a Part 107 license. You get it by passing the FAA knowledge test at a testing center. If you already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with a current flight review, you can take a simplified online course instead. The certificate must be renewed every 24 months with recurrent training. Recreational drone flying for fun does not require Part 107 but has its own set of rules.
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Related Regulations
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.
§107.2914 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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