Part 107

If you want to fly a drone for recreational purposes (for most drones)  you’ll need to take the FAA’s Part 107 exam. Taking this exam isn’t as intimidating or daunting as it may seem – with the right knowledge, you can easily pass it.

First, you’ll need to register with the FAA and pay the fee. You can do this online, and you’ll receive a confirmation number that you’ll need to take the exam.

Next, you’ll need to find an approved test center. There are many across the country, and you can use the FAA’s website to find one near you. Once you’ve found a test center, make sure to call ahead of time to schedule an appointment.

The Part 107 has two major components: an aeronautical knowledge test and the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) rating. The aeronautical knowledge test consists of 60 questions, so it’s important that you study up on some FAA terminology, airspace classes, physical science principles related to drones, aviation weather conditions , and basic navigation skills. You must answer at least 70% of these questions correctly in order to pass. You can find study materials online, such as practice tests and videos, to help you prepare.

The following is an overview of Part 107 for recreational drone flying.

• Airspace Restrictions

One of the primary objectives of Part 107 is to ensure safe air travel by establishing clear boundaries between restricted and unrestricted airspace when it comes to drone operations. While these restrictions vary from region to region, some basic parameters include avoiding flight over people, roads, airports, or other high-traffic areas without authorization. In addition, drones must remain within the visual line of sight at all times and cannot exceed altitudes of 400 feet above ground level.

• Weight Limits

The FAA also requires recreational drones to weigh no more than 55 pounds in order to abide by Part 107 regulations. This limit helps maintain a safe operating environment by preventing overly large or dangerous unmanned aircraft from entering the airspace.

• Registration Requirements

In addition to abiding by weight limits, recreational drone flyers must also register their aircraft with the FAA before they can be legally operated in accordance with federal rules. There are two types of registration certificates: one for “non-commercial” use (such as hobbyists), and one for “commercial” use (such as professional businesses).

• Certification Requirements

The FAA also requires recreational drone operators have a valid certification in order to fly under Part 107 regulations. There are three different certifications available depending on an individual’s needs: Small UAS Operator Certificate (SUO), Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), and Commercial Remote Pilot Certificate (CRP). SUO is ideal for those who wish to fly recreationally while RPC is best suited for commercial operators who fly with greater frequency or complexity than their non-commercial counterparts. For those interested in working professionally as a drone pilot, CRP may be necessary as this certificate allows commercial pilots greater freedom in terms of potential services offered and places flown over compared to RPC holders.

• Reporting Procedures

In order to ensure that all flights are conducted safely and lawfully under Part 107 regulations, it is important that operators be familiar with reporting procedures which involve filing accurate reports whenever a deviation from standard operating procedures occurs such as unanticipated changes in altitude or route deviations due to unexpected weather conditions or technical difficulties encountered while en route. It is imperative that any incidents be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken if necessary.

Once you have passed the aeronautical knowledge test, you will be given your sUAS rating and thus are now eligible to fly a recreational drone. In addition to taking the Part 107 exam, there are other safety rules that all recreational drone pilots should follow when flying their craft: always check local laws before operating a drone; maintain control of your craft at all times; never fly higher than 400 feet above ground level; keep away from airports and aircraft; don’t interfere with law enforcement operations; and respect private property rights.

Following these guidelines will help ensure your safety when flying a recreational drone as well as those around you.