Part 107 Operating Rules

Why Regulations Matter Most

Regulations make up 15-25% of the Part 107 exam, and they’re the foundation everything else builds on. Many questions test whether you know the specific limits and exceptions in 14 CFR Part 107.

The good news: most regulation questions are straightforward once you know the numbers. The FAA tests the same limits repeatedly.

Aircraft Requirements

Your drone must weigh less than 55 pounds (including payload and any attachments) at takeoff. If it’s over 55 lbs, you’ll need a different certification pathway (Part 107 waiver or exemption).

Altitude Limits

The basic rule: maximum 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).

There is one important exception:

• If you’re flying within 400 feet of a structure, you can fly up to 400 feet above the top of that structure
• Example: A 500-foot cell tower. You can fly up to 900 feet AGL if you’re within 400 feet laterally.

The structure exception only applies if you’re flying within 400 feet of the structure. Fly 500 feet away from that same tower, and you’re back to the 400 ft AGL limit.

Speed Limit

Maximum ground speed: 100 mph (87 knots). This is rarely tested but occasionally appears. Most drones can’t reach this speed anyway.

Daylight Operations

Part 107 operations are restricted to daylight hours, with one exception:

• You may fly during civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset) if your drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles

Civil twilight requires anti-collision lights. Full daylight does not require them (but they’re smart to use anyway). Night operations (after civil twilight) require a waiver.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

The remote PIC or visual observer must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times, using no aids other than corrective lenses (glasses, contacts).

This means:

• No flying through binoculars

• No FPV-only flying (FPV goggles require a visual observer maintaining direct VLOS)
• No flying beyond visual range and relying on camera feed alone

Using a Visual Observer

A visual observer (VO) is optional under Part 107. If used:

• The VO must be in direct communication with the PIC
• The VO must maintain VLOS with the drone
• The PIC remains ultimately responsible

The FAA does NOT require a visual observer. It’s optional. But if you DO use one, they must be able to see the drone at all times and be in contact with the PIC.

Right-of-Way

Drones always yield to manned aircraft. Always. No exceptions.

If you see a manned aircraft approaching your operating area:

1. Descend and move away immediately
2. Do not assume the manned pilot sees you
3. Yield even if you believe you have the “right” to be there

Weather Minimums

Part 107 requires:

• 3 statute miles visibility (from the control station location)
• 500 feet below clouds
• 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds

“3-500-2000” is the easy way to remember. 3 miles visibility, 500 feet below, 2000 feet horizontal. These are minimums. If conditions are worse, you cannot fly.

Operating Restrictions

• No flying from a moving vehicle — unless operating over a sparsely populated area and not transporting property for compensation
• No careless or reckless operations — anything that endangers people or property
• No dropping objects — if it creates a hazard to people or property
• No flying over people — unless operating under one of the four categories of operations over people (covered in a later lesson)
• No flying over moving vehicles — unless in a sparsely populated area

Quick Check

Q: What is the maximum altitude you can fly under Part 107? A: 400 feet AGL, unless within 400 feet of a structure (then 400 ft above the structure).

Q: What are the weather minimums for Part 107 operations? A: 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below clouds, 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

Q: Can you fly 30 minutes after sunset? A: Yes, during civil twilight, if your drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles.

What’s Next?

Now that you know the operating rules, let’s look at who’s responsible for following them: the Remote PIC and crew roles.

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This free course covers the essential knowledge, but if you want video walkthroughs, practice exams, and instructor support, Pilot Institute’s Part 107 course is the most comprehensive option available.