Reporting & Recordkeeping
When You Must Report
Part 107 requires you to report accidents to the FAA within 10 calendar days if any of these occur:
- Serious injury to any person
- Loss of consciousness to any person
- Property damage (other than to the drone itself) exceeding $500 to repair or replace
How to Report
Reports are submitted through the FAADroneZone portal. You’ll need:
- Date and time of the accident
- Location (as specific as possible)
- Remote PIC’s name and certificate number
- Drone registration number
- Description of what happened
- Extent of injuries or property damage
The $500 threshold applies to property other than the drone. Damage to your own drone does not trigger reporting. And it’s the cost to repair OR replace, whichever is less.
What Counts as Serious Injury?
The FAA defines serious injury as:
- Broken bones (other than fingers, toes, or nose)
- Second or third degree burns over 5%+ of body
- Any injury requiring hospitalization over 48 hours
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations that cause serious bleeding
A small scratch or bruise is not reportable. A broken arm must be reported within 10 days.
Recordkeeping
Part 107 doesn’t mandate a specific logbook format, but best practices include:
Flight Log
- Date, time, and location of each flight
- Remote PIC name and certificate number
- Drone registration number
- Brief description of the operation
- Any incidents or anomalies
Maintenance Records
- Preflight inspection notes
- Any repairs or modifications
- Battery health and cycle count
- Firmware updates
- Component replacements
Good records protect you even though Part 107 doesn’t require a specific logbook. If the FAA investigates an incident, detailed logs demonstrate you operate responsibly.
FAA Enforcement
If the FAA determines you violated regulations, they can take action:
- Warning Notice — informal, for minor first-time violations
- Letter of Correction — identifies the violation, requires corrective action
- Certificate Action — suspension or revocation of your Remote Pilot Certificate
- Civil Penalty — monetary fines (up to $27,500 per violation)
- Criminal Prosecution — for willful or reckless conduct
NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)
If you accidentally violate a regulation, you can file a report with NASA’s ASRS within 10 days. This provides some protection against FAA enforcement:
- Shows good faith
- May result in waiver of penalty (for non-criminal, non-deliberate violations)
- Reports are confidential and de-identified
The FAA occasionally tests the ASRS concept. Filing within 10 days of an inadvertent violation shows responsibility and may protect your certificate.
Quick Check
Q: What triggers an FAA accident report? A: Serious injury to any person, loss of consciousness, or property damage exceeding $500 (not counting damage to the drone itself).
Q: How many days do you have to report? A: 10 calendar days.
Q: What is ASRS and why might you use it? A: NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System. Filing within 10 days of an inadvertent violation may protect against FAA enforcement.
What’s Next?
Regulations section complete. Now we move into the heaviest exam topic: airspace. Understanding airspace classification is critical for knowing where you can and cannot fly.
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.