Knowledge Area 1: Regulations (15-25%)

Section 1: Regulations (15–25%)

The FAA established 14 CFR Part 107 to provide a regulatory framework for civil small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) weighing less than 55 lbs (<55 lbs).

Legal Structure of Part 107

The regulations are organized into specific subparts that every pilot must understand to ensure legal compliance:

  • Subpart A (General): Provides the fundamental definitions. An sUAS is defined as the aircraft and its "associated elements," including communication links and control stations required for safe operation.
  • Subpart B (Operating Rules): The primary rules for flight, covering topics like altitude limits, right-of-way, and speed.
  • Subpart C (Remote Pilot Certification): Details eligibility, testing, and the requirement to complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
  • Subpart D (Operations Over Human Beings): Describes the four risk-based categories (1–4) for flying over people.
  • Subpart E (Waivers): Explains how to apply for a Certificate of Waiver to deviate from specific rules if a pilot can prove the operation can be conducted safely using alternative methods.

Operational Limits and Safety

  • Altitude and Speed: The maximum altitude is 400 feet AGL. If the sUAS is within a 400-foot radius of a structure, it may fly up to 400 feet above the structure’s uppermost limit. The maximum groundspeed is 100 mph (87 knots).
  • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The Remote PIC, person manipulating the controls, or Visual Observer (VO) must see the aircraft throughout the flight without vision-enhancing devices like binoculars (though corrective lenses are allowed).
  • Accident Reporting: The RPIC must report an accident to the FAA within 10 calendar days if it results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage (other than the sUAS) exceeding $500.

Personnel Requirements

  • Registration: All sUAS weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs must be registered ($5 fee, valid for 3 years). Commercial pilots must register each drone individually on FAADroneZone.

Eligibility: You must be 16 years old, able to understand English, and in a physical/mental condition that does not interfere with safety.

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