Short version: if you fly a drone for work in the United States, you almost certainly need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This guide explains what the rule covers, who needs it, the core flight rules, and how to get certified.
What Part 107 is
Part 107 is the FAA rule that governs commercial operation of small drones, meaning aircraft under 55 pounds. It sets who may fly, where, and how. The word commercial is broad: any flight that supports a business counts, even indirectly. Photographing a property for a listing, inspecting your own facility, or capturing footage for a client all fall under Part 107.
Who needs it
Anyone flying a small drone for non-recreational purposes. Purely recreational flyers follow a separate path, the TRUST test and the recreational rules, but the moment money or business benefit is involved, you are operating under Part 107 and need the certificate.
How to get certified
- Be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, and understand English.
- Pass the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center.
- Complete TSA security vetting.
- Receive your Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Stay current by completing the free recurrent online training every 24 months.
The core flight rules
Under Part 107 you are generally expected to:
- Keep the drone within your visual line of sight.
- Fly at or below 400 feet above ground level, or within 400 feet of a structure.
- Fly in daylight or civil twilight with proper anti-collision lighting.
- Keep groundspeed at or below 100 mph.
- Avoid flying over people or moving vehicles unless your operation meets the specific category rules for it.
- Get airspace authorization before flying in controlled airspace, which is usually instant through LAANC.
- Yield right of way to crewed aircraft at all times.
Waivers: going beyond the standard rules
The FAA can waive certain rules, such as flying at night, beyond visual line of sight, or over people, if you apply and show you can do it safely. Many enterprise operations start within the standard rules and add waivers as their program matures.
How this fits with the other rules
Part 107 governs how you fly. Registration and Remote ID govern the aircraft itself, which we cover in our Remote ID and registration guide. Whether a drone is eligible for government work is a separate procurement question, explained in our NDAA and Blue UAS guide.
How Scanixx helps
We supply the aircraft and the support behind it. Pair the right drone with your Part 107 certificate and you are ready for commercial work. Browse our enterprise drones or request a quote.
This guide is general information for 2026, not legal advice. FAA rules change, so verify the current Part 107 requirements with the FAA before you operate.
