FAA-issued Part 107 Certificate

The FAA Part 107 Certificate is the Federal Aviation Administration’s remote pilot certification required to legally operate a drone for commercial purposes in the United States. It enables businesses and individuals to use drones for revenue-generating activities while complying with federal safety standards.

What Is a Part 107 Certificate?

A Part 107 Certificate is a remote pilot license issued by the FAA for operators of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) used commercially. It replaces older waivers and authorizations previously required for business drone use and standardizes the regulatory framework. With a Part 107 Certificate, you can fly drones for a wide range of commercial purposes with proper adherence to rules and safety protocols.

Who Needs a Part 107 Certificate?

You need a Part 107 Certificate if you intend to:

• Use a drone to perform work for pay, profit, or business

• Provide aerial photography, videography, surveying, inspections, agriculture monitoring, mapping, or other commercial services

• Operate a drone as part of a business offering aerial services to clients

• Conduct drone flights that contribute directly to revenue generation

It does not apply to hobby or recreational flying when no compensation or business purpose is involved.

Benefits of Having a Part 107 Certificate

Legal Authorization for Commercial Drone Operations

Without a Part 107 Certificate, commercial drone use is prohibited under FAA rules. Certification gives you the legal right to operate drones for business safely and responsibly.

Wide Range of Revenue-Generating Opportunities

Drone operators with Part 107 can offer services such as:

• Aerial real-estate photography

• Infrastructure inspections

• Roof and building surveys

• Agriculture field mapping

• Construction monitoring and progress documentation

• Event videography and media services

• Search and rescue support and public safety documentation

Professional Credibility and Client Confidence

Clients are more likely to trust and hire certified pilots, as Part 107 demonstrates your understanding of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

Ability to Apply for Waivers and Advanced Operations

Part 107 certification allows you to request waivers for certain restrictions (like night operations, flights over people, or beyond visual line of sight) if you meet specific safety standards.

How to Get Your Part 107 Certificate

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English sufficiently

• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone

2. Pass the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test

You must pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge exam. It covers subjects such as:

• FAA regulations and airspace rules

• Weather effects on flight

• Aeronautical decision-making

• Maintenance and preflight procedures

• Emergency procedures and risk management

Studying for this test through formal preparation or online resources is highly recommended.

3. Apply for the Certificate

After passing the knowledge test, you submit your information through the FAA’s remote pilot application process. Upon approval and successful background vetting, you receive your Part 107 Certificate.

4. Follow Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Once certified, you must:

• Conduct preflight inspections

• Adhere to operational limits (altitude, airspace, visual line of sight)

• Maintain records related to flights and drone maintenance

• Renew certification as required or retest when necessary

Key Operational Rules Under Part 107

Certified remote pilots must follow important operational standards, including:

• Fly only in controlled visual line of sight (VLOS)

• Maximum altitude limits apply

• Daylight (or civil twilight with lighting) only unless a waiver is obtained

• Maintain safe distance from other aircraft

• Do not fly over people or moving vehicles without proper waiver

• Respect airspace restrictions and obtain authorizations where required

• Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol

These standards help ensure safe and responsible drone operations.

Common Uses for Commercial Drone Services

With Part 107 certification, businesses and pilots can perform:

• Aerial photography and videography for real estate, marketing, and events

• Roof and property inspections for insurance and construction

• Infrastructure and utility line inspections

• Crop health and agricultural monitoring

• Surveying and mapping applications

• Environmental monitoring and wildlife surveys

• Safety and emergency response documentation

These applications continue evolving as drone technology advances and adoption grows.

FAQ — FAA Part 107 Certificate

Q: Do I need Part 107 for all drone work?
A: It’s required whenever the drone is used for business, revenue, or any operation that is not strictly recreational.

Q: How long is the Part 107 certificate valid?
A: Certification remains valid indefinitely, but pilots must take recurrent training or retesting every two years to maintain operational privileges.

Q: Can I fly at night with a Part 107 Certificate?
A: Not under standard Part 107 rules — you need a waiver to conduct night operations.

Q: Can I operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)?
A: Only with a specific FAA waiver that demonstrates safety mitigations.

Q: Can I apply for waivers immediately after certification?
A: Yes — once certified, you are eligible to apply for applicable waivers if you meet FAA safety criteria.

Final Thoughts

The FAA Part 107 Certificate opens the door to a wide range of commercial drone opportunities. Whether you’re a solo pilot, small business owner, or part of a larger organization, certification helps you operate legally, safely, and professionally. With it, you can build revenue streams, offer specialized services, and grow a business grounded in compliance and trust.

Don’t wait — invest in your certification, learn the rules thoroughly, and start unlocking the full potential of commercial drone operations.

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Commercial drone operations carry risk — aviation, liability, property, and public exposure.
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