FAA Part 107 Pathway¶
REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIAL DRONE OPS
What is Part 107?¶
FAA Part 107 is the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) rule that governs commercial drone operations in the US. To fly a drone commercially — including for solar inspection — you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.
Eligibility Requirements¶
- Age 16 or older
- Able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
- Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test
The Certification Process¶
Step 1 — Study¶
Key topics covered on the knowledge test:
- Airspace classification (Class A, B, C, D, E, G)
- Weather and meteorology for UAS
- Drone regulations and operating rules
- Loading, performance, and emergency procedures
- Radio communications
- Crew resource management
Study resources: - FAA Part 107 study guide (free, faa.gov) - Tony Northrup's Part 107 course (YouTube) - prepware.com — FAA practice tests - Sporty's Part 107 course (paid, thorough)
Study time: Typically 20–40 hours of study for someone with no aviation background.
Step 2 — Schedule the Test¶
- Test administered at FAA-approved testing centers (PSI or CATS locations)
- Test fee: ~$175
- Find a test center at: faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot
Step 3 — Pass the Test¶
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- 70% passing score (42 of 60 correct)
- 2-hour time limit
- Results available immediately
Step 4 — Apply for Certificate¶
- Apply via FAA IACRA system (iacra.faa.gov) after passing
- Certificate arrives within a few weeks
- Temporary authorization available immediately after passing
Step 5 — Maintain the Certificate¶
- Recurrency: Part 107 remote pilot certificates are valid for 24 calendar months
- Renew via online recurrent training at faasafety.gov (free) or retesting at a knowledge center
- Stay current on any airspace rule changes
Part 107 Operating Rules Summary¶
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 400 feet AGL (above ground level) |
| Maximum speed | 100 mph |
| Daylight operations | Required (civil twilight exception with anti-collision lighting) |
| Visual line of sight | Required — must be able to see drone unaided |
| Controlled airspace | Authorization required (LAANC or FAA DroneZone) |
| Manned aircraft | Must yield right of way |
| People | Cannot fly over people without waiver |
| Moving vehicles | Cannot fly from moving vehicle without waiver |
LAANC — Airspace Authorization¶
For operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E), you need authorization.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) provides near-instant airspace authorization for pre-approved altitudes:
- Available via apps: AirMap, Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk), DroneZone
- Specific to GPS location and time window
- Required for any flight near airports or in controlled airspace
NYC/Tri-State note: This region has significant controlled airspace (JFK, LGA, EWR, TEB, HPN). Many sites may require LAANC authorization. Check before every flight.
Drone Registration¶
All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA: - Registration: faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone - Fee: $5 per registration (covers unlimited drones for 3 years) - Mark the registration number on each drone