Drone Regulations Overview: CFR 107

CFR 107: Key Points

Drone Regulations

• Governs the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).
• Applies to drones weighing less than 55 pounds.
• Establishes rules for commercial and educational use of drones.
• Requires compliance with specific operational limits.

Safety Protocols

• Drones must be flown below 400 feet.
• Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) operation is mandatory.
• Night operations require additional lighting.
• Pre-flight inspections are required to ensure safety.
• No operations over people or moving vehicles unless specific conditions are met.

Operator Certification

• Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial drone operation.
• Must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
• Requires a background check by the TSA.
• Certificates must be renewed every two years through a knowledge test or training.

Reporting Requirements

• Immediate reporting of accidents involving serious injury or property damage over $500.
• Must report any lost or stolen drones.
• Operators must maintain records of drone operations, including maintenance and pilot logs.

Airspace Restrictions

• Prohibitions in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D).
• Must obtain authorization for flights in restricted areas.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be enacted for special events.
• Operational limitations near airports; must stay at least 5 miles away unless authorized.

Drone Regulations

• Covers small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), specifically drones under 55 pounds.
• Establishes rules tailored for commercial and educational usage.
• Enforces compliance with designated operational restrictions.

Safety Protocols

• Flight altitude is capped at 400 feet to minimize risk.
• Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) flying is essential to maintain control.
• Night operations necessitate additional lighting for safety.
• Pre-flight inspections are mandatory to ensure drone readiness.
• Flight is prohibited over people or moving vehicles unless certain conditions are satisfied.

Operator Certification

• A Remote Pilot Certificate is mandatory for commercial drone pilots.
• Pilots must successfully complete the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
• A background investigation by the TSA is required for certification.
• Certificates require renewal every two years, either via a knowledge test or training program.

Reporting Requirements

• Accidents resulting in serious injury or over $500 in property damage must be reported immediately.
• Operators are obligated to report lost or stolen drones.
• Maintenance logs and pilot records must be consistently maintained.

Airspace Restrictions

• Operations are limited in controlled airspace classifications (Class B, C, D).
• Authorization is necessary for flights in restricted airspaces.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) can be invoked for specific events.
• Drones must stay at least 5 miles away from airports unless authorized to operate closer.

This quiz covers the key points of CFR 107 pertaining to drone regulations, including operational rules, safety protocols, and operator certification requirements. Understand the compliance standards for small unmanned aircraft systems in commercial and educational settings.