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.