FAA sUAS Regulations: 14 CFR Part 107

• These notes cover FAA regulations related to sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations under 14 CFR Part 107 and other relevant regulations.

FAA Regulations for sUAS Operation

• Operating a 1,280 g (2.8 lb) quadcopter for personal enjoyment is not subject to FAA regulations.
• Accepting compensation (e.g., football tickets) for sUAS services (e.g., videotaping) makes the operation subject to 14 CFR Part 107.
• Operating a 33 lb sUAS for commercial purposes (e.g., real estate aerial imagery) is subject to 14 CFR Part 107.
• According to 14 CFR Part 107, sUAS is defined as an unmanned aircraft system weighing less than 55 lbs.
• "Unmanned aircraft" is defined as a device operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
• Model aircraft operations for hobby use are excluded from 14 CFR Part 107 requirements.
• Operating a sUAS for an imagery company is regulated by 14 CFR Part 107.
• Deviation from 14 CFR Part 107 is permitted in response to an in-flight emergency.
• If a remote pilot deviates from Part 107 during an emergency, a detailed report to the FAA Administrator must be filed upon request.
• Civil operations must comply with 14 CFR Part 107.
• If a small unmanned aircraft climbs to an altitude greater than 600 feet AGL to avoid a possible collision with a manned airplane, the deviation must be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration upon request.
• A remote PIC may deviate from an ATC clearance in an emergency.
• 14 CFR Part 107 applies to civil sUAS.
• A Designated Pilot Examiner may process an application for a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating.
• Recurrent training is required every 24 months after receiving a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating.
• All sUAS crewmembers must be free of any physical or mental condition that would intefere with the safe operation of sUAS.
• A migraine headache with the side effect of blurred vision would medically disqualify a remote pilot.