🇺🇸United States

Under FAA guidance, an emergency is defined as when you actually lose control of your drone, are about to lose control, or violate an operational limit.

You should not fly, act as a visual observer, or participate in a flight if you know or suspect you have a physical or mental condition that could compromise safety.

If you fly under a CBO's programming, check if they have established specific FPV guidelines as recommended by the FAA.

If your drone is powered, you must ensure before takeoff that the battery or fuel level is sufficient to safely complete the planned flight duration.

Before and during flight, you must check NOTAMs and comply with all Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs, §§ 91.137-91.145) and Special Security Instructions (§ 99.7) active in your operational area.

Pilots should familiarize themselves with the five hazardous attitudes in aeronautical decision-making and the 'Dirty Dozen' maintenance behaviors to avoid reckless operations.

Your visual observer must stand next to you so you can talk directly without using radios or phones, and without causing a distraction.

Do not operate a drone if your abilities are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

You are not required to use a Visual Observer (VO), but you can choose to use one to help you keep track of the drone and watch for hazards.

When taking an FAA knowledge test, you are strictly prohibited from copying the test, helping others, receiving help, taking the test for someone else, letting someone take it for you, or using unauthorized aids.

If you are applying after passing the knowledge test, you must provide proof of your passing score. If you submit a paper application, you must include your official airman knowledge test report.

You have the right to voluntarily surrender your remote pilot certificate to the FAA for cancellation at any time.

If you are applying as a Part 61 pilot, you must submit your application to an authorized person, such as a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), or a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

You, your visual observer (if you use one), and anyone flying the drone must be able to see the drone at all times during the flight with your own eyes. You cannot use binoculars, FPV goggles, or other vision-enhancing devices to meet this requirement, though prescription glasses or contact lenses are allowed.

Before every flight, you (as the RPIC) must inspect and check the drone system to confirm it is safe to fly.

You must have your physical remote pilot certificate and a valid photo ID with you and easily reachable whenever you are operating a drone.

You are strictly prohibited from flying more than one drone at a time. Additionally, you cannot act as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) or as a Visual Observer (VO) for more than one active drone operation simultaneously.

You must ensure that your entire drone operation complies with all applicable FAA regulations.

You can hand over control and the role of remote PIC to another certified remote pilot during a flight, provided you follow the proper safety and communication procedures.

When choosing a CBO, you can expect their safety guidelines to be built upon and consistent with the federal statutory requirements for recreational drone operations.

You may dim or reduce the intensity of your drone's anti-collision lights if they are so bright that they prevent you from safely tracking the drone's position, speed, or attitude.

Pilots should perform preflight assessments and inspections, potentially using checklists adapted from AC 107-2, to ensure the aircraft is safe for flight.

If you fly under CBO guidelines, those guidelines may contain a safety statement reminding you that you must still follow all FAA regulations and Federal laws.

Before taking off, you must assess the flight area for risks. This includes checking local weather conditions, airspace restrictions, the locations of people and property on the ground, and any other ground hazards.

If your official mailing address is a PO Box, you must provide your actual physical residential address when applying for the knowledge test.

If you refuse to take an alcohol test requested by law enforcement, or refuse to share the results with the FAA, your existing remote pilot certificate can be suspended or revoked.

If you cheat on a knowledge test, you will be banned from applying for any FAA certificate, rating, or authorization, and from taking any FAA tests, for 1 year from the date of the infraction.

If you are convicted of a federal or state drug offense (including possession, sale, or transportation of marijuana or other drugs), the FAA can deny your remote pilot certificate application for up to a year after the conviction, or suspend/revoke your existing certificate.

When applying for your remote pilot certificate, you must use the official FAA application methods and forms.

If asked by the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or any federal, state, or local police officer, you must show them your remote pilot certificate and identification.

You cannot fly a small drone unless you have a remote pilot certificate (and are current under § 107.65), OR you are being directly supervised by a certified Remote Pilot in Command who is ready and able to take the controls from you instantly.

You are not allowed to fly a drone, act as the remote pilot in command, serve as a visual observer, or directly participate in a drone operation if you know (or have reason to know) that you have a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of the system.

A visual observer (VO) is a person you designate to help you scan the sky and ground to avoid other aircraft, people, or obstacles during flight.

If you are operating a civil foreign-registered drone, the FAA Administrator may authorize you to fly without an FAA remote pilot certificate, in accordance with international standards.

You must ensure the drone system is in a safe condition to fly before conducting any operations.

As the designated RPIC, you are directly responsible for the safety of the flight and have the final authority over all decisions regarding the operation of the drone system.

You cannot act as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) unless you hold a valid FAA remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and are current under § 107.65.

You are strictly prohibited from operating a drone, assisting as a visual observer, or manipulating flight controls if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or carrying illegal drugs, as defined by the general aviation rules in 14 CFR 91.17 and 91.19.

After completing your online application in IACRA, you must meet with an FAA-designated person (like a Flight Instructor, Pilot Examiner, or FSDO) to verify your identity and documents.

To keep your drone pilot certificate current, you must take the free online training course 'Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677)' on the FAA safety website every 24 calendar months.

If you only hold a Part 107 drone certificate (and are not a current Part 61 pilot), you must take the free ALC-677 online course on the FAASTeam website to stay current or get current again.

This Advisory Circular is guidance, not law. It helps explain the rules but does not create new legal obligations or allow you to bypass existing regulations.

If you don't have a drone license yet, you must schedule and pay for the initial knowledge test through PSI Exams.

You must know the applicable drone laws and always follow safety rules during your flights.

Even if you are volunteering your time and drone services for free (e.g., for a charity or non-profit), the FAA considers this a non-recreational flight, meaning you must fly under Part 107.

This Advisory Circular does not cover every single rule in Part 107, but provides helpful guidance on specific areas.

You can only fly under the recreational rules if your flight is purely for fun or personal enjoyment. Even if you aren't being paid, volunteering or doing work for a non-profit is not considered recreational.

Before flying, you must choose and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO).

You must comply with all Part 107 regulations, even if they are not mentioned or explained in this Advisory Circular.

You can access official FAA study materials, charts, and manuals online to prepare for certification and safely conduct operations.

As soon as you take over control as the remote PIC, you are solely responsible for the safety of the flight.

You cannot fly, act as remote PIC, or act as a visual observer (VO) for more than one drone at the same time.

ADM is the structured mental process you use to make the safest and best decisions before and during your flight.

A Visual Observer (VO) is a crewmember you designate to help you and the person flying see and avoid other aircraft or obstacles.

To be considered a direct participant in a drone operation, your involvement must be necessary for the safe conduct of that flight.

Do not provide false information, reports, or records to the FAA, and do not alter or reproduce FAA documents for fraudulent purposes. Doing so can result in civil penalties and the loss of your remote pilot certificate or operational waivers.

Even when the drone is flying automatically, you must always have the ability to take over. You must be able to change its route, adjust its altitude, or force it to land immediately, either by using manual controls or by sending automated override commands.

You can allow another person to manipulate the controls of your drone during flight, provided certain regulatory conditions are met.

If you do not hold a remote pilot certificate, or if your recurrent training has lapsed, you can still fly a small UAS under Part 107 as long as a certified, current remote PIC is directly supervising you and is prepared to instantly take over the controls.

To supervise an uncertified flyer, you can use a 'buddy box' setup, stand close enough to physically grab the controller, or use an automation system that lets you instantly trigger a safe mode like hover or return-to-home.

When working with a visual observer or other crew members, you should actively manage the team by clearly assigning tasks, communicating effectively, keeping track of the situation, and making sure no one gets overloaded with work.

Before every flight, you are responsible for checking the drone to confirm it is safe to fly.

Even if you have a VO, you (the pilot) must still be capable of seeing the drone. However, the VO's help allows you to briefly look away to check your screens or perform other critical tasks.

Before you can fly a drone at night, you must ensure you have completed either an initial knowledge test or recurrent training that specifically covers night physiology and night visual illusions.

You must be able to see your drone if needed, and you and your visual observer must have a clear, pre-agreed plan on how to communicate and react if something goes wrong to keep the drone safe and in sight.

During flight, you must monitor your aircraft's performance, signal strength, weather, and surrounding airspace, and understand how automated features like return-to-home (RTH) will behave.

A CBO's safety guidelines might not cover every type of drone operation if the CBO itself does not engage in them (for example, turbine-powered flight).

You are only permitted to conduct operations (such as FPV or night flying) if those specific operations are covered in the safety guidelines of the CBO you are flying under.

Before flight, you must brief everyone directly involved in the operation (such as visual observers or other crew members) on the flight conditions, emergency and contingency plans, their specific roles, and any potential hazards.

You should be comfortable flying your drone line-of-sight before trying FPV, and you must inspect your FPV goggles, video feed, controls, and power before every flight.

If you commit an act prohibited by 14 CFR § 91.17(a) (such as flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs) or § 91.19(a) (carriage of illegal drugs), the FAA can deny your remote pilot certificate application for up to a year from the act, or suspend/revoke your certificate.

Your CBO's safety guidelines should cover how to handle common emergencies like signal loss, power loss, losing sight of the drone, instrument failure, people or aircraft entering the area, loose parts, battery fires, and sudden bad weather.

You are personally responsible for the safety of the flight during an emergency. Do not rely solely on automated features like return-to-home or autoland, as they may not be enough to resolve the emergency.

Before takeoff, you must verify that the control link between your ground control station (controller) and the drone is fully functional and working properly.

If you plan to fly over people, you must verify before flight that your drone meets the specific safety and category requirements (Category 1, 2, 3, or 4) under FAA rules.

You must show the person processing your application (such as your CFI) your logbook endorsement or other official proof showing you have completed a flight review within the last 24 calendar months.

When you arrive to take your knowledge test, you must bring a valid ID that contains your photograph, signature, date of birth (proving you meet or will meet the age requirements before the test report expires), and your permanent mailing address.

You must have access to and follow the official remote pilot operating instructions provided by the manufacturer/applicant for the Category 3 drone.

This subpart contains the rules and requirements you must meet to obtain a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.

If you cheat on a knowledge test, the FAA can suspend or revoke any pilot certificates or ratings you already hold.

If you refuse to take an alcohol test requested by law enforcement, or refuse to share the results with the FAA, the FAA can deny any application you make for a remote pilot certificate for up to one year.

When you qualify, you will receive a temporary remote pilot certificate that is valid for a maximum of 120 days until your permanent certificate is issued.

You must achieve the passing score set by the FAA to pass the knowledge test.

If you fail your Part 107 remote pilot knowledge test, you cannot register or reapply to take the test again until 14 calendar days have passed since your failed attempt.

If you choose to surrender your certificate, you must submit a signed statement (or equivalent) acknowledging that you understand you cannot get the certificate back without re-completing all initial eligibility and application requirements.

Before flying a Category 2 or Category 3 drone over people, if the original category label is damaged, destroyed, or missing, you must apply a new label. This replacement label must be in English, clearly visible (legible and prominent), secure enough to stay on during the flight, and correctly state the category (Category 2 and/or 3) the drone is qualified for.

If you experience an in-flight emergency that requires immediate action, you are permitted to deviate from any Part 107 rule as much as necessary to handle the emergency safely.

The control station is the device or interface (such as a handheld controller, tablet, or laptop) you use to fly the drone.

You must ensure that your visual observer is positioned and capable of seeing the drone clearly, satisfying the visual line of sight requirements.

If you use a visual observer, you, the person flying (if different), and the visual observer must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with each other at all times during the flight.

You, the person flying, and the visual observer must work together as a team to scan the sky for other aircraft or hazards and keep track of where your drone is using direct vision.

During the flight, either you (and the person flying, if different) or your visual observer must keep eyes on the drone at all times.

If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (manned aircraft) and have a current flight review, you can take the free 'Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-515)' online course instead of the ALC-677 course to keep your remote pilot certificate current.

If you cannot ensure that your flight avoids unprotected people, poses no hazard during loss of control, or is operated safely, you must not take off. If these conditions change during flight, you must land or terminate the flight immediately.

If you are flying a drone under 55 pounds and your flight is not purely for fun, you must operate under 14 CFR Part 107 unless you have a specific waiver or authorization under another rule (like Part 91).

Before and during flight, you must monitor your drone's path, speed, and potential failure modes to ensure it does not fly over or hit anyone who is not directly involved in the operation.

You should team up with and learn safety guidelines from a drone Community-Based Organization (CBO).

If you hold both a Part 107 certificate and a current Part 61 pilot certificate, you can maintain your drone currency by taking the free ALC-515 online course.

Before flying at night, you must ensure you have passed an initial knowledge test or recurrent training that has been updated to include night operations.

If you use a VO, they must be able to clearly and effectively tell you where the drone is, its flight direction, any nearby hazards or aircraft, and help ensure the flight is not endangering anyone or anything.

Your visual observer must keep eyes on the drone at all times using normal vision (or glasses/contacts). They cannot use binoculars except for brief moments to help spot the drone.

Even if you are conducting specialized flights (like research or training) under CBO guidelines, you must ensure your specific flight is genuinely for recreational purposes to qualify under the recreational flyer rules.

Before flying, make sure any cameras, sensors, or other payloads are securely attached and do not negatively affect the drone's balance, flight characteristics, or controllability.

The CFI, DPE, or FAA official who processes your application must verify your identity (typically by checking a government-issued photo ID).

If you already hold a pilot certificate (like a private or commercial pilot certificate, but not a student pilot certificate) and have a current flight review, you can get your remote pilot certificate by completing an online training course instead of taking the FAA knowledge test.

Your temporary certificate will stop being valid on the date shown on it, as soon as you receive your permanent certificate, or if you receive a notice that your certificate application has been denied or revoked.

You must ensure that a remote pilot in command is designated for the flight before you take off or during the flight operation.

When operating under Part 107, the definitions listed in this section override any conflicting definitions found in the general FAA regulations (Part 1).

If the FAA asks, you must allow them to inspect or test your drone, and inspect or test you, the person flying, or your visual observer.

If you realize or suspect during flight that the drone is no longer safe to fly (e.g., due to a mechanical issue or low battery), you must discontinue the flight immediately.

You must always have the ability to direct or control the drone (either directly or by directing a person manipulating the controls) to ensure the flight remains compliant with FAA regulations.

You must plan and operate the flight such that if you lose control of the drone for any reason, it will not pose an undue hazard to people on the ground, other aircraft, or property.

If you deviate from any Part 107 rules during an emergency, you must submit a written report explaining the deviation to the FAA, but only if the FAA Administrator requests it.

You cannot fly a drone in the US using a license from another country. You must pass an FAA knowledge test at a US-based testing center to get a US Remote Pilot Certificate.

As a drone pilot, you are responsible for knowing the FAA regulations and guidelines, and you must ensure you only fly in areas where it is safe and legal to do so.

If you don't have a US drone license, you can still fly if a US-licensed pilot is standing next to you, supervising, and ready to take over the controls instantly.

Your waiver application must explain your experience level, how many crew members you will use, and how they are trained and tested.

You must carry your physical remote pilot certificate and a government-issued photo ID with you whenever you fly a drone, and show them if an FAA inspector or law enforcement officer asks.

If you want to operate a drone under the FAA's Part 107 regulations, you must first obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.

You must never operate your drone carelessly or recklessly, ensuring your flight path and maneuvers do not endanger lives or property.

You must plan and operate your flight so that if you lose control of the drone for any reason, it will not endanger other aircraft, people, or property.

Before flying at night, you must ensure you have completed the updated FAA initial knowledge test or the online recurrent training course that covers night operations.

For comprehensive guidance on how to operate under the recreational flyer exception, you should consult FAA Advisory Circular 91-57D.

When this guidance says 'must', it is pointing out an existing law or regulation that you already have to follow, rather than creating a new rule.

You must take the free online TRUST test to legally fly your drone for recreational purposes.

This document provides FAA guidance on how to comply with Part 107 rules when operating small drones in the United States.

This section explains that the FAA regulates small UAS by looking at three distinct areas: the pilot (personnel), the drone (equipment), and how you fly (operations). This Advisory Circular is organized to match those categories.

To act as the Remote PIC, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. You will have the final authority and ultimate responsibility for the safety and conduct of the drone operation.

The FAA lists several other documents (Advisory Circulars and Orders) that contain relevant policies and procedures for UAS operations, airspace, and pilot certification.

When handing over control to another pilot, both of you must be able to see the drone (maintain VLOS) and prevent any loss of control during the transition.

As the remote PIC, you are the final authority and are directly responsible for the safety of the flight.

You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate and a personal ID (like a driver's license) physically with you and easily accessible whenever you are flying.

When operating an automated drone under Part 107, you must always be able to take control or direct its flight. You can do this by sending commands to climb, descend, land immediately, fly to a new waypoint, orbit, or return home to avoid hazards or give right-of-way to other aircraft.

You do not need to hold or obtain an FAA airman medical certificate to manipulate the controls of a drone or act as a visual observer.

CRM is how you manage all your resources—including visual observers, other crew members, your equipment, and information—to ensure a safe flight.

Before you can act as the Remote PIC of a small drone under Part 107, you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating from the FAA.

You must be at least 16 years old to hold an FAA remote pilot certificate under Part 107. Younger people may still fly recreationally under the limited recreational exception, or fly under Part 107 while the controls are manipulated under the direct supervision of a certificated remote pilot.

To fly recreationally, you must take and pass the free online aeronautical knowledge and safety test (TRUST) administered by the FAA or an approved third party.

If you aren't sure whether your flight counts as recreational or not, play it safe and follow the Part 107 rules.

You must take and pass the free online recreational safety test (TRUST) and keep the certificate of passage with you whenever you fly, to show to the FAA or police if asked.

You must clearly and positively communicate with the other pilot when transferring control (e.g., saying 'I have controls' and hearing 'You have controls') so there is no doubt who is flying.

Instead of taking an in-person test every 24 months, you can now complete free online training on the FAASTeam website to keep your remote pilot certificate current. This training includes night operations.

You must take and pass the free online TRUST test, and keep the certificate with you whenever you fly to show to the FAA or police if asked.

If you are a current manned aircraft pilot (Part 61), you can get your drone certificate for free by taking the ALC-451 online course on the FAASTeam website.

You must choose and follow a set of safety guidelines from an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO) when flying.

To obtain or maintain your remote pilot certificate, you must pass an initial test or complete recurrent training covering regulations, airspace, weather, loading, emergencies, CRM, radio, performance, drugs/alcohol, decision-making, airport operations, maintenance, and night operations.

You must choose and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO) when flying your drone.

You may only fly your drone for personal enjoyment and not for any business, commercial, or work-related purposes.

You can only fly under these rules if your flight is purely for fun or personal enjoyment, not for any business or commercial purpose.

You must not fly a drone, manipulate the controls, or act as a visual observer if you know (or have reason to know) that you have any physical or mental condition that could interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft.

You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot do so due to a medical condition, the FAA may issue your certificate with specific operating limitations.

You must take your remote pilot knowledge test from an FAA-designated testing provider and follow their designated testing procedures.

If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) and are current on your flight review, the UAS training you take to obtain or maintain your remote pilot certificate must cover regulations, weather, loading, emergency procedures, crew resource management, performance, maintenance, and night operations.

Educational and research flights by schools, universities, JROTC programmes and CBO-chartered educational programmes count as 'recreational purpose' for the limited recreational rules in 49 U.S.C. 44809. It is a scope definition, not a duty.

Applications for CBO recognition are submitted online via FAADroneZone.

If you are requesting a fixed flying site, your application to the FAA should describe the types of flying planned (e.g., aerobatics) and the safety rules that will be used to manage them.

A means of compliance is only officially accepted once the FAA has reviewed the submission and issued a formal notification of acceptance to the applicant.

If your drone's DoC is rescinded, you have 60 days to petition the FAA to reconsider the decision.

You can apply for a waiver to operate more than one drone at the same time.

The FAA can revoke its acceptance of a means of compliance at any time if it is found to be non-compliant, and they will publish this decision publicly.

If your CBO is hosting a sanctioned event at a fixed site, the CBO must submit its safety guidelines for that event when applying through DroneZone.

You can apply for a waiver to operate from a moving vehicle or aircraft, but the FAA will not grant this waiver if you are carrying someone else's property for compensation or hire.

To establish an authorized fixed site, your organization must submit an application on FAADroneZone detailing the site boundaries, requested altitudes, hours, and any special operations like turbine engines or aerobatics.

If you are organizing a drone-only event sponsored by a CBO, this AC provides the relevant guidance.

Organizations applying for CBO status should designate a point of contact for the FAA.

If your CBO's standard safety guidelines do not cover sanctioned events, the CBO must explain in its application how it will keep nonparticipants safe from the drones during the event.

You can apply for a waiver to deviate from the visual observer requirements specified in § 107.33.

You can apply for a waiver to operate your drone over moving vehicles in ways not otherwise permitted by § 107.145.

This applies to manufacturers/holders of a Declaration of Compliance, who must allow the FAA to inspect their facilities, data, and drones, and watch tests.

If your home country doesn't register drones, contact the DOT Foreign Air Carrier Licensing Division directly to find out how to apply for your US permit.

If you need to fly in controlled airspace or need a waiver for certain Part 107 rules, you must apply online using the FAA DroneZone portal.

Apply for your DOT foreign aircraft permit at least 15 days (and ideally 30 days, as processing can take that long) before your planned start date if your drone is registered in your home country.

When applying for a Part 107 waiver, you should submit the exact latitude and longitude along with a detailed map of where you plan to fly.

A waiver is official permission from the FAA allowing you to deviate from specific Part 107 rules, provided you can demonstrate that the operation can still be conducted safely using alternative methods.

To apply for a new operational waiver, you must use the new Aviation Safety Hub. If you have already submitted an application in FAADroneZone, you do not need to take action as it will still be processed there.

When applying for a waiver, you must use the 'Waiver Safety Explanation' field to describe your flight, list potential hazards, and explain how you will keep the operation safe. If you do not provide sufficient risk mitigations, the FAA will deny your application.

To request a waiver, you or your organization's representative must submit the application online via the FAA Aviation Safety Hub.

You must strictly follow all conditions listed in your approved waiver; failing to do so is a violation of FAA regulations.

You can operate a small drone for civil purposes under Part 107 without needing a special airworthiness certificate, an exemption, or a COA.

If a CBO's recognition is rescinded, its safety guidelines may no longer be valid for recreational operations under Section 44809.

It can take up to 90 days for the FAA to process an application for CBO recognition.

Your CBO does not need to establish or request a fixed flying site in order to obtain FAA recognition.

If you fly a recreational drone weighing more than 55 pounds, the CBO safety guidelines you are following must have been approved by the FAA.

You can apply for a waiver to deviate from the standard requirement to yield the right of way to other aircraft.

If you get a waiver, you must follow all of its conditions and limits, and you can only bend the normal rules as far as the waiver specifically allows.

The FAA can add extra rules or limits to your waiver that you must follow.

When applying for a waiver, you must provide a complete description of your planned operation and prove how you will keep it safe.

If your organization holds a Section 333 or 44807 exemption, you can choose to fly under the terms of that exemption rather than Part 107, unless the exemption states otherwise.

The standard FAA hearing procedures under Part 13 Subpart D do not apply to these specific drone compliance rescission processes.

If you hold an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance, you must show it and any related records to the FAA if they ask.

Expect up to 90 days for the FAA to process and decide on your waiver application.

The administrative hearing and appeal procedures under Part 13, Subpart D do not apply to the process of establishing compliance under this section.

If the FAA challenges the compliance of your drone model, the DoC holder has 30 days to submit proof of compliance before the FAA rescinds it.

You can apply for a waiver to deviate from specific Part 107 regulations (listed in § 107.205) if you can prove your operation will still be safe.

If the FAA contacts you for more details about your waiver, you must reply within 30 days or your application will be canceled and you will have to start over.

This AC contains the guidance and processes relevant to organizations seeking official FAA recognition as a CBO.

If you are part of an organization seeking recognition as a Community-Based Organization (CBO), your organization must prove it meets the statutory requirements of 49 U.S.C. § 44809(h).

The safety guidelines of the CBO you fly under must be officially coordinated with and recognized by the FAA.

If your drone weighs more than 55 pounds, you cannot operate it under standard Part 107 rules; you must obtain a Section 44807 exemption.

If your flight is complex (such as package delivery, urban air mobility, or emergency operations), you cannot fly under standard Part 107 or recreational rules without extra FAA approval.

You can access the LAANC system to get airspace authorizations if you fly under Part 107 or as a recreational flyer. You must use an FAA-approved LAANC UAS Service Supplier (USS) app or website.

To spray crops or dispense chemicals using a drone, you must obtain Part 137 certification.

To apply for a Foreign Aircraft Permit, follow the instructions in 14 CFR § 375.43 and email your application to the DOT Office of International Aviation.

This process applies to organizations seeking CBO status, rather than individual recreational pilots.

If you are applying for a Part 107 waiver, you must prepare technical specifications of your drone, such as its dimensions, weight, battery/fuel type, maximum speed, range, flight time, containment features (like geofencing), and flight termination systems.

If you are operating a drone as a first responder or as part of an organization responding to an emergency or natural disaster, you can apply for expedited flight approvals.

If your drone weighs 55 pounds or more, you cannot fly under standard Part 107 rules; you need a special exemption from the FAA.

If permitted by your CBO's safety guidelines, you may fly at night without drone lights if the area is bright enough for you to keep the drone in sight and spot hazards.

Do not fly your drone at a groundspeed faster than 87 knots (which is 100 miles per hour).

You must keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times while flying inside a FRIA.

There is no 'safe' number of seconds you are allowed to lose sight of your drone. Any loss of sight must be minimized to prevent hazards, and you always remain responsible for avoiding other aircraft.

Keep your drone at least 2,000 feet horizontally away from any clouds.

You can apply for a waiver to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), but the FAA will not grant this waiver if you are carrying someone else's property for compensation or hire.

Corrective lenses refer specifically to eyeglasses (spectacles) or contact lenses used to correct vision.

If your drone does not have built-in Remote ID or an attached broadcast module, you are restricted to flying within a designated FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), and you must keep the drone in sight.

You must keep your eyes on the drone without using binoculars or other aids, unless you are wearing your normal prescription glasses or contact lenses.

You can use binoculars briefly to check your surroundings or spot hazards, but you cannot use them to fly the drone continuously.

If you lose sight of your drone, try to see it again immediately. If you can't, you must follow your pre-planned loss-of-link/VLOS procedures, which might include landing immediately, hovering, or activating return-to-home.

You, the person flying, and the VO (if you have one) must keep the drone close enough to see it clearly with your own eyes during the entire flight.

You can briefly look down at your controller (to check battery, etc.) or scan the sky, as long as you can immediately look back and see the drone or quickly fly it back into your line of sight.

Keep your drone at least 500 feet below the base of any clouds.

You must have at least 3 statute miles of visibility from your control station to conduct flight operations.

When flying with a remote ID broadcast module, you must keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times.

Even when flying inside a FRIA, you must keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times.

If your drone does not have built-in Remote ID, you can attach an external broadcast module. When using a module, you must keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times during the flight.

You can fly using FPV goggles, but because FPV does not satisfy the VLOS requirement, you must have another method (like a Visual Observer) to maintain actual VLOS.

Flight visibility is measured as the average slant distance from your control station where you can see and identify unlighted objects during the day, or lighted objects at night.

You must keep your drone within your direct sight, or use a visual observer who is standing physically next to you and is in direct communication with you to help monitor the drone.

You or a visual observer standing next to you (who is in direct communication with you) must keep the drone in sight at all times without binoculars or other aids.

You must keep the drone within your direct, unaided visual line of sight, or use a visual observer who is standing next to you and in direct communication with you.

You are not permitted to fly a Category 3 drone over an open-air assembly of people under any circumstances.

The drone must not have exposed spinning parts (like unprotected propellers) that could cut human skin if it hits someone.

You cannot fly your drone over people unless you comply with the specific requirements for Category 1, 2, 3, or 4 operations, or unless the people are directly participating, located under a covered structure/vehicle, or you are operating over moving vehicles in accordance with § 107.145.

You are not allowed to fly a Category 3 drone over open-air assemblies of people (such as outdoor concerts, sporting events, or rallies).

This rule applies to manufacturers or applicants submitting a means of compliance to the FAA, requiring them to provide comprehensive testing/analysis procedures and compliance explanations.

Before operating, ensure the drone has a permanent, clear label in English stating it is eligible for Category 3 operations.

To fly your civil small drone over people, you must meet the eligibility and operational requirements specified under Part 107.

The drone must be free of any safety defects to be eligible for Category 3 operations.

To fly over people under Category 4, your drone must have an FAA airworthiness certificate, and the Flight Manual must not forbid flying over people. If you fly in sustained flight over an open-air assembly, the drone must also comply with Remote ID.

When operating over people, you must assess whether the gathering constitutes an 'open-air assembly'. The FAA decides this case-by-case. Examples of assemblies include concerts, sporting events, parades, protests, political rallies, and community festivals. Examples that are generally not considered assemblies include scattered individuals in a park, people walking or biking on a path, or families exiting a shopping center.

Before flying under Category 2 rules, you must ensure the drone you are operating is officially eligible for Category 2, is listed on an active FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance, and is properly labeled as a Category 2 drone.

A declaration of compliance is an official record submitted to the FAA showing that a drone meets the safety standards required to fly over people under Category 2 or Category 3 rules.

You can apply for a waiver to fly over people in ways not otherwise permitted by the standard Category 1-4 rules.

You must not hover or hover-transit (maintain sustained flight) directly over any person who is not directly involved in the flight, unless they are inside a stationary vehicle or under a protective covered structure.

If you operate a drone under Category 2 or Category 3, the manufacturer's means of compliance must have been established using test, analysis, or inspection.

You can fly at night, over people, and over moving vehicles without applying for an operational waiver, as long as you comply with the specific safety requirements of the Part 107 Operations Over People rule.

When flying under Part 107, you are considered to be operating 'over' a person if your drone flies directly above any part of their body—such as their head, shoulders, extended arms, legs, or even toes if they are lying down—even if the flight over them is only momentary.

Do not fly directly over people who are not involved in your operation unless they are inside a building or a stationary vehicle, or you are operating under specific category rules that permit it.

Under FAA Part 107 guidance, 'sustained flight' over an open-air assembly means hovering, flying back and forth, or circling above the assembly so that the drone remains over some part of it. It does not include a brief, one-time transit over a portion of the assembly if the flight is unrelated to the gathering.

You can fly over people and at night without needing a specific Part 107 waiver, provided you meet the specific conditions outlined in the rule.

The rules allowing operations over people and at night became effective on April 21, 2021.

'Sustained flight' means hovering, circling, or flying back and forth directly over people's heads. It does not include quickly crossing over a crowd once as part of a straight flight to get from point A to point B.

You can only fly a Category 3 drone over people if you are in a closed or restricted area where everyone has been warned, OR if you do not hover/linger over anyone who isn't directly involved in the flight (unless they are inside a vehicle or under a protective structure).

You can fly a Category 4 drone over moving vehicles as long as the drone's approved Flight Manual or FAA rules do not specifically prohibit it.

You can fly a Category 1, 2, or 3 drone over moving vehicles only if you are in a closed/restricted area and everyone in the vehicles has been notified, OR if you only cross over the vehicles briefly without hovering or lingering over them.

A Declaration of Compliance (DOC) is the official record submitted to the FAA to certify that your drone meets the safety and design standards required to fly over people under Category 2 or Category 3 rules.

If you are flying a Category 1, 2, or 4 drone, you cannot fly in sustained flight over open-air assemblies of people unless your drone is equipped with Remote ID (or you are flying within an FAA-recognized identification area).

If you are flying a Category 1, 2, or 3 drone over moving vehicles, you can do so if you stay within a closed or restricted site and ensure everyone in those vehicles knows you might fly over them.

If you are not in a closed/restricted site with notified occupants, you must not hover or maintain sustained flight directly over moving vehicles; you may only cross over them transiently.

You are not allowed to hover or fly in a sustained manner over open-air assemblies of people unless your drone is equipped with and broadcasting Remote ID, or you are operating within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA).

The manufacturer/applicant is required to have a system to notify you and the FAA if a safety defect or non-compliance issue is discovered with the drone.

Before a drone can be used in Category 2 or Category 3 operations, the manufacturer or applicant must submit a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) containing specific contact, aircraft, and safety verification details to the FAA.

You cannot fly a drone in Category 2 or Category 3 operations if the FAA has rescinded its Declaration of Compliance.

You do not need to obtain a standard FAA airworthiness certificate for your drone to fly under Part 107, unless you are flying over people under Category 4 rules (§ 107.140).

You are not allowed to fly your drone over anyone who is not directly involved in the flight operation, unless they are under a protective roof, inside a stationary vehicle, or your drone and operation meet the specific category requirements for flights over people under Subpart D.

Recreational pilots should follow their CBO's guidelines regarding buffer zones and restrictions on flying over people to ensure public safety.

Before takeoff and during flight, ensure your drone (including cameras, payloads, and any other attachments) does not exceed 0.55 pounds.

You are strictly prohibited from flying your drone in a careless or reckless way that could endanger other people or their property.

You need to describe the ground environment of your flight area, such as whether it is a sparsely populated rural area, a neighborhood, or a crowded outdoor event.

You are never allowed to fly a Category 3 drone over an open-air assembly of people.

A Means of Compliance (MOC) is the official method used to prove that a drone is safe enough to fly over people, specifically showing it won't cause severe injuries on impact, has no exposed rotating parts that cause cuts, and has no safety defects.

You must not drop any objects from your drone if doing so poses an undue hazard to people or property on the ground.

You cannot hover or fly back and forth over an open-air assembly of people with a Category 1 drone unless your drone is compliant with Remote ID.

If you fly a civil small drone over people or moving vehicles in the United States, you must follow the rules in this subpart, unless the operation is already permitted under § 107.39(a) or (b).

You cannot hover or fly back and forth over an open-air assembly of people with a Category 2 drone unless your drone is compliant with Remote ID.

You can fly over people with a Category 3 drone if you are operating within a closed or restricted-access site, provided everyone inside that site has been notified that a drone might fly over them.

You are not allowed to hover or fly continuously over open-air assemblies of people unless your drone is equipped with and broadcasting Remote ID in compliance with § 89.110 or § 89.115(a).

If your drone has different modes or configurations that affect its category for flying over people, you can use them as long as the system prevents you from accidentally switching between them during flight.

Do not operate a drone under Category 1 if it has exposed propellers or other rotating parts that could cut someone upon impact. Use prop guards or other protective designs.

If you are flying in a CBO event in Class G airspace that is planned to go above 400 feet AGL, the organizing CBO must coordinate with the FAA beforehand.

The 400-foot limit is measured from the actual ground, not from the top of a building, tree, or other structure. If you launch from a 10-story rooftop, you cannot fly 400 feet above that rooftop; your limit is still 400 feet above the actual ground.

You can apply for a waiver to exceed the 100 mph speed limit, the 400-foot altitude limit, or to operate with less than 3 miles of visibility or closer to clouds than normally allowed.

You must state how high you plan to fly (maximum altitude AGL) and note if you will be in controlled airspace or within 5 miles of other airspace types.

When flying in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, you must keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground.

At approved fixed sites in Class G airspace, you can fly up to 400 feet AGL without asking, but you must obtain FAA authorization to fly higher than 400 feet.

You can apply for a waiver if your operation involves moving vehicles (§ 107.25), night operations without standard anti-collision lights (§ 107.29), beyond visual line of sight (§ 107.31), modified visual observer requirements (§ 107.33), multiple drone operations (§ 107.35), operations over people (§ 107.39), exceeding standard operating limits (§ 107.51), or operations over moving vehicles (§ 107.145).

Keep your drone below 400 feet AGL. However, if you are flying within a 400-foot horizontal radius of a structure (like a tower or building), you may fly up to 400 feet above the top of that structure.

When flying recreationally in Class G airspace, you must keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground.

When flying in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, you must keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground.

In uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, you must keep your drone below 400 feet above the ground, unless the FAA has set a different limit or you are at an approved fixed site.

Before taking off, check your flight path to ensure there are no people, other aircraft, or obstacles in the way, in accordance with your CBO's site suitability guidelines.

You must ensure your drone's ATC transponder is turned off during Part 107 operations, unless you have received specific authorization from the FAA to use it.

When seeking a LAANC airspace authorization, note that ANRA Technologies, ATA, AX Enterprize, CAL Analytics, and The Longbow Group are approved partners but do not offer public-facing LAANC services.

You must always give way to any manned aircraft, airborne vehicles, or launch and reentry vehicles. Do not fly over, under, or ahead of them unless you are well clear.

Do not operate your drone close to any other aircraft. You must maintain a safe distance to ensure there is no risk of collision.

You are strictly prohibited from flying your drone in a way that disrupts or interferes with manned aircraft operations or established traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.

If you plan to fly your drone below 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports, you must get an airspace authorization from the FAA before taking off.

If you want to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface Class E designated for an airport), you must get permission first using LAANC or DroneZone, and you must stay at or below the altitude authorized by the FAA.

You are not allowed to fly your drone in prohibited or restricted areas unless you have obtained prior permission from the agency that controls or uses that airspace.

You are not allowed to fly your drone with its ADS-B Out transmitter turned on unless you have received a specific authorization from the FAA to do so.

You can apply for a waiver to operate in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or lateral boundaries of E) under § 107.41.

If you fly at an approved fixed site located in controlled airspace, you must follow the specific operating procedures agreed upon between the site's sponsoring organization and the local air traffic control tower.

You can use the FAA's B4UFLY service to check airspace restrictions and ensure you do not fly in prohibited areas or endanger other aircraft, especially near airports.

Do not use the Aviation Safety Hub to request airspace authorizations; these must still be submitted via FAADroneZone.

LAANC is the system resulting from the FAA UAS Data Exchange that allows pilots to access airspace data and obtain low-altitude airspace authorizations.

The FAA UAS Data Exchange is the underlying data-sharing framework between the FAA and industry partners that enables digital airspace services.

You must never fly your drone in a reckless or unsafe way that could put other aircraft, people, or the airspace system at risk.

Recreational flyers are legally required to comply with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions in their area of operation.

To obtain a LAANC airspace authorization in controlled airspace, you can use applications provided by any of the approved suppliers: Airspace Link, Aloft, AstraUTM, AutoPylot, Avision, eTT Aviation, Flightloop, FlightReady, Flyfreely, UASidekick, or Wing.

You are not allowed to fly your drone in Class B, C, or D airspace, or within the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, unless you have obtained prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC).

To use LAANC, you must use a mobile app or desktop application provided by an FAA-approved company known as a UAS Service Supplier (USS).

LAANC is the system that allows you to quickly obtain airspace authorizations and see where you can and cannot fly, including temporary flight restrictions.

If your flight in controlled airspace requires both an airspace authorization and an official waiver (for example, to bypass certain Part 107 restrictions), you cannot use LAANC. You must apply for both through the FAA DroneZone portal.

If you are participating in a CBO-sponsored UA-only event at a fixed site in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or Class E surface), the organizing CBO must obtain a fixed site authorization from the FAA at least 90 days in advance.

If you are flying under 400 feet in controlled airspace, you can submit a request through LAANC and receive an authorization in near real-time. This is available to both recreational and Part 107 pilots.

If you are a Part 107 pilot and need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling on a UAS Facility Map (but still at or below 400 feet), you can submit a 'further coordination request' up to 90 days in advance. This request is manually reviewed by the FAA. This option is not available to recreational flyers.

You must always yield the right of way to manned aircraft (like planes and helicopters) and ensure your drone does not interfere with their flight path.

Be aware of your surroundings and respect the airspace, keeping in mind that manned aircraft also fly at low altitudes.

You cannot fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or Class E surface areas) unless you get permission from the FAA (such as through LAANC) before you fly.

You must always give way to airplanes, helicopters, and any other manned aircraft, and never fly in a way that interferes with them.

Before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or Class E surface airspace around an airport), you must get permission from the FAA (typically via LAANC).

If you fly at an FAA-authorized fixed site in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface Class E), you do not need to apply for individual airspace authorization (like LAANC), provided you follow the site's agreed ATC operating procedures.

Before you fly, you can use the FAA's B4UFLY app to check for controlled airspace, airports, national parks, stadiums, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), and other special flight rules.

If you fly your drone recreationally, you must mark it with its registration number following FAA rules.

If you fly under Part 107, you cannot share registration numbers between drones; each drone must have its own unique registration number.

If your small drone has an airworthiness certificate, you can choose to operate it under the general flight rules of Part 91 instead of Part 107.

If you are operating a civil small drone (under 55 lbs) in the US for non-recreational purposes, you must comply with Part 107's registration, pilot certification, and operational rules, unless an exception applies.

If you fly your drone strictly for recreational purposes in accordance with the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 U.S.C. 44809), you do not need to follow Part 107 rules.

If your drone is registered or is required to be registered with the FAA under Part 47 or Part 48, you must comply with the Remote ID requirements of this subpart.

You must own the drone to register it, unless you are registering it on behalf of a child under 13 who owns it.

You must place your registration number on an external surface of the drone. It cannot be placed inside a battery compartment or any other enclosed space.

You can renew your drone registration at any time within the six months before its expiration month. You must verify that your registration details are still correct or update them if they have changed.

To fly under Part 107 rules, you must have registered your drone with the FAA and hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate.

Before flying your drone for fun, you must register it with the FAA.

This Advisory Circular provides guidance on how to comply with FAA Part 107 regulations, including pilot certification, drone registration, and flight operations.

If your drone weighs more than 55 pounds, you must register it individually using the FAA's Part 47 registration process.

Ensure that the serial number of your remote ID broadcast module is linked to your drone's FAA registration or submitted via a notice of identification before you fly.

Once you submit the required information and complete the registration process, the FAA will issue your Certificate of Aircraft Registration.

For registration purposes, an 'owner' can be a buyer who has possession, a bailee, or a lessee under a conditional sale contract.

To renew your registration, you must log in and verify that your information is still correct (or update it if it has changed). You can do this anytime within the 6 months before your registration's expiration month.

Your drone registration is only good for 3 years. You must renew it before it expires to keep flying legally.

Having your name on the FAA registration certificate does not legally prove you own the drone if ownership is contested in court.

Before flying any small drone, you must ensure it is registered with the FAA and marked with its registration number. The only exceptions are if you are flying strictly for recreational purposes and the drone weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff, or if the drone belongs to the US Armed Forces.

If you are under 13 years old, you cannot register the drone yourself; a person who is at least 13 years old (such as a parent or guardian) must register it for you.

You must pay your registration or renewal fee online through the FAA's web-based registration system, unless the FAA specifies another method.

Your drone is not legally registered until you actually receive the Certificate of Aircraft Registration. The official start date of your registration is the issue date printed on that certificate.

If your drone has standard Remote ID, you must provide its serial number during registration. This serial number cannot be registered to more than one certificate at a time.

When you renew your registration, the new expiration date will be exactly three years from the date your old certificate was set to expire, regardless of when you submitted the renewal within the six-month window.

If you lose your U.S. citizenship, your drone registration certificate is no longer valid.

When registering your drone, you must provide your name, physical address, email, phone number, and the drone's make and model.

Your drone is officially registered once you receive your Certificate of Aircraft Registration. The registration's start date is the issue date printed on that certificate.

You must ensure that the registration information you provided to the FAA remains accurate.

If you use a separate Remote ID broadcast module, you must register its serial number. You can register multiple modules under a single registration if applicable, but each module's serial number can only be on one certificate at a time.

If you sell, transfer, destroy, or export your registered drone, you must update the registration online to cancel it within 14 calendar days.

If the drone was transferred to you in a sham transaction just to avoid federal registration laws, the registration is invalid.

The recognition of ownership you receive for your foreign civil aircraft is not the same as, and does not act as, a U.S. aircraft registration.

If your drone is registered or is required to be registered (including all commercial drones and recreational drones weighing over 250 grams), you must comply with the Remote ID rule.

When registering as a recreational flyer, you must add your Standard Remote ID drones or broadcast modules to your FAADroneZone inventory. If you are replacing a drone that did not have Remote ID, you should cancel its registration in your inventory.

If you are flying for fun as a recreational flyer, you must register your drone and pass the free online Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before you fly for the first time.

You cannot transfer a registration between recreational and commercial (Part 107) categories. If you want to use a recreationally registered drone for commercial work, you must register it separately under Part 107.

If you are a foreign operator, the registration certificate issued by the FAA serves as recognition of ownership rather than official U.S. aircraft registration.

This section lists the federal aviation regulations (14 CFR) that you may need to be familiar with when operating a small drone, including registration (Parts 47 and 48), airspace (Parts 71 and 73), remote ID (Part 89), and small UAS rules (Part 107).

You can use the streamlined online registration (FAA DroneZone) if your drone will only be operated within the United States.

An aircraft is considered a 'foreign civil aircraft' if it is registered in another country, or if it is registered in the U.S. but owned or controlled by someone who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

If you only fly recreationally, you can register once under Part 48 and apply that same registration number to all your drones weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds.

Your small drone's registration number must be clearly visible on the outside of the drone and stuck on securely so it won't fall off during flight.

Before flying, make sure your drone's serial number is linked to its FAA registration certificate, or has been submitted to the FAA via a notice of identification.

Receiving a Confirmation of Identification from the FAA for your foreign drone is not the same as registering your drone in the United States.

If you only fly your drones for recreational purposes under the limited recreational exception, you only need to register once. That single registration certificate covers all the recreational drones you own.

You can move a single Remote ID broadcast module from one of your non-Remote ID drones to another, as long as you have listed that module's serial number for each of those drones in your registration inventory.

You must submit your drone registration online through the FAA's web-based registration system (FAA DroneZone).

When you renew your registration, the new expiration date will be set exactly three years from the date your previous registration was scheduled to expire.

If you operate a foreign civil aircraft under a Part 375 authorization, the FAA will issue you a recognition of ownership rather than a standard U.S. registration, unless your corporation is eligible to register under § 48.20(c).

If any of your registration details change, you must update them online within 14 calendar days.

If you are flying under Part 107, you must register each drone individually. Each registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.

If you register your drone under the recreational exception, you are prohibited from using that registration to fly under Part 107 rules. For Part 107 flights, the drone must be registered under Part 107.

You must be at least 13 years old to register a drone. If you are under 13, a parent, guardian, or another person who is at least 13 must register it for you.

If your drone weighs 55 pounds or more, you cannot register it online through FAA DroneZone and must follow the FAA's specific process for registering heavy drones.

This table serves as a reference guide to decode common aviation and UAS acronyms used in FAA guidance, such as VLOS (Visual Line of Sight), PIC (Pilot in Command), and CoW (Certificate of Waiver).

If you own and operate a foreign small UAS in the U.S., you must register it under Part 47 or Part 48, and you may need to submit an Affidavit of Ownership.

Before flying a civil small drone, you must ensure it is registered in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.203(a)(2), which generally requires a temporary or permanent registration certificate to be on board or available.

If the registered owner of a drone passes away, the registration certificate remains valid for only 30 days after their death.

Your drone's registration is valid for exactly three years from the date it was issued. You must renew it before it expires to continue flying legally.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and you lose your resident alien status, your drone registration is no longer valid, unless you become a U.S. citizen at the exact same time.

You must attach the registration number to your drone securely so that it remains attached for the entire duration of every flight.

When registering your drone, you must submit all required information to the FAA Registry in the prescribed format.

Your drone's registration becomes invalid immediately if you sell it, register it in another country, scrap/destroy it, lose your U.S. citizenship (or resident alien status), or 30 days after the registered owner passes away.

You cannot register your drone with the FAA if it is currently registered in a foreign country.

If you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements to apply for registration under this part, any registration you make is invalid.

You must ensure that the registration number (unique identifier) on your drone is clean, undamaged, and easy to read.

Once you complete the online application and provide all required information, the FAA will issue your registration certificate.

You cannot fly your registered drone unless it displays its unique identifier (such as its registration number) in the manner required by § 48.205.

If you previously registered your drone and selected 'No' for Remote ID, you cannot simply edit that answer. You must create a brand new registration listing for that drone.

If your drone requires registration (or if you choose to register it), it must comply with Remote ID requirements, regardless of whether you fly for fun, business, or public safety.

If you only fly for fun under the recreational exception, you pay a single $5 fee which covers all the drones you own. This registration is valid for 3 years.

You can register your drone online using the FAA DroneZone portal as long as the drone weighs less than 55 pounds.

To register your drone as a U.S. aircraft, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.

This definition clarifies what organizations (such as ASTM or RTCA) qualify as voluntary consensus standards bodies when developing industry standards for UAS operations.

You have the option to register your drone under Part 47, which is the same registration process used for manned aircraft.

Before you fly your drone under Part 107, it must be registered with the FAA under either Part 47 or Part 48.

If you fly multiple recreational drones using a single broadcast module, you must list each drone's make and model in your inventory while associating them all with the same Remote ID serial number from that module.

You must register your drone with the FAA (if required), mark the registration number clearly on the outside of the drone, and carry your registration certificate with you when you fly.

You must register your drone with the FAA, mark the registration number on the outside of the drone, and carry proof of registration with you when flying.

If you fly your drone for any reason other than purely recreational purposes (such as commercial work, public safety, or mixed-use), you must register the specific aircraft under these rules.

When registering a new drone under Part 107, make sure you are on the Part 107 Dashboard, select 'Yes' to the Remote ID question, choose whether it is a Standard Remote ID drone or a broadcast module, and enter the serial number.

If you already have a registered drone under Part 107 and need to add Remote ID, log into FAADroneZone, go to your Part 107 Dashboard, edit the device, select 'Yes' to the Remote ID question, and enter the serial number.

You can apply for a waiver before your drone is registered, but you must complete registration before you actually fly.

Part 107 does not cover air carrier operations, recreational flights flown under 49 U.S.C. 44809, operations flown under a section 333 / 44807 exemption, or part 91 operations flown with an airworthiness-certificated small UAS.

Before operating, ensure the drone has a permanent, legible label in English stating it is eligible for Category 2 operations.

The drone must have guards or design features that prevent its rotating parts from cutting human skin during an impact.

The manufacturer is required to maintain a system to notify you and the FAA if a safety defect or non-compliant condition is discovered in your Category 2 drone.

An unmanned aircraft is any aircraft flown without a pilot onboard who can directly control it.

To qualify as a small unmanned aircraft under Part 107, your drone must weigh less than 55 pounds (including fuel, battery, cameras, or any other payload) and must not have any human pilot onboard.

If you fly a drone weighing over 55 pounds using FPV, your CBO should have specific guidelines tailored to large aircraft FPV operations.

Before flying under Category 3, you must ensure your drone is eligible for Category 3 operations, is listed on an active FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance (DoC), and has the required Category 3 eligibility label.

You must have access to and follow the official remote pilot operating instructions provided by the manufacturer/applicant for the Category 2 drone.

A small UAS (or sUAS) includes not just the drone itself, but also the controller, communication links, and any other components needed to fly it safely.

Before flying, ensure your drone model has an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance (DoC) or is covered by an FAA design/production approval.

If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds and does not have a standard airworthiness certificate, it must meet Category 2 or 3 performance requirements to fly over people.

The drone must not have any safety defects that could compromise safe flight or cause injury.

A small unmanned aircraft (drone) must weigh less than 55 pounds at the time of takeoff. This weight limit includes the battery, cameras, payload, and anything else attached to it.

If your recreational drone weighs 55 pounds or more (including fuel/payload), you can only fly it at an approved fixed site and you must follow FAA-approved CBO safety standards for large models.

A drone or unmanned aircraft is legally defined as any aircraft that is flown without a pilot onboard to directly control it.

A small UAS is not just the drone itself; it includes the control station, communication links, and any other components necessary to operate the aircraft safely in the airspace.

If you want to fly over people under Category 1, your drone must weigh 0.55 pounds or less (including everything attached) and must not have exposed rotating parts that can cut someone.

A declaration of compliance is a formal record submitted to the FAA by a drone manufacturer, certifying that the standard remote ID drone or broadcast module meets all federal design and production requirements.

You must ensure the broadcast module is powered on and transmitting remote ID data directly from the drone from the moment it takes off until it is shut down.

Starting September 17, 2023, you cannot fly a drone in the US unless it has Standard Remote ID, a Remote ID Broadcast Module, or you are flying in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), unless you have a specific FAA authorization or exception.

If you are operating a foreign civil drone in the United States, you must comply with the Remote ID requirements of this subpart.

If you represent an eligible community-based organization or educational institution, you are permitted to submit an application to the FAA to establish a FRIA.

If you manage an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA), you must report any changes to your application details (like contact info or organization) to the FAA within 10 days.

The remote ID module broadcasts its signal using standard, open formats that can be received by common personal wireless devices (like smartphones) without needing a special FCC license.

When operating a drone with standard remote ID, the aircraft must automatically broadcast its identity (serial number or session ID), the real-time location and altitude of both the drone and your control station, the drone's velocity, a UTC time stamp, and its emergency status.

The drone and controller positions reported by the remote ID must be accurate to within 100 feet.

If you use a Remote ID broadcast module to comply with FAA rules, the module must transmit your drone's serial number, its current location, altitude, and speed, as well as the location and altitude of where you took off, along with a UTC time stamp.

If you submit a means of compliance, the FAA will evaluate it and may ask you for more information or documents.

This rule applies to manufacturers or persons submitting a means of compliance to the FAA, requiring them to prove that their standard remote ID drone or broadcast module designs will meet FAA performance requirements.

If your drone has Remote ID (either built-in or via an external module), you can still fly it in a FRIA, but you must keep the Remote ID broadcasting active.

The standard administrative hearing procedures under Part 13 Subpart D do not apply if the FAA decides to rescind a means of compliance.

The drone broadcasts its remote ID using standard, open signals that everyday devices like smartphones can receive without needing special licenses.

You must obtain the Confirmation of Identification from the FAA, keep a copy of it at your drone's control station while flying, and show it if an FAA official or police officer asks to see it.

Before taking off, you must check and confirm that your remote ID broadcast module is working correctly.

This applies to the organization managing the FRIA, requiring them to submit renewal paperwork at least 120 days before it expires.

The drone's altitude reported by the remote ID must be accurate to within 150 feet.

The remote ID system must report your drone's altitude with a vertical accuracy of 150 feet or better, 95% of the time.

The drone's broadcast includes error correction to ensure other devices can receive the remote ID message clearly.

The controller's altitude reported by the remote ID must be accurate to within 15 feet.

The remote ID module is designed to transmit its signal as far as legally allowed under FCC rules.

The remote ID module must transmit your drone's position and altitude within 1 second of measuring it.

The FAA will officially notify the applicant once their submitted means of compliance has been accepted.

The system automatically ensures that the time transmitted in the remote ID message is synchronized with the rest of the broadcast data.

The remote ID system must record and report your take-off location with a horizontal accuracy of 100 feet or better, 95% of the time.

This rule allows any individual or organization (typically manufacturers or industry groups) to submit a proposed method of complying with Remote ID requirements to the FAA.

Do not try to submit a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) yourself. Only the manufacturer of the drone or broadcast module is allowed to submit this to the FAA.

In the future, you may have the option to broadcast a Session ID instead of your drone's physical serial number when operating a Standard Remote ID drone.

When flying in a FRIA, both you (the pilot) and your drone must stay inside the boundaries of the FRIA at all times during the flight.

If you rely on a specific FAA-accepted means of compliance, be aware that the FAA can rescind its acceptance if it no longer meets safety or technical standards.

Before officially canceling a declaration of compliance, the FAA may give the manufacturer time to fix the compliance issues if doing so serves the public interest.

To successfully petition for reconsideration, you must prove you are directly affected and show that there is new evidence, that the FAA made a factual mistake, or that the FAA misapplied the law.

A home-built drone is defined as an aircraft that you built yourself, strictly for educational or recreational purposes.

If you lose your remote ID broadcast signal or the module stops working mid-flight, you must land the drone as soon as it is safe to do so.

You can fly without remote identification if you obtain an authorization from the FAA, provided your flight is strictly for aeronautical research or showing compliance with regulations.

To apply for a FRIA, the application must include details such as the organization's name, the representative's name and authority declaration, contact info, physical address, precise location, any existing letter of agreement, and the intended purpose.

The time information broadcast by your drone's remote ID must be synchronized with the other broadcast data.

You will not be able to take off if your drone's remote ID system is not working.

You must ensure your drone is actively broadcasting Remote ID data from the moment you take off until you shut the aircraft down.

If you notice or are alerted that your drone has stopped broadcasting Remote ID data during flight, you must land the drone as soon as it is safe and practicable.

If you are operating under Part 91 and your aircraft is actively transmitting ADS-B Out in compliance with § 91.225, you are exempt from the Remote ID requirements in this subpart.

You cannot change the boundaries of an FRIA without submitting a request and getting approval from the FAA.

If you belong to an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO), your organization is eligible to apply for a FRIA, which is a designated area where drones can operate without Remote ID equipment.

If you operate in a FRIA, be aware that the FRIA's status is valid for 48 months from its approval date unless renewed or terminated.

This subpart sets out the rules and processes required to set up an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA), which is a designated location where drones can operate without remote identification equipment.

This subpart contains the technical and message requirements that standard remote ID drones and broadcast modules must comply with.

Educational institutions (from primary schools to universities) can apply to establish a FRIA, allowing students and pilots to operate drones without Remote ID within that designated area.

An FRIA is not permanently fixed; the FAA reviews it on an ongoing basis and can modify or terminate it.

Your drone's remote ID system must automatically determine and broadcast your actual control station location.

Before you take off, your drone will automatically test its remote ID system and let you know if it passed or failed.

The drone will not let you take off unless it is actively broadcasting its remote ID signal.

The drone will monitor its remote ID system during the entire flight and alert you immediately if it stops working.

Before you take off, the remote ID module will automatically run a self-test and notify you of whether it is functioning correctly.

The remote ID module is designed not to interfere with your drone's flight controls or other onboard equipment, and vice versa.

The remote ID system must report the altitude of your take-off location with a vertical accuracy of 150 feet or better, 95% of the time.

The drone's remote ID system is designed to prevent users from tampering with or disabling it.

The remote ID system is designed not to interfere with your drone's flight controls or other sensors, and vice versa.

The module automatically uses error correction to ensure the transmitted data is received accurately.

The remote ID module is designed to prevent unauthorized modifications or tampering.

The remote ID broadcast module you use must have the capability to determine your take-off location.

The remote ID system must report your drone's position with a horizontal accuracy of 100 feet or better, 95% of the time.

The location and altitude data broadcast by your drone must be sent within 1 second of being measured.

The remote ID module will monitor itself throughout the flight and alert you immediately if it malfunctions or fails.

This is an administrative requirement for manufacturers or developers submitting Remote ID compliance methods, requiring detailed technical and contact information.

This ensures that the manufacturer's compliance method includes clear testing protocols to prove the Remote ID system works.

You can find approved FRIA locations by using the FAA's UAS Data Delivery System map.

Remote ID acts like a digital license plate for your drone, broadcasting its identity and location while in flight so that other parties can receive it.

If you need to fly without Remote ID or deviate from the standard requirements, you can request a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FAA.

If your drone is registered, it must broadcast Remote ID signals unless you are flying it inside a designated FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area).

If the manufacturer's declaration of compliance for your drone or broadcast module is rescinded by the FAA because it fails to meet standards, the device may no longer be legally used for operations requiring remote identification.

Standard FAA formal hearing procedures under Part 13 Subpart D do not apply to these specific Remote ID declaration of compliance disputes.

If your drone does not have built-in standard remote ID, you can fly it by attaching an FAA-compliant remote ID broadcast module, provided you follow the specific operating rules.

If the FRIA coordinator submits the renewal late, the FAA may deny it, meaning the FRIA will expire and you will no longer be able to fly there without Remote ID.

This section does not directly apply to remote pilots; it outlines the rules for manufacturers and entities submitting means of compliance to the FAA for Remote ID equipment.

The drone's remote ID transmitter is integrated to provide the maximum possible range while staying within legal power limits.

You can comply by flying a drone manufactured with built-in Remote ID capabilities. It will automatically broadcast its identification, location, and your control station's location.

A FRIA is a designated zone where you are allowed to fly a drone that does not have Remote ID equipment.

You can fly a drone that does not have any remote ID equipment (built-in or module) as long as you fly within the boundaries of an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA) and keep the drone in sight.

You may qualify for a Remote ID LOA if your flight is for aeronautical research, demonstrating regulatory compliance, or is part of an operation like a light show conducted under an FAA waiver.

You cannot use ADS-B Out transmitter equipment on your drone to satisfy the FAA's Remote ID requirements.

Even when flying inside a FRIA, you must still check the airspace class and obtain an airspace authorization (such as through LAANC) if you are in controlled airspace.

If you are adversely affected by the FAA's decision to rescind a declaration of compliance, you or the submitter have 60 calendar days from its publication in the Federal Register to petition for reconsideration.

To apply for a Remote ID LOA, send an email with your request details to RIDAuthorizations@faa.gov.

Before flying, ensure the remote ID broadcast module you are using is FAA-compliant and its serial number is listed on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance.

You are not allowed to turn off, disable, or tamper with the Remote ID features or equipment on your drone.

You must ensure that the Remote ID equipment on your drone is fully functional and working properly before you take off, and that it remains functional until you shut down.

To know if an item is considered a prohibited hazardous material, you must refer to the definition in the Department of Transportation regulations under 49 CFR 171.8.

Recreational flyers must not modify their aircraft in a way that creates a hazard, carry hazardous materials, or equip their UA with dangerous weapons.

You are not allowed to operate a small drone that is carrying any hazardous materials.

When flying without remote ID in a FRIA, both you (the pilot) and the drone must stay inside the boundaries of the FRIA for the entire flight.

The FRIA you fly in may be terminated at any time if the managing organization's point of contact requests it.

If a FRIA is shut down for safety or security reasons, it cannot be re-approved as long as those safety or security concerns exist.

If you are flying in a FRIA, ensure its status has not expired, as expired areas automatically lose their FRIA designation.

If you are interested in establishing a fixed recreational flying site, this AC provides the necessary guidance.

If your recreational drone weighs more than 55 pounds, you are only allowed to fly it from an FAA-approved fixed flying site.

The FAA can shut down a FRIA if it poses a risk to safety or security, or if the managing organization violated application rules.

Standard FAA administrative hearing procedures under Part 13, Subpart D are explicitly excluded from applying to FRIA termination and reconsideration decisions.

The FAA offers educational resources and outreach materials to help partners inform drone pilots about prohibited flight areas.

Your notice of identification to the FAA must include your name, address, US-reachable phone number, email, drone manufacturer/model, serial number (or RID module serial number), country of registration, and registration number.

Your drone's unique identifier is either the registration number given to you or your drone by the FAA, or its serial number if the FAA Administrator has authorized using it.

If a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer asks to see your drone registration certificate while you are flying a drone that requires registration, you must show it to them.

If you are operating a drone registered in another country that has remote identification, you must submit a notice of identification to the FAA before you fly in US airspace.

As a recreational flyer, you only need to pay for one registration. However, you must list the serial number of every Standard Remote ID drone and broadcast module you own in your inventory.

If you operate under Part 107, you cannot share a registration number. You must register every single drone and broadcast module individually, paying a separate fee for each, and apply the unique registration number to that specific device.

If you let someone else fly your drone, or if you fly someone else's drone, the person flying must have the drone's registration certificate (paper or digital) with them.

When registering, make sure you have your physical/mailing address, email, phone number, drone make and model, the manufacturer-provided Remote ID serial number (if applicable), and a payment card ready.

Before you fly your drone, you must mark or label it with your FAA registration number so that it is visible.

When your drone's registration expires, you must log into the FAA DroneZone website to renew it.

You can use these official FAA resources to register your drone (FAA DroneZone), apply for pilot certificates (IACRA), check airspace and temporary flight restrictions (B4UFLY, 1800wxbrief, and tfr.faa.gov), and access safety training.

If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) at takeoff, you must register it with the FAA before flying.

If your drone is registered in your home country and has FAA Remote ID broadcasting capabilities, you must submit a Notice of Identification (NOI) on the FAADroneZone website before you fly in the United States.

You can register your drone online through the FAADroneZone website (under Part 48) or use the paper-based registration process (under Part 47).

If any of your contact or drone details change, you must update this information with the FAA before you fly your foreign-registered drone in the US again.

If you are required to register your drone, or if you have already registered it, you must comply with the Remote ID regulations.

When flying your drone, you must carry your FAA registration certificate with you. This can be a printed paper copy or a digital copy on your phone.

Even though you fly recreationally under an exception, you must still comply with FAA regulations regarding registration, marking, remote ID, and general flight safety rules that the FAA chooses to establish.

If your drone does not have Remote ID or is not registered in another country, you are restricted to flying it inside a designated FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). You must also register it on FAADroneZone to receive a document showing recognition of ownership.

Your drone must be registered with the FAA, marked with its registration number, and you must carry proof of registration when flying.

You can file your accident report online at https://www.faa.gov/uas/, call the FAA Regional Operations Center (ROC) for your region, or contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

If you are involved in a drone accident that meets NTSB reporting criteria, you must immediately notify the NTSB in addition to any reports you submit to the FAA.

If your drone damages property (other than the drone itself) and the lower of the repair cost or replacement cost is more than $500, you must report it. If both the repair cost and the fair market value of the property are $500 or less, no report is required.

When reporting an accident, you should provide your name, contact info, certificate number, drone registration number, the location, date, and time of the accident, injury details, property damage details, and a description of the event.

The FAA encourages CBOs to have a system where recreational flyers can report safety incidents to help improve overall safety.

For the purposes of this advisory material, any event during your flight that impacts safety, or has the potential to impact safety, is considered a safety incident.

If your drone operation causes a serious injury to anyone or causes anyone to lose consciousness, you must report it to the FAA within 10 calendar days.

If your drone operation causes a reportable injury or property damage, you must submit an accident report to the FAA within 10 calendar days.

If your drone flight causes a serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage over $500 (excluding the drone itself), you must report the accident to the FAA within 10 days.

For NTSB reporting, an accident is defined by the timeframe between system activation and deactivation, resulting in either death or serious injury to any person, or substantial damage to a drone that weighs 300 pounds or more.

Report property damage caused by a drone flight to the FAA within 10 calendar days, unless the repair cost — or the property's fair market value if it is a total loss — is $500 or less.

The flight rules and operational limits in this subpart apply to your civil small drone flights under Part 107.

If you are operating a civil small drone (under 55 lbs) in the US for non-recreational purposes, your operation is generally governed by Part 107.

If you are operating a foreign civil aircraft for commercial purposes in the U.S., you must obtain a Foreign Aircraft Permit from the DOT before flying.

If you are conducting air carrier operations, Part 107 does not apply to those operations.

If you are a foreign operator wanting to fly commercial drone missions in the US, you must get a foreign aircraft permit from the DOT first.

Part 107 rules do not apply to you if you are flying strictly for recreation under 49 U.S.C. § 44809, flying outside the US, or operating public aircraft, air carriers, rockets, balloons, or kites.

If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen performing agricultural or industrial 'Specialty Air Services' covered by USMCA/NAFTA, you do not need to apply for an individual DOT permit, as a blanket permit is already in place. Other commercial operations still require a permit.

If you plan to fly your drone for commercial purposes in the US, you must obtain economic authority from the Department of Transportation (DOT) under Part 375, comply with all operating rules, and file an NOI via FAADroneZone.

You are not allowed to fly a drone while you are inside or on another aircraft that is in flight or moving.

You can only operate a drone from a moving car, truck, or boat if you are flying over a sparsely populated area and you are not transporting someone else's property for commercial purposes (compensation or hire).

If you cannot meet every single one of the recreational rules (like flying for fun, staying under 400 feet, or passing the test), you must fly under the commercial rules (Part 107) instead.

To fly under standard small drone rules (Part 107), your drone must weigh less than 55 pounds when it takes off.

If you operate drones for educational or research purposes under Section 350 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, this AC provides guidance for your flights.

CBOs must keep their safety guidelines current and make them available to the FAA if requested.

If you fly under a CBO's safety guidelines, those guidelines should have specific rules for specialized operations like racing, aerobatics, or flying turbine-powered aircraft.

This advisory circular explains how you, as a recreational flyer, can comply with US federal laws when flying your drone for fun, at fixed sites, or during CBO-sponsored events.

If you fly drones recreationally under the exception for limited recreational operations (49 U.S.C. § 44809), this Advisory Circular provides guidance that applies to your operations.

If you are part of an organization seeking FAA recognition as a CBO, your organization must establish safety guidelines covering model aviation.

If you belong to an educational institution or JROTC program, your organization is eligible to apply to the FAA to become a recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO).

This document provides official FAA guidance on how to comply with the rules for flying drones recreationally, for educational purposes, or at community-based organization events.

Your CBO's safety guidelines should cover how to assemble and fly model aircraft safely, including airspace safety and protecting people on the ground.

Even though you are flying under educational/recreational rules, the FAA can still take enforcement action against you if you fly unsafely or endanger the national airspace.

A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is a legally recognized, tax-exempt, membership-based association (like the AMA) that provides safety guidelines and programming for model aviation.

You can only use this exception if you are flying purely for fun or personal recreation, not for any business, commercial, or work-related purposes.

Educational or research purposes include classroom instruction, approved academic or research projects (including federally sponsored ones), and other academic activities approved by your school.

If you want to fly at night or during civil twilight under this waiver, the application must explain how you will manage the extra risks of low-light operations.

Your drone must be equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 statute miles and flash at a rate sufficient to prevent collisions during night flights.

If you determine during flight that the bright anti-collision lights are a hazard or compromise safety, you are allowed to reduce their visible distance to less than 3 statute miles.

Even if the manufacturer says the lights are good for 3 miles, you must personally verify before flight that they are working, visible, and flashing fast enough to prevent collisions at your specific location.

Your drone must have anti-collision lights that can be seen from at least 3 statute miles away when flying at night.

You can use the manufacturer's documentation or statements to confirm that your drone's anti-collision lights meet the 3-mile visibility requirement.

When flying during civil twilight or at night, your drone must be equipped with anti-collision lights that can be seen from at least 3 statute miles away.

You do not need to turn on anti-collision lights during daytime flights, but you are allowed to do so if you wish.

You can apply for a waiver to operate at night or during civil twilight without the standard anti-collision lights required by § 107.29.

If you are flying in Alaska, civil twilight is not a fixed 30-minute period; instead, you must use the definition provided in the Air Almanac.

Old night flying waivers issued before April 21, 2021, are no longer valid. You must comply with the standard night flying rules (training and lighting) instead.

For the purposes of drone operations, 'night' starts at the end of evening civil twilight and ends at the beginning of morning civil twilight.

When applying for a waiver, you must explain your operation in detail and prove to the FAA that it can be done safely.

In all US states except Alaska, civil twilight is the 30 minutes before sunrise and the 30 minutes after sunset.

If you fly during civil twilight, your drone must have anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles. You can dim them for safety, but you cannot turn them off.

If you are flying in the continental US, civil twilight is precisely the 30-minute window before sunrise and the 30-minute window after sunset.

You can use the Naval Observatory website to download and customize sunrise and sunset tables for your specific flight location.

When flying during civil twilight, your drone must have anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 statute miles to ensure safety and compliance.

If you cannot meet the anti-collision lighting requirements for night or civil twilight flights, you can apply for a waiver from the FAA.

If you are flying in Alaska, you cannot assume civil twilight is exactly 30 minutes. You must look up the specific twilight duration in The Air Almanac for your latitude and date.

When flying at night, your drone must have anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles. You can dim these lights if they interfere with safety, but you cannot turn them off completely.

Even though you do not need a waiver to fly at night, you must still obtain an airspace authorization (such as via LAANC) if you want to fly in controlled airspace at night under 400 feet.

Your CBO's safety guidelines should provide you with instructions on how to maintain and inspect your drone to keep it safe for flight.

Check for and install any software updates for your drone before you fly, as recommended by your CBO's guidelines.

Follow your manufacturer's maintenance instructions, or general CBO maintenance guidelines if you built the drone yourself.

If carrying external loads, ensure they are securely attached, within weight limits, and do not affect the balance or control of your drone, following your CBO's guidelines.

For detailed instructions on how to inspect your drone and determine if it is safe to fly, refer to Chapter 7 of this Advisory Circular.

Before flying, perform pre-flight checks on your drone's critical systems, control links, moving parts, battery/fuel levels, GPS/compass accuracy, and automated features (like return-to-home) as recommended by your CBO.

You must ensure your drone is properly maintained and safe to fly before any operation.

After flying, you should review the flight for any safety risks, remove the batteries, and secure the aircraft according to manufacturer recommendations.

If you are flying drones as part of an elementary or secondary school program, your flights are not considered 'recreational' under the law unless your school's program is associated with an FAA-recognized CBO.

You cannot fly a drone at night unless you have completed an initial knowledge test or recurrent training under Part 107 after April 6, 2021.

You must take and pass the free online TRUST test before you fly, and you must carry proof that you passed (either printed or on your phone) whenever you are flying.

If you fly a drone for educational or research purposes at an elementary school, secondary school, university, JROTC, or a CBO-chartered educational program, your flight is legally considered a 'recreational' flight under Section 44809.

Drone flights conducted as part of a college or university educational program are legally considered recreational, allowing you to operate under the recreational flyer rules.

An automated operation is when you upload a flight plan to your drone, and the drone's onboard autopilot takes over the flight controls to execute it. If you lose connection, the drone will typically continue its mission or execute a return-to-home sequence.

Before you fly, check if your state or local government has specific privacy laws regarding drone operations.

You can refer to the NTIA's voluntary best practices document to help respect privacy and build trust during your drone flights.

CBOs are not required to perform formal risk assessments to create safety guidelines, but they can use FAA AC 107-2 as a helpful resource.

This advisory circular is for informational purposes only and does not establish new legal obligations. It is designed to help you understand existing laws and FAA policies.

You must show the FAA any records or reports you are required to keep under the drone regulations if they ask to see them.

To fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), you must apply for a waiver or authorization using FAA Form 7711-2.