Operation Under Direct Supervision of a U.S. Remote Pilot

Verified from official sources
Information for International UAS Operators in the United States - Flying Your DroneVersion 1Effective -Verified 22 August 2026

In plain language

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.

Requirement as structured

An operator without a U.S. Remote Pilot Certificate may fly a drone under the direct supervision of a certificated U.S. remote pilot who can immediately take control.

Original regulatory text

If you do not have a U.S. RPC , you may operate the UAS or drone under the direct supervision of the certificated U.S. remote pilot acting as the remote PIC if the remote PIC has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the UAS . Part 107.12 describes this process.

Applies when

country
United States
operation
Part 107 small UAS operation
operation regime
part_107
aircraft category
small unmanned aircraft (under 55 lb)
regulatory category
General