Minimum age of 16 for a remote pilot certificate

In plain language

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.

Requirement as structured

To be eligible for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, a person must be at least 16 years of age.

Original regulatory text

§ 107.61 Eligibility. Subject to the provisions of §§ 107.57 and 107.59, in order to be eligible for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating under this subpart, a person must: (a) Be at least 16 years of age; (b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, the FAA may place such operating limitations on that applicant's certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the small unmanned aircraft; (c) Not know or have reason to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system; and (d) Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by satisfying one of the following conditions, in a manner acceptable to the Administrator: (1) Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73; or (2) If a person holds a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56, complete training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.74. [Docket FAA-2015-0150, Amdt. 107-1, 81 FR 42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. 107-8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021]

Applies when

category

part_107

regulatory category

Pilot