The Foundation: Understanding Part 107.1 through 107.57

Part 107 regulations are organized into logical sections that build upon each other, creating a comprehensive framework for small unmanned aircraft operations. Unlike recreational flying rules which are relatively simple, commercial operations require adherence to specific limitations designed to integrate safely with manned aircraft operations.

The exam heavily emphasizes these operational limitations because they form the backbone of safe commercial operations. Approximately 15-20% of exam questions directly test your knowledge of what is and isn't permitted under Part 107, making this one of the most important areas for exam success.

Altitude Limitations: The 400-Foot Rule and Beyond

Basic Altitude Rules (107.51)

Maximum Altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
Structure Exception: Within 400 feet of a structure, may fly up to 400 feet above that structure's highest point
Ground Reference: Always measured from the surface below the aircraft, not launch point
No MSL Operations: Altitude is always AGL, never mean sea level
Terrain Following: Must adjust altitude for changing terrain elevation

Structure Proximity Operations

Within 400 Feet Horizontally: May exceed 400 AGL limit
Maximum Above Structure: 400 feet above highest point
What Qualifies: Buildings, towers, bridges, antennas
Natural Features: Trees, cliffs, hills do NOT qualify as structures
Moving Structures: Ships, aircraft do NOT qualify

Common Exam Scenarios:

• Building Inspection: 200-foot building + 400 feet = maximum 600 feet AGL when within 400 feet horizontally
• Terrain Changes: Flying over valley then mountain requires constant altitude adjustment
• Launch from Elevated Position: 400-foot hill + 400 feet = 800 feet MSL, but still only 400 feet AGL
• Bridge Operations: Can fly above bridge deck level if within lateral distance requirements

Visual Line of Sight: The Most Critical Safety Rule

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) is arguably the most important safety regulation in Part 107. This requirement ensures that remote pilots can see and avoid other aircraft, obstacles, and people throughout the entire flight operation.

Visual Line of Sight Requirements (107.31)

VLOS Definition and Requirements

• Unaided Vision: Must see aircraft with naked eye (corrective lenses OK)
• Determine Attitude: Must discern aircraft orientation and direction
• See and Avoid: Must be able to see other aircraft and obstacles
• No Aids Required: Binoculars cannot be required to maintain VLOS
• Continuous Requirement: VLOS must be maintained throughout entire flight

VLOS Limitations and Practical Ranges

• Typical Range: 1/2 to 1 mile maximum in ideal conditions
• Weather Impact: Reduced in haze, dust, precipitation
• Aircraft Size: Smaller aircraft lost to sight sooner
• Lighting Conditions: Reduced range at dawn/dusk
• Visual Observer: Can extend effective VLOS range

Critical VLOS Exam Concepts:

• FPV/Monitor Only: Flying using only camera feed is NOT legal
• Beyond Visual Range: Any operation where pilot cannot see aircraft is prohibited
• Visual Observer Role: Can assist with VLOS but cannot replace pilot's responsibility
• Momentary Loss: Brief loss of sight due to obstacles requires immediate corrective action

Operating Limitations: Speed, Weather, and Conditions

Part 107 establishes specific operational parameters for safe flight operations. These limitations are based on extensive testing and analysis to ensure small unmanned aircraft can operate safely alongside manned aviation.

Speed and Performance Limitations

Speed Limits (107.51)

• Maximum Groundspeed: 100 mph (87 knots)
• Measurement Method: Speed over ground, not airspeed
• Wind Factor: Must account for headwind/tailwind effects
• Safety Margin: Should operate well below maximum

Weather Minimums (107.51)

• Minimum Visibility: 3 statute miles from control station
• Cloud Clearance: 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontally
• Precipitation: No operations in rain, snow, sleet
• Wind Limitations: No specific limit, but must maintain control

Equipment Requirements

• Maximum Weight: 55 pounds including payload
• Registration: Required for aircraft over 0.55 pounds
• Marking: Registration number displayed externally
• Maintenance: Aircraft must be in airworthy condition

People Operations: Understanding 107.39

One of the most complex and frequently tested aspects of Part 107 involves operations over people. These regulations balance commercial operational needs with public safety, creating specific categories and requirements for different types of operations.

Operations Over People Categories

Category 1: No Additional Requirements

Aircraft Weight: 0.55 pounds or less including everything
No Exposed Rotating Parts: Propellers must be enclosed or protected
Operation Permission: Can fly over people without restriction
Examples: Most toy drones, some camera drones under 0.55 lbs
Exam Note: Very few commercial drones qualify for Category 1

Category 2: Limited Impact Energy

Impact Energy: Maximum 11 foot-pounds kinetic energy
No Laceration: No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin
Remote Identification: Must broadcast RID unless exempted
Operating Manual: Must contain safety information
Examples: DJI Mini series, some racing drones

Category 3: Airworthiness Certificate Required

FAA Declaration: Must hold Declaration of Compliance (DOC)
Maximum Impact: 25 foot-pounds kinetic energy
Injury Threshold: Severity Index must not exceed 30
Remote ID Required: Must broadcast identification and location
Examples: Larger commercial drones with DOC

Category 4: Restricted Operations

Closed/Restricted Access: Only over people in enclosed/restricted sites
Advance Notice: People must be notified they're under flight path
No Open Air Assemblies: Cannot fly over public gatherings
Airworthiness Required: Aircraft must be airworthy per manufacturer
Examples: Construction sites, private events with notification

Key Exam Concepts for People Operations:

• No Default Permission: Cannot fly over people unless aircraft meets specific category
• Moving Vehicles: Additional restrictions apply to operations over moving vehicles
• Open Air Assemblies: Concerts, sporting events require special approval
• Sustained Flight: Brief transit over people may be permitted depending on category

Prohibited Operations: What You Cannot Do

Understanding prohibited operations is just as important as knowing what's permitted. Part 107 explicitly prohibits certain operations that pose unacceptable safety risks or interfere with other aircraft operations.

Never Permitted Under Part 107

Airspace and Aircraft Restrictions

Careless or Reckless Operation: Any operation endangering people or property
Alcohol or Drug Impairment: 8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule applies
Class A Airspace: Never permitted (18,000+ feet MSL)
Prohibited Areas: Washington DC SFRA, military restricted zones
Forest Fire Areas: Temporary flight restrictions during firefighting
Interfering with Manned Aircraft: Must yield right-of-way to all manned aircraft

Operational Restrictions

Night Operations: Prohibited without specific night waiver
Beyond Visual Line of Sight: Not permitted without BVLOS waiver
Multiple Aircraft: One pilot cannot control multiple UAS simultaneously
Moving Vehicle Operations: Cannot operate from moving aircraft or vehicle
Transporting Property for Compensation: Requires special certification
International Operations: Part 107 only valid in US airspace

Critical "Never Permitted" Exam Questions:

• Flying Under the Influence: 0.04% blood alcohol or higher is prohibited
• Drop Operations: Cannot drop objects that create hazard to persons/property
• Flight from Moving Vehicle: Cannot control UAS while in moving car, boat, or aircraft
• Exceeding Limitations: Cannot exceed any Part 107 limitation without waiver

Waiver System: When Rules Can Be Modified

The FAA recognizes that some commercial operations may require deviations from standard Part 107 limitations. The waiver system provides a pathway for operators to request permission for specific operations that would otherwise be prohibited, provided they can demonstrate equivalent safety.

Available Waivers and Authorizations

Commonly Granted Waivers

Night Operations (107.29): Most common waiver, allows dawn-to-dusk operations
Operation Over People (107.39): For specific events or locations
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (107.31): For large area operations
Operation from Moving Vehicle (107.25): For specialized applications
Multiple Aircraft (107.35): One pilot controlling multiple UAS
Daylight Operation (107.29): Extended hours beyond civil twilight

Rarely or Never Granted

Maximum Altitude (107.51): Very rarely granted above 400 feet
Careless/Reckless (107.23): Never waived - fundamental safety requirement
Alcohol/Drug (107.27): Never waived - safety critical
Right-of-Way (107.37): Manned aircraft always have priority
Class A Airspace: Never permitted for Part 107 operations
Prohibited Areas: Security areas never grant access

Waiver Application Process:

• Application Method: Submit through FAA DroneZone online portal
• Processing Time: 90 days typical, can be expedited for 10-day processing
• Safety Case Required: Must demonstrate equivalent level of safety
• Operational Limitations: Waivers include specific conditions and restrictions
• Validity Period: Most waivers valid for 2 years, some have shorter terms

Enforcement and Penalties

Understanding the consequences of Part 107 violations is crucial for maintaining your certificate and building a professional reputation. The FAA takes enforcement action seriously, with penalties ranging from warnings to significant fines and certificate revocation.

Violation Categories and Penalties

Civil Penalties

Individual Violations: Up to $1,437 per violation
Commercial Entity: Up to $1,437 per violation
Substantial Violations: Maximum $27,500 per violation
Pattern of Violations: Cumulative penalties can exceed $100,000
Egregious Cases: Can result in criminal referral

Certificate Actions

Warning Notice: First offense educational action
Letter of Correction: Acknowledge understanding of regulations
Certificate Suspension: Temporary loss of privileges
Certificate Revocation: Permanent loss requiring retest
Criminal Charges: For willful violations or dangerous operations

Most Common Violations Leading to Enforcement:

• Operating without Part 107 certificate: $1,100+ fine typical
• Flying in controlled airspace without authorization: $1,100+ fine
• Night operations without waiver: $1,100+ fine
• Beyond visual line of sight: $1,100+ fine
• Flying over people without proper category: $1,100+ fine
• Operating while impaired: Certificate revocation likely

Remote Pilot Responsibilities

Beyond following operational limitations, Part 107 remote pilots have specific ongoing responsibilities for maintaining certification, reporting incidents, and ensuring continued airworthiness of their aircraft.

Ongoing Certification Requirements

Recurrent Training and Currency (107.65):

24-Month Recurrency

• Complete online recurrent training course, OR
• Retake and pass the Part 107 knowledge test
• Must be completed before certificate expiration
• Online course available through FAAST
• Failure to recur results in certificate lapse

Additional Responsibilities

• Report address changes within 30 days
• Carry certificate during operations
• Make certificate available upon request
• Report medical conditions affecting safety
• Maintain current knowledge of regulations

Aircraft Registration and Maintenance

Aircraft Responsibilities (107.13, 107.15):

• Registration Required: All aircraft over 0.55 pounds must be registered
• Registration Display: Number must be readable without tools or moving parts
• Airworthy Condition: Aircraft must be in condition for safe operation
• Preflight Inspection: Must inspect aircraft before each flight
• Manufacturer Maintenance: Follow manufacturer's maintenance requirements
• Record Keeping: Maintain records of maintenance and any modifications

Exam Strategy: Regulations Questions

Regulation questions on the Part 107 exam often test your ability to apply rules in specific scenarios rather than simply memorizing numbers. Understanding the reasoning behind regulations helps you work through complex scenario questions.

Common Exam Question Patterns

Scenario-Based Questions

• Altitude calculations near structures
• VLOS limitations in various conditions
• Weather minimums decision-making
• People operations category determination
• Waiver requirements for specific operations

Memorization Requirements

• 400 feet AGL altitude limit
• 100 mph groundspeed limit
• 3 statute miles visibility minimum
• 500 feet below / 2,000 feet horizontal cloud clearance
• 55 pounds maximum weight

Practice Scenarios for Mastery

Work Through These Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Building Inspection

You're hired to inspect a 150-foot cell tower. What's the maximum altitude you can fly when positioned 200 feet away from the tower base?

Answer: 400 feet AGL (base altitude limit) - you're outside the 400-foot horizontal radius of the structure.

Scenario 2: Weather Conditions

Visibility is 2.5 miles with scattered clouds at 800 feet. Can you legally fly your drone at 300 feet AGL?

Answer: No - visibility is below 3 statute mile minimum required by Part 107.

Scenario 3: People Operations

Your 2-pound drone has enclosed propellers and meets Category 2 requirements. Can you fly over a wedding reception?

Answer: Yes - Category 2 aircraft can fly over people, but check local restrictions and get proper permissions.

Key Numbers and Limits for Memorization

While understanding concepts is crucial, certain Part 107 numbers appear frequently on the exam and must be memorized. Use these memory techniques to ensure recall under test pressure.

Critical Numbers Memory Aid

Height and Distance

400 feet: Maximum AGL altitude
400 feet: Structure proximity distance
3 miles: Minimum visibility
500 feet: Below clouds minimum
2,000 feet: Horizontal cloud distance

Speed and Weight

100 mph: Maximum groundspeed
55 pounds: Maximum aircraft weight
0.55 pounds: Registration threshold
11 ft-lbs: Category 2 energy limit
25 ft-lbs: Category 3 energy limit

Time and Currency

24 months: Certificate validity
30 days: Address change notification
8 hours: Alcohol restriction
0.04%: Blood alcohol limit
3 years: Registration validity

Conclusion: Building Your Regulatory Foundation

Mastering Part 107 regulations and operational limitations provides the foundation for all successful commercial drone operations. These rules aren't arbitrary restrictions - they're carefully crafted safety frameworks that enable small unmanned aircraft to operate safely alongside manned aviation while protecting people and property on the ground.

Your strong performance in regulation knowledge (90% on practice tests) demonstrates solid understanding of these core concepts. This knowledge will serve you well not only on the exam but throughout your career as a commercial drone operator. The operational limitations become second nature with experience, but they form the critical foundation that keeps your operations legal, safe, and professional.

Ready for Part 3? Continue Your Training:

Next up: Understanding Airspace Classifications & Requirements - where we tackle the most challenging and heavily-tested area on the Part 107 exam. This is where your weak area (34% score) transforms into exam confidence.

Continue to Part 3 Subscribe for Updates

Educational Disclaimer: This training content is based on current Part 107 regulations (September 2025). Regulations can change, and this material supplements but does not replace official FAA study materials. Always verify current requirements with official FAA sources.

Last updated: September 14, 2025 | Part 107 Training Series - Part 2 of 8

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