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900 

14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 105.49 

the main parachute unless an assist de-
vice, described and attached as follows, 
is used to aid the pilot chute in per-
forming its function, or, if no pilot 
chute is used, to aid in the direct de-
ployment of the main parachute can-
opy. The assist device must— 

(1) Be long enough to allow the main 

parachute container to open before a 
load is placed on the device. 

(2) Have a static load strength of— 
(i) At least 28 pounds but not more 

than 160 pounds if it is used to aid the 
pilot chute in performing its function; 
or 

(ii) At least 56 pounds but not more 

than 320 pounds if it is used to aid in 
the direct deployment of the main 
parachute canopy; and 

(3) Be attached as follows: 
(i) At one end, to the static line 

above the static-line pins or, if static- 
line pins are not used, above the static- 
line ties to the parachute cone. 

(ii) At the other end, to the pilot 

chute apex, bridle cord, or bridle loop, 
or, if no pilot chute is used, to the 
main parachute canopy. 

(b) No person may attach an assist 

device required by paragraph (a) of this 
section to any main parachute unless 
that person is a certificated parachute 
rigger or that person makes the next 
parachute jump with that parachute. 

(c) An assist device is not required 

for parachute operations using direct- 
deployed, ram-air parachutes. 

§ 105.49

Foreign parachutists and 

equipment. 

(a) No person may conduct a para-

chute operation, and no pilot in com-
mand of an aircraft may allow a para-
chute operation to be conducted from 
that aircraft with an unapproved for-
eign parachute system unless— 

(1) The parachute system is worn by 

a foreign parachutist who is the owner 
of that system. 

(2) The parachute system is of a sin-

gle-harness dual parachute type. 

(3) The parachute system meets the 

civil aviation authority requirements 
of the foreign parachutist’s country. 

(4) All foreign non-approved para-

chutes deployed by a foreign para-
chutist during a parachute operation 
conducted under this section shall be 
packed as follows— 

(i) The main parachute must be 

packed by the foreign parachutist mak-
ing the next parachute jump with that 
parachute, a certificated parachute rig-
ger, or any other person acceptable to 
the Administrator. 

(ii) The reserve parachute must be 

packed in accordance with the foreign 
parachutist’s civil aviation authority 
requirements, by a certificated para-
chute rigger, or any other person ac-
ceptable to the Administrator. 

PART 106 

[

RESERVED

PART 107—SMALL UNMANNED 

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 

Subpart A—General 

Sec. 
107.1

Applicability. 

107.2

Applicability of certification proce-

dures for products and articles. 

107.3

Definitions. 

107.5

Falsification, reproduction, or alter-

ation. 

107.7

Inspection, testing, and demonstration 

of compliance. 

107.9

Safety event reporting. 

Subpart B—Operating Rules 

107.11

Applicability. 

107.12

Requirement for a remote pilot cer-

tificate with a small UAS rating. 

107.13

Registration. 

107.15

Condition for safe operation. 

107.17

Medical condition. 

107.19

Remote pilot in command. 

107.21

In-flight emergency. 

107.23

Hazardous operation. 

107.25

Operation from a moving vehicle or 

aircraft. 

107.27

Alcohol or drugs. 

107.29

Operation at night. 

107.31

Visual line of sight aircraft oper-

ation. 

107.33

Visual observer. 

107.35

Operation of multiple small un-

manned aircraft. 

107.36

Carriage of hazardous material. 

107.37

Operation near aircraft; right-of-way 

rules. 

107.39

Operation over human beings. 

107.41

Operation in certain airspace. 

107.43

Operation in the vicinity of airports. 

107.45

Operation in prohibited or restricted 

areas. 

107.47

Flight restrictions in the proximity 

of certain areas designated by notice to 
airmen. 

107.49

Preflight familiarization, inspection, 

and actions for aircraft operation. 

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Federal Aviation Administration, DOT 

§ 107.3 

107.51

Operating limitations for small un-

manned aircraft. 

Subpart C—Remote Pilot Certification 

107.52

ATC transponder equipment prohibi-

tion. 

107.53

Automatic Dependent Surveillance- 

Broadcast (ADS–B) Out prohibition. 

107.56

Applicability. 

107.57

Offenses involving alcohol or drugs. 

107.59

Refusal to submit to an alcohol test 

or to furnish test results. 

107.61

Eligibility. 

107.63

Issuance of a remote pilot certificate 

with a small UAS rating. 

107.64

Temporary certificate. 

107.65

Aeronautical knowledge recency. 

107.67

Knowledge tests: General procedures 

and passing grades. 

107.69

Knowledge tests: Cheating or other 

unauthorized conduct. 

107.71

Retesting after failure. 

107.73

Knowledge and training. 

107.74

Small unmanned aircraft system 

training. 

107.77

Change of name or address. 

107.79

Voluntary surrender of certificate. 

Subpart D—Operations Over Human 

Beings 

107.100

Applicability. 

107.105

Limitations on operations over 

human beings. 

107.110

Category 1 operations. 

107.115

Category 2 operations: Operating re-

quirements. 

107.120

Category 2 operations: Eligibility of 

small unmanned aircraft and other appli-
cant requirements. 

107.125

Category 3 operations: Operating re-

quirements. 

107.130

Category 3 operations: Eligibility of 

small unmanned aircraft and other appli-
cant requirements. 

107.135

Labeling by remote pilot in com-

mand for Category 2 and 3 operations. 

107.140

Category 4 operations. 

107.145

Operations over moving vehicles. 

107.150

Variable mode and variable configu-

ration of small unmanned aircraft. 

107.155

Means of compliance. 

107.160

Declaration of compliance. 

107.165

Record retention. 

Subpart E—Waivers 

107.200

Waiver policy and requirements. 

107.205

List of regulations subject to waiver. 

A

UTHORITY

: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40101 note, 

40103(b), 44701(a)(5), 46105(c), 46110, 44807. 

S

OURCE

: Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107– 

1, 81 FR 42209, June 28, 2016, unless otherwise 
noted. 

Subpart A—General 

§ 107.1

Applicability. 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph 

(b) of this section, this part applies to 
the registration, airman certification, 
and operation of civil small unmanned 
aircraft systems within the United 
States. This part also applies to the 
eligibility of civil small unmanned air-
craft systems to operate over human 
beings in the United States. 

(b) This part does not apply to the 

following: 

(1) Air carrier operations; 
(2) Any aircraft subject to the provi-

sions of 49 U.S.C. 44809; 

(3) Any operation that the holder of 

an exemption under section 333 of Pub-
lic Law 112–95 or 49 U.S.C. 44807 elects 
to conduct pursuant to the exemption, 
unless otherwise specified in the ex-
emption; or 

(4) Any operation that a person elects 

to conduct under part 91 of this chapter 
with a small unmanned aircraft system 
that has been issued an airworthiness 
certificate. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4381, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.2

Applicability of certification 

procedures for products and arti-
cles. 

The provisions of part 21 of this chap-

ter do not apply to small unmanned 
aircraft systems operated under this 
part unless the small unmanned air-
craft system will operate over human 
beings in accordance with § 107.140. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4381, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.3

Definitions. 

The following definitions apply to 

this part. If there is a conflict between 
the definitions of this part and defini-
tions specified in § 1.1 of this chapter, 
the definitions in this part control for 
purposes of this part: 

Control station means an interface 

used by the remote pilot to control the 
flight path of the small unmanned air-
craft. 

Corrective lenses means spectacles or 

contact lenses. 

Declaration of compliance means a 

record submitted to the FAA that cer-
tifies the small unmanned aircraft con-
forms to the Category 2 or Category 3 

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14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 107.5 

requirements under subpart D of this 
part. 

Small unmanned aircraft means an un-

manned aircraft weighing less than 55 
pounds on takeoff, including every-
thing that is on board or otherwise at-
tached to the aircraft. 

Small unmanned aircraft system (small 

UAS) means a small unmanned aircraft 
and its associated elements (including 
communication links and the compo-
nents that control the small unmanned 
aircraft) that are required for the safe 
and efficient operation of the small un-
manned aircraft in the national air-
space system. 

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft 

operated without the possibility of di-
rect human intervention from within 
or on the aircraft. 

Visual observer means a person who is 

designated by the remote pilot in com-
mand to assist the remote pilot in com-
mand and the person manipulating the 
flight controls of the small UAS to see 
and avoid other air traffic or objects 
aloft or on the ground. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4381, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.5

Falsification, reproduction, or 

alteration. 

(a) No person may make or cause to 

be made— 

(1) Any fraudulent or intentionally 

false record or report that is required 
to be made, kept, or used to show com-
pliance with any requirement under 
this part. 

(2) Any reproduction or alteration, 

for fraudulent purpose, of any certifi-
cate, rating, authorization, record or 
report under this part. 

(b) The commission by any person of 

an act prohibited under paragraph (a) 
of this section is a basis for any of the 
following: 

(1) Denial of an application for a re-

mote pilot certificate or a certificate 
of waiver; 

(2) Denial of a declaration of compli-

ance; 

(3) Suspension or revocation of any 

certificate, waiver, or declaration of 
compliance issued or accepted by the 
Administrator under this part and held 
by that person; or 

(4) A civil penalty. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4381, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.7

Inspection, testing, and dem-

onstration of compliance. 

(a) A remote pilot in command, 

owner, or person manipulating the 
flight controls of a small unmanned 
aircraft system must— 

(1) Have in that person’s physical 

possession and readily accessible the 
remote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating and identification when ex-
ercising the privileges of that remote 
pilot certificate. 

(2) Present his or her remote pilot 

certificate with a small UAS rating 
and identification that contains the in-
formation listed at § 107.67(b)(1) 
through (3) for inspection upon a re-
quest from— 

(i) The Administrator; 
(ii) An authorized representative of 

the National Transportation Safety 
Board; 

(iii) Any Federal, State, or local law 

enforcement officer; or 

(iv) An authorized representative of 

the Transportation Security Adminis-
tration. 

(3) Make available, upon request, to 

the Administrator any document, 
record, or report required to be kept 
under the regulations of this chapter. 

(b) The remote pilot in command, 

visual observer, owner, operator, or 
person manipulating the flight controls 
of a small unmanned aircraft system 
must, upon request, allow the Adminis-
trator to make any test or inspection 
of the small unmanned aircraft system, 
the remote pilot in command, the per-
son manipulating the flight controls of 
a small unmanned aircraft system, 
and, if applicable, the visual observer 
to determine compliance with this 
part. 

(c) Any person holding an FAA-ac-

cepted declaration of compliance under 
subpart D of this part must, upon re-
quest, make available to the Adminis-
trator: 

(1) The declaration of compliance re-

quired under subpart D of this part; 
and 

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903 

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT 

§ 107.19 

(2) Any other document, record, or 

report required to be kept under the 
regulations of this chapter. 

(d) Any person holding an FAA-ac-

cepted declaration of compliance under 
subpart D of this part must, upon re-
quest, allow the Administrator to in-
spect its facilities, technical data, and 
any manufactured small UAS and wit-
ness any tests necessary to determine 
compliance with that subpart. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4381, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.9

Safety event reporting. 

No later than 10 calendar days after 

an operation that meets the criteria of 
either paragraph (a) or (b) of this sec-
tion, a remote pilot in command must 
report to the FAA, in a manner accept-
able to the Administrator, any oper-
ation of the small unmanned aircraft 
involving at least: 

(a) Serious injury to any person or 

any loss of consciousness; or 

(b) Damage to any property, other 

than the small unmanned aircraft, un-
less one of the following conditions is 
satisfied: 

(1) The cost of repair (including ma-

terials and labor) does not exceed $500; 
or 

(2) The fair market value of the prop-

erty does not exceed $500 in the event 
of total loss. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Docket 
No. FAA–2022–1355; Amdt. No. 107–10; 87 FR 
75846, Dec. 9 2022] 

Subpart B—Operating Rules 

§ 107.11

Applicability. 

This subpart applies to the operation 

of all civil small unmanned aircraft 
systems subject to this part. 

§ 107.12

Requirement for a remote 

pilot certificate with a small UAS 
rating. 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph 

(c) of this section, no person may ma-
nipulate the flight controls of a small 
unmanned aircraft system unless: 

(1) That person has a remote pilot 

certificate with a small UAS rating 
issued pursuant to subpart C of this 
part and satisfies the requirements of 
§ 107.65; or 

(2) That person is under the direct su-

pervision of a remote pilot in command 
and the remote pilot in command has 
the ability to immediately take direct 
control of the flight of the small un-
manned aircraft. 

(b) Except as provided in paragraph 

(c) of this section, no person may act 
as a remote pilot in command unless 
that person has a remote pilot certifi-
cate with a small UAS rating issued 
pursuant to Subpart C of this part and 
satisfies the requirements of § 107.65. 

(c) The Administrator may, con-

sistent with international standards, 
authorize an airman to operate a civil 
foreign-registered small unmanned air-
craft without an FAA-issued remote 
pilot certificate with a small UAS rat-
ing. 

§ 107.13

Registration. 

A person operating a civil small un-

manned aircraft system for purposes of 
flight must comply with the provisions 
of § 91.203(a)(2) of this chapter. 

§ 107.15

Condition for safe operation. 

(a) No person may operate a civil 

small unmanned aircraft system unless 
it is in a condition for safe operation. 
Prior to each flight, the remote pilot in 
command must check the small un-
manned aircraft system to determine 
whether it is in a condition for safe op-
eration. 

(b) No person may continue flight of 

the small unmanned aircraft when he 
or she knows or has reason to know 
that the small unmanned aircraft sys-
tem is no longer in a condition for safe 
operation. 

§ 107.17

Medical condition. 

No person may manipulate the flight 

controls of a small unmanned aircraft 
system or act as a remote pilot in com-
mand, visual observer, or direct partic-
ipant in the operation of the small un-
manned aircraft if he or she knows or 
has reason to know that he or she has 
a physical or mental condition that 
would interfere with the safe operation 
of the small unmanned aircraft system. 

§ 107.19

Remote pilot in command. 

(a) A remote pilot in command must 

be designated before or during the 
flight of the small unmanned aircraft. 

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14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 107.21 

(b) The remote pilot in command is 

directly responsible for and is the final 
authority as to the operation of the 
small unmanned aircraft system. 

(c) The remote pilot in command 

must ensure that the small unmanned 
aircraft will pose no undue hazard to 
other people, other aircraft, or other 
property in the event of a loss of con-
trol of the small unmanned aircraft for 
any reason. 

(d) The remote pilot in command 

must ensure that the small UAS oper-
ation complies with all applicable reg-
ulations of this chapter. 

(e) The remote pilot in command 

must have the ability to direct the 
small unmanned aircraft to ensure 
compliance with the applicable provi-
sions of this chapter. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.21

In-flight emergency. 

(a) In an in-flight emergency requir-

ing immediate action, the remote pilot 
in command may deviate from any rule 
of this part to the extent necessary to 
meet that emergency. 

(b) Each remote pilot in command 

who deviates from a rule under para-
graph (a) of this section must, upon re-
quest of the Administrator, send a 
written report of that deviation to the 
Administrator. 

§ 107.23

Hazardous operation. 

No person may: 
(a) Operate a small unmanned air-

craft system in a careless or reckless 
manner so as to endanger the life or 
property of another; or 

(b) Allow an object to be dropped 

from a small unmanned aircraft in a 
manner that creates an undue hazard 
to persons or property. 

§ 107.25

Operation from a moving vehi-

cle or aircraft. 

No person may operate a small un-

manned aircraft system— 

(a) From a moving aircraft; or 
(b) From a moving land or water- 

borne vehicle unless the small un-
manned aircraft is flown over a sparse-
ly populated area and is not trans-
porting another person’s property for 
compensation or hire. 

§ 107.27

Alcohol or drugs. 

A person manipulating the flight 

controls of a small unmanned aircraft 
system or acting as a remote pilot in 
command or visual observer must com-
ply with the provisions of §§ 91.17 and 
91.19 of this chapter. 

§ 107.29

Operation at night. 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph 

(d) of this section, no person may oper-
ate a small unmanned aircraft system 
at night unless— 

(1) The remote pilot in command of 

the small unmanned aircraft has com-
pleted an initial knowledge test or 
training, as applicable, under § 107.65 
after April 6, 2021; and 

(2) The small unmanned aircraft has 

lighted anti-collision lighting visible 
for at least 3 statute miles that has a 
flash rate sufficient to avoid a colli-
sion. The remote pilot in command 
may reduce the intensity of, but may 
not extinguish, the anti-collision light-
ing if he or she determines that, be-
cause of operating conditions, it would 
be in the interest of safety to do so. 

(b) No person may operate a small 

unmanned aircraft system during peri-
ods of civil twilight unless the small 
unmanned aircraft has lighted anti-col-
lision lighting visible for at least 3 
statute miles that has a flash rate suf-
ficient to avoid a collision. The remote 
pilot in command may reduce the in-
tensity of, but may not extinguish, the 
anti-collision lighting if he or she de-
termines that, because of operating 
conditions, it would be in the interest 
of safety to do so. 

(c) For purposes of paragraph (b) of 

this section, civil twilight refers to the 
following: 

(1) Except for Alaska, a period of 

time that begins 30 minutes before offi-
cial sunrise and ends at official sunrise; 

(2) Except for Alaska, a period of 

time that begins at official sunset and 
ends 30 minutes after official sunset; 
and 

(3) In Alaska, the period of civil twi-

light as defined in the Air Almanac. 

(d) After May 17, 2021, no person may 

operate a small unmanned aircraft sys-
tem at night in accordance with a cer-
tificate of waiver issued prior to April 
21, 2021 under § 107.200. The certificates 
of waiver issued prior to March 16, 2021 

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§ 107.41 

under § 107.200 that authorize deviation 
from § 107.29 terminate on May 17, 2021. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021; 86 FR 13631, 
Mar. 10, 2020] 

§ 107.31

Visual line of sight aircraft op-

eration. 

(a) With vision that is unaided by 

any device other than corrective 
lenses, the remote pilot in command, 
the visual observer (if one is used), and 
the person manipulating the flight con-
trol of the small unmanned aircraft 
system must be able to see the un-
manned aircraft throughout the entire 
flight in order to: 

(1) Know the unmanned aircraft’s lo-

cation; 

(2) Determine the unmanned air-

craft’s attitude, altitude, and direction 
of flight; 

(3) Observe the airspace for other air 

traffic or hazards; and 

(4) Determine that the unmanned air-

craft does not endanger the life or 
property of another. 

(b) Throughout the entire flight of 

the small unmanned aircraft, the abil-
ity described in paragraph (a) of this 
section must be exercised by either: 

(1) The remote pilot in command and 

the person manipulating the flight con-
trols of the small unmanned aircraft 
system; or 

(2) A visual observer. 

§ 107.33

Visual observer. 

If a visual observer is used during the 

aircraft operation, all of the following 
requirements must be met: 

(a) The remote pilot in command, the 

person manipulating the flight controls 
of the small unmanned aircraft system, 
and the visual observer must maintain 
effective communication with each 
other at all times. 

(b) The remote pilot in command 

must ensure that the visual observer is 
able to see the unmanned aircraft in 
the manner specified in § 107.31. 

(c) The remote pilot in command, the 

person manipulating the flight controls 
of the small unmanned aircraft system, 
and the visual observer must coordi-
nate to do the following: 

(1) Scan the airspace where the small 

unmanned aircraft is operating for any 
potential collision hazard; and 

(2) Maintain awareness of the posi-

tion of the small unmanned aircraft 
through direct visual observation. 

§ 107.35

Operation of multiple small 

unmanned aircraft. 

A person may not manipulate flight 

controls or act as a remote pilot in 
command or visual observer in the op-
eration of more than one unmanned 
aircraft at the same time. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.36

Carriage of hazardous mate-

rial. 

A small unmanned aircraft may not 

carry hazardous material. For purposes 
of this section, the term hazardous ma-
terial is defined in 49 CFR 171.8. 

§ 107.37

Operation near aircraft; right- 

of-way rules. 

(a) Each small unmanned aircraft 

must yield the right of way to all air-
craft, airborne vehicles, and launch and 
reentry vehicles. Yielding the right of 
way means that the small unmanned 
aircraft must give way to the aircraft 
or vehicle and may not pass over, 
under, or ahead of it unless well clear. 

(b) No person may operate a small 

unmanned aircraft so close to another 
aircraft as to create a collision hazard. 

§ 107.39

Operation over human beings. 

No person may operate a small un-

manned aircraft over a human being 
unless— 

(a) That human being is directly par-

ticipating in the operation of the small 
unmanned aircraft; 

(b) That human being is located 

under a covered structure or inside a 
stationary vehicle that can provide 
reasonable protection from a falling 
small unmanned aircraft; or 

(c) The operation meets the require-

ments of at least one of the operational 
categories specified in subpart D of this 
part. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.41

Operation in certain airspace. 

No person may operate a small un-

manned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or 

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14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 107.43 

Class D airspace or within the lateral 
boundaries of the surface area of Class 
E airspace designated for an airport 
unless that person has prior authoriza-
tion from Air Traffic Control (ATC). 

§ 107.43

Operation in the vicinity of 

airports. 

No person may operate a small un-

manned aircraft in a manner that 
interferes with operations and traffic 
patterns at any airport, heliport, or 
seaplane base. 

§ 107.45

Operation in prohibited or re-

stricted areas. 

No person may operate a small un-

manned aircraft in prohibited or re-
stricted areas unless that person has 
permission from the using or control-
ling agency, as appropriate. 

§ 107.47

Flight restrictions in the prox-

imity of certain areas designated by 
notice to airmen. 

A person acting as a remote pilot in 

command must comply with the provi-
sions of §§ 91.137 through 91.145 and 99.7 
of this chapter. 

§ 107.49

Preflight familiarization, in-

spection, and actions for aircraft 
operation. 

Prior to flight, the remote pilot in 

command must: 

(a) Assess the operating environ-

ment, considering risks to persons and 
property in the immediate vicinity 
both on the surface and in the air. This 
assessment must include: 

(1) Local weather conditions; 
(2) Local airspace and any flight re-

strictions; 

(3) The location of persons and prop-

erty on the surface; and 

(4) Other ground hazards. 
(b) Ensure that all persons directly 

participating in the small unmanned 
aircraft operation are informed about 
the operating conditions, emergency 
procedures, contingency procedures, 
roles and responsibilities, and potential 
hazards; 

(c) Ensure that all control links be-

tween ground control station and the 
small unmanned aircraft are working 
properly; 

(d) If the small unmanned aircraft is 

powered, ensure that there is enough 

available power for the small un-
manned aircraft system to operate for 
the intended operational time; 

(e) Ensure that any object attached 

or carried by the small unmanned air-
craft is secure and does not adversely 
affect the flight characteristics or con-
trollability of the aircraft; and 

(f) If the operation will be conducted 

over human beings under subpart D of 
this part, ensure that the aircraft 
meets the requirements of § 107.110, 
§ 107.120(a), § 107.130(a), or § 107.140, as 
applicable. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.51

Operating limitations for 

small unmanned aircraft. 

A remote pilot in command and the 

person manipulating the flight controls 
of the small unmanned aircraft system 
must comply with all of the following 
operating limitations when operating a 
small unmanned aircraft system: 

(a) The groundspeed of the small un-

manned aircraft may not exceed 87 
knots (100 miles per hour). 

(b) The altitude of the small un-

manned aircraft cannot be higher than 
400 feet above ground level, unless the 
small unmanned aircraft: 

(1) Is flown within a 400-foot radius of 

a structure; and 

(2) Does not fly higher than 400 feet 

above the structure’s immediate upper-
most limit. 

(c) The minimum flight visibility, as 

observed from the location of the con-
trol station must be no less than 3 stat-
ute miles. For purposes of this section, 
flight visibility means the average 
slant distance from the control station 
at which prominent unlighted objects 
may be seen and identified by day and 
prominent lighted objects may be seen 
and identified by night. 

(d) The minimum distance of the 

small unmanned aircraft from clouds 
must be no less than: 

(1) 500 feet below the cloud; and 
(2) 2,000 feet horizontally from the 

cloud. 

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§ 107.61 

Subpart C—Remote Pilot 

Certification 

§ 107.52

ATC transponder equipment 

prohibition. 

Unless otherwise authorized by the 

Administrator, no person may operate 
a small unmanned aircraft system 
under this part with a transponder on. 

[Amdt. No. 107–7, 86 FR 4513, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.53

Automatic Dependent Surveil-

lance-Broadcast (ADS–B) Out prohi-
bition. 

Unless otherwise authorized by the 

Administrator, no person may operate 
a small unmanned aircraft system 
under this part with ADS–B Out equip-
ment in transmit mode. 

[Amdt. No. 107–7, 86 FR 4513, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.56

Applicability. 

This subpart prescribes the require-

ments for issuing a remote pilot cer-
tificate with a small UAS rating. 

[ Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016. Redesignated by Amdt. 
No. 107–7, 86 FR 4513, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.57

Offenses involving alcohol or 

drugs. 

(a) A conviction for the violation of 

any Federal or State statute relating 
to the growing, processing, manufac-
ture, sale, disposition, possession, 
transportation, or importation of nar-
cotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant 
or stimulant drugs or substances is 
grounds for: 

(1) Denial of an application for a re-

mote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating for a period of up to 1 year 
after the date of final conviction; or 

(2) Suspension or revocation of a re-

mote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating. 

(b) Committing an act prohibited by 

§ 91.17(a) or § 91.19(a) of this chapter is 
grounds for: 

(1) Denial of an application for a re-

mote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating for a period of up to 1 year 
after the date of that act; or 

(2) Suspension or revocation of a re-

mote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating. 

§ 107.59

Refusal to submit to an alco-

hol test or to furnish test results. 

A refusal to submit to a test to indi-

cate the percentage by weight of alco-
hol in the blood, when requested by a 
law enforcement officer in accordance 
with § 91.17(c) of this chapter, or a re-
fusal to furnish or authorize the re-
lease of the test results requested by 
the Administrator in accordance with 
§ 91.17(c) or (d) of this chapter, is 
grounds for: 

(a) Denial of an application for a re-

mote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating for a period of up to 1 year 
after the date of that refusal; or 

(b) Suspension or revocation of a re-

mote pilot certificate with a small 
UAS rating. 

§ 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 per-
son 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 rea-
sons, the FAA may place such oper-
ating limitations on that applicant’s 
certificate as are necessary for the safe 
operation of the small unmanned air-
craft; 

(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 knowl-

edge 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 speci-
fied in § 107.74. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021] 

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14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 107.63 

§ 107.63

Issuance of a remote pilot cer-

tificate with a small UAS rating. 

An applicant for a remote pilot cer-

tificate with a small UAS rating under 
this subpart must make the applica-
tion in a form and manner acceptable 
to the Administrator. 

(a) The application must include ei-

ther: 

(1) Evidence showing that the appli-

cant passed an initial aeronautical 
knowledge test. If applying using a 
paper application, this evidence must 
be an airman knowledge test report 
showing passage of the knowledge test; 
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, a certificate of com-
pletion of an initial training course 
under this part that covers the areas of 
knowledge specified in § 107.74. 

(b) If the application is being made 

pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this sec-
tion: 

(1) The application must be sub-

mitted to the responsible Flight Stand-
ards office, a designated pilot exam-
iner, an airman certification represent-
ative for a pilot school, a certificated 
flight instructor, or other person au-
thorized by the Administrator; 

(2) The person accepting the applica-

tion submission must verify the iden-
tity of the applicant in a manner ac-
ceptable to the Administrator; and 

(3) The person making the applica-

tion must, by logbook endorsement or 
other manner acceptable to the Admin-
istrator, show the applicant meets the 
flight review requirements specified in 
§ 61.56 of this chapter. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Docket 
FAA–2018–0119, Amdt. 107–2, 83 FR 9172, Mar. 
5, 2018; Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 
2021]] 

§ 107.64

Temporary certificate. 

(a) A temporary remote pilot certifi-

cate with a small UAS rating is issued 
for up to 120 calendar days, at which 
time a permanent certificate will be 
issued to a person whom the Adminis-
trator finds qualified under this part. 

(b) A temporary remote pilot certifi-

cate with a small UAS rating expires: 

(1) On the expiration date shown on 

the certificate; 

(2) Upon receipt of the permanent 

certificate; or 

(3) Upon receipt of a notice that the 

certificate sought is denied or revoked. 

§ 107.65

Aeronautical knowledge 

recency. 

A person may not exercise the privi-

leges of a remote pilot in command 
with small UAS rating unless that per-
son has accomplished one of the fol-
lowing in a manner acceptable to the 
Administrator within the previous 24 
calendar months: 

(a) Passed an initial aeronautical 

knowledge test covering the areas of 
knowledge specified in § 107.73; 

(b) Completed recurrent training cov-

ering the areas of knowledge specified 
in § 107.73; or 

(c) If a person holds a pilot certifi-

cate (other than a student pilot certifi-
cate) issued under part 61 of this chap-
ter and meets the flight review require-
ments specified in § 61.56, completed 
training covering the areas of knowl-
edge specified in § 107.74. 

(d) A person who has passed a recur-

rent aeronautical knowledge test in a 
manner acceptable to the Adminis-
trator or who has satisfied the training 
requirement of paragraph (c) of this 
section prior to April 6, 2021 within the 
previous 24 calendar months is consid-
ered to be in compliance with the re-
quirement of paragraph (b) or (c) of 
this section, as applicable. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021; 86 
FR 13631, Mar. 10, 2021] 

§ 107.67

Knowledge tests: General pro-

cedures and passing grades. 

(a) Knowledge tests prescribed by or 

under this part are given by persons 
and in the manner designated by the 
Administrator. 

(b) An applicant for a knowledge test 

must have proper identification at the 
time of application that contains the 
applicant’s: 

(1) Photograph; 
(2) Signature; 

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§ 107.77 

(3) Date of birth, which shows the ap-

plicant meets or will meet the age re-
quirements of this part for the certifi-
cate and rating sought before the expi-
ration date of the airman knowledge 
test report; and 

(4) Permanent mailing address. If the 

applicant’s permanent mailing address 
is a post office box number, then the 
applicant must also provide a current 
residential address. 

(c) The minimum passing grade for 

the knowledge test will be specified by 
the Administrator. 

§ 107.69

Knowledge tests: Cheating or 

other unauthorized conduct. 

(a) An applicant for a knowledge test 

may not: 

(1) Copy or intentionally remove any 

knowledge test; 

(2) Give to another applicant or re-

ceive from another applicant any part 
or copy of a knowledge test; 

(3) Give or receive assistance on a 

knowledge test during the period that 
test is being given; 

(4) Take any part of a knowledge test 

on behalf of another person; 

(5) Be represented by, or represent, 

another person for a knowledge test; 

(6) Use any material or aid during the 

period that the test is being given, un-
less specifically authorized to do so by 
the Administrator; and 

(7) Intentionally cause, assist, or par-

ticipate in any act prohibited by this 
paragraph. 

(b) An applicant who the Adminis-

trator finds has committed an act pro-
hibited by paragraph (a) of this section 
is prohibited, for 1 year after the date 
of committing that act, from: 

(1) Applying for any certificate, rat-

ing, or authorization issued under this 
chapter; and 

(2) Applying for and taking any test 

under this chapter. 

(c) Any certificate or rating held by 

an applicant may be suspended or re-
voked if the Administrator finds that 
person has committed an act prohib-
ited by paragraph (a) of this section. 

§ 107.71

Retesting after failure. 

An applicant for a knowledge test 

who fails that test may not reapply for 
the test for 14 calendar days after fail-
ing the test. 

§ 107.73

Knowledge and training. 

An initial aeronautical knowledge 

test and recurrent training covers the 
following areas of knowledge: 

(a) Applicable regulations relating to 

small unmanned aircraft system rating 
privileges, limitations, and flight oper-
ation; 

(b) Airspace classification, operating 

requirements, and flight restrictions 
affecting small unmanned aircraft op-
eration; 

(c) Aviation weather sources and ef-

fects of weather on small unmanned 
aircraft performance; 

(d) Small unmanned aircraft loading; 
(e) Emergency procedures; 
(f) Crew resource management; 
(g) Radio communication procedures; 
(h) Determining the performance of 

the small unmanned aircraft; 

(i) Physiological effects of drugs and 

alcohol; 

(j) Aeronautical decision-making and 

judgment; 

(k) Airport operations; 
(l) Maintenance and preflight inspec-

tion procedures; and 

(m) Operation at night. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4383, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.74

Small unmanned aircraft sys-

tem training. 

Training for pilots who hold a pilot 

certificate (other than a student pilot 
certificate) issued under part 61 of this 
chapter and meet the flight review re-
quirements specified in § 61.56 covers 
the following areas of knowledge: 

(a) Applicable regulations relating to 

small unmanned aircraft system rating 
privileges, limitations, and flight oper-
ation; 

(b) Effects of weather on small un-

manned aircraft performance; 

(c) Small unmanned aircraft loading; 
(d) Emergency procedures; 
(e) Crew resource management; 
(f) Determining the performance of 

the small unmanned aircraft; 

(g) Maintenance and preflight inspec-

tion procedures; and 

(h) Operation at night. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4383, Jan. 15, 2021] 

§ 107.77

Change of name or address. 

(a) 

Change of name. An application to 

change the name on a certificate issued 

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§ 107.79 

under this subpart must be accom-
panied by the applicant’s: 

(1) Remote pilot certificate with 

small UAS rating; and 

(2) A copy of the marriage license, 

court order, or other document 
verifying the name change. 

(b) The documents in paragraph (a) of 

this section will be returned to the ap-
plicant after inspection. 

(c) 

Change of address. The holder of a 

remote pilot certificate with small 
UAS rating issued under this subpart 
who has made a change in permanent 
mailing address may not, after 30 days 
from that date, exercise the privileges 
of the certificate unless the holder has 
notified the FAA of the change in ad-
dress using one of the following meth-
ods: 

(1) By letter to the FAA Airman Cer-

tification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Okla-
homa City, OK 73125 providing the new 
permanent mailing address, or if the 
permanent mailing address includes a 
post office box number, then the hold-
er’s current residential address; or 

(2) By using the FAA Web site portal 

at 

www.faa.gov  providing the new per-

manent mailing address, or if the per-
manent mailing address includes a post 
office box number, then the holder’s 
current residential address. 

§ 107.79

Voluntary surrender of certifi-

cate. 

(a) The holder of a certificate issued 

under this subpart may voluntarily 
surrender it for cancellation. 

(b) Any request made under para-

graph (a) of this section must include 
the following signed statement or its 
equivalent: ‘‘I voluntarily surrender 
my remote pilot certificate with a 
small UAS rating for cancellation. This 
request is made for my own reasons, 
with full knowledge that my certifi-
cate will not be reissued to me unless I 
again complete the requirements speci-
fied in §§ 107.61 and 107.63.’’ 

Subpart D—Operations Over 

Human Beings 

S

OURCE

: Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 

15, 2021 

§ 107.100

Applicability. 

This subpart prescribes the eligi-

bility and operating requirements for 
civil small unmanned aircraft to oper-
ate over human beings or over moving 
vehicles in the United States, in addi-
tion to those operations permitted by 
§ 107.39(a) and (b). 

§ 107.105

Limitations on operations 

over human beings. 

Except as provided in §§ 107.39(a) and 

(b) and 107.145, a remote pilot in com-
mand may conduct operations over 
human beings only in accordance with 
the following, as applicable: § 107.110 for 
Category 1 operations; §§ 107.115 and 
107.120 for Category 2 operations; 
§§ 107.125 and 107.130 for Category 3 op-
erations; or § 107.140 for Category 4 op-
erations. 

§ 107.110

Category 1 operations. 

To conduct Category 1 operations— 
(a) A remote pilot in command must 

use a small unmanned aircraft that— 

(1) Weighs 0.55 pounds or less on 

takeoff and throughout the duration of 
each operation under Category 1, in-
cluding everything that is on board or 
otherwise attached to the aircraft; and 

(2) Does not contain any exposed ro-

tating parts that would lacerate 
human skin upon impact with a human 
being. 

(b) No remote pilot in command may 

operate a small unmanned aircraft in 
sustained flight over open-air assem-
blies of human beings unless the oper-
ation meets the requirements of either 
§ 89.110 or § 89.115(a) of this chapter. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021, as 
amended by 86 FR 62473, Nov. 10, 2021] 

§ 107.115

Category 2 operations: Oper-

ating requirements. 

To conduct Category 2 operations— 
(a) A remote pilot in command must 

use a small unmanned aircraft that— 

(1) Is eligible for Category 2 oper-

ations pursuant to § 107.120(a); 

(2) Is listed on an FAA-accepted dec-

laration of compliance as eligible for 
Category 2 operations in accordance 
with § 107.160; and 

(3) Is labeled as eligible to conduct 

Category 2 operations in accordance 
with § 107.120(b)(1). 

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§ 107.125 

(b) No remote pilot in command may 

operate a small unmanned aircraft in 
sustained flight over open-air assem-
blies of human beings unless the oper-
ation meets the requirements of either 
§ 89.110 or § 89.115(a) of this chapter. 

§ 107.120

Category 2 operations: Eligi-

bility of small unmanned aircraft 
and other applicant requirements. 

(a) To be eligible for use in Category 

2 operations, the small unmanned air-
craft must be designed, produced, or 
modified such that it— 

(1) Will not cause injury to a human 

being that is equivalent to or greater 
than the severity of injury caused by a 
transfer of 11 foot-pounds of kinetic en-
ergy upon impact from a rigid object; 

(2) Does not contain any exposed ro-

tating parts that would lacerate 
human skin upon impact with a human 
being; and 

(3) Does not contain any safety de-

fects. 

(b) The applicant for a declaration of 

compliance for a small unmanned air-
craft that is eligible for use in Cat-
egory 2 operations in accordance with 
paragraph (a) of this section, must 
meet all of the following requirements 
for the applicant’s unmanned aircraft 
to be used in Category 2 operations: 

(1) Display a label on the small un-

manned aircraft indicating eligibility 
to conduct Category 2 operations. The 
label must be in English and be legible, 
prominent, and permanently affixed to 
the small unmanned aircraft. 

(2) Have remote pilot operating in-

structions that apply to the operation 
of the small unmanned aircraft system. 
The applicant for a declaration of com-
pliance must make available these in-
structions upon sale or transfer of the 
aircraft or use of the aircraft by some-
one other than the applicant who sub-
mitted a declaration of compliance 
pursuant to § 107.160. Such instructions 
must address, at a minimum— 

(i) A system description that includes 

the required small unmanned aircraft 
system components, any system limi-
tations, and the declared category or 
categories of operation; 

(ii) Modifications that will not 

change the ability of the small un-
manned aircraft system to meet the re-
quirements for the category or cat-

egories of operation the small un-
manned aircraft system is eligible to 
conduct; and 

(iii) Instructions for how to verify 

and change the mode or configuration 
of the small unmanned aircraft system, 
if they are variable. 

(3) Maintain a product support and 

notification process. The applicant for 
a declaration of compliance must 
maintain product support and notifica-
tion procedures to notify the public 
and the FAA of— 

(i) Any defect or condition that 

causes the small unmanned aircraft to 
no longer meet the requirements of 
this subpart; and 

(ii) Any identified safety defect that 

causes the small unmanned aircraft to 
exceed a low probability of casualty. 

§ 107.125

Category 3 operations: Oper-

ating requirements. 

To conduct Category 3 operations, a 

remote pilot in command— 

(a) Must use a small unmanned air-

craft that— 

(1) Is eligible for Category 3 oper-

ations pursuant to § 107.130(a); 

(2) Is listed on an FAA-accepted dec-

laration of compliance as eligible for 
Category 3 operations in accordance 
with § 107.160; and 

(3) Is labeled as eligible for Category 

3 operations in accordance with 
§ 107.130(b)(1); 

(b) Must not operate the small un-

manned aircraft over open-air assem-
blies of human beings; and 

(c) May only operate the small un-

manned aircraft above any human 
being if operation meets one of the fol-
lowing conditions: 

(1) The operation is within or over a 

closed- or restricted-access site and all 
human beings located within the 
closed- or restricted-access site must 
be on notice that a small unmanned 
aircraft may fly over them; or 

(2) The small unmanned aircraft does 

not maintain sustained flight over any 
human being unless that human being 
is— 

(i) Directly participating in the oper-

ation of the small unmanned aircraft; 
or 

(ii) Located under a covered struc-

ture or inside a stationary vehicle that 

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§ 107.130 

can provide reasonable protection from 
a falling small unmanned aircraft. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021, as 
amended by 86 FR 62473, Nov. 10, 2021] 

§ 107.130

Category 3 operations: Eligi-

bility of small unmanned aircraft 
and other applicant requirements. 

(a) To be eligible for use in Category 

3 operations, the small unmanned air-
craft must be designed, produced, or 
modified such that it— 

(1) Will not cause injury to a human 

being that is equivalent to or greater 
than the severity of the injury caused 
by a transfer of 25 foot-pounds of ki-
netic energy upon impact from a rigid 
object; 

(2) Does not contain any exposed ro-

tating parts that would lacerate 
human skin upon impact with a human 
being; and 

(3) Does not contain any safety de-

fects. 

(b) The applicant for a declaration of 

compliance for a small unmanned air-
craft that is eligible for use in Cat-
egory 3 operations in accordance with 
paragraph (a) of this section, must 
meet all of the following requirements 
for the applicant’s small unmanned air-
craft to be used in Category 3 oper-
ations: 

(1) Display a label on the small un-

manned aircraft indicating eligibility 
to conduct Category 3 operations. The 
label must be in English and be legible, 
prominent, and permanently affixed to 
the small unmanned aircraft. 

(2) Have remote pilot operating in-

structions that apply to the operation 
of the small unmanned aircraft system. 
The applicant for a declaration of com-
pliance must make available these in-
structions upon sale or transfer of the 
aircraft or use of the aircraft by some-
one other than the applicant who sub-
mitted a declaration of compliance 
pursuant to § 107.160. Such instructions 
must address, at a minimum— 

(i) A system description that includes 

the required small unmanned aircraft 
system components, any system limi-
tations, and the declared category or 
categories of operation; 

(ii) Modifications that will not 

change the ability of the small un-
manned aircraft system to meet the re-
quirements for the category or cat-

egories of operation the small un-
manned aircraft system is eligible to 
conduct; and 

(iii) Instructions for how to verify 

and change the mode or configuration 
of the small unmanned aircraft system, 
if they are variable. 

(3) Maintain a product support and 

notification process. The applicant for 
a declaration of compliance must 
maintain product support and notifica-
tion procedures to notify the public 
and the FAA of— 

(i) Any defect or condition that 

causes the small unmanned aircraft to 
no longer meet the requirements of 
this subpart; and 

(ii) Any identified safety defect that 

causes the small unmanned aircraft to 
exceed a low probability of fatality. 

§ 107.135

Labeling by remote pilot in 

command for Category 2 and 3 op-
erations. 

If a Category 2 or Category 3 label af-

fixed to a small unmanned aircraft is 
damaged, destroyed, or missing, a re-
mote pilot in command must label the 
aircraft in English such that the label 
is legible, prominent, and will remain 
on the small unmanned aircraft for the 
duration of the operation before con-
ducting operations over human beings. 
The label must correctly identify the 
category or categories of operation 
over human beings that the small un-
manned aircraft is qualified to conduct 
in accordance with this subpart. 

§ 107.140

Category 4 operations. 

(a) 

Remote pilot in command require-

ments.  To conduct Category 4 oper-
ations— 

(1) A remote pilot in command— 
(i) Must use a small unmanned air-

craft that is eligible for Category 4 op-
erations pursuant to paragraph (b) of 
this section; and 

(ii) Must operate the small unmanned 

aircraft in accordance with all oper-
ating limitations that apply to the 
small unmanned aircraft, as specified 
by the Administrator. 

(2) No remote pilot in command may 

operate a small unmanned aircraft in 
sustained flight over open-air assem-
blies of human beings unless the oper-
ation meets the requirements of either 
§ 89.110 or § 89.115(a) of this chapter. 

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913 

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§ 107.140 

(b) 

Small unmanned aircraft require-

ments for Category 4. To be eligible to 
operate over human beings under this 
section, the small unmanned aircraft 
must— 

(1) Have an airworthiness certificate 

issued under part 21 of this chapter. 

(2) Be operated in accordance with 

the operating limitations specified in 
the approved Flight Manual or as oth-
erwise specified by the Administrator. 
The operating limitations must not 
prohibit operations over human beings. 

(3) Have maintenance, preventive 

maintenance, alterations, or inspec-
tions performed in accordance with 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section. 

(c) 

Maintenance requirements for Cat-

egory 4. The owner must (unless the 
owner enters into an agreement with 
an operator to meet the requirements 
of this paragraph (c), then the operator 
must) meet the requirements of this 
paragraph (c): 

(1) Ensure the person performing any 

maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
alterations, or inspections: 

(i) Uses the methods, techniques, and 

practices prescribed in the manufactur-
er’s current maintenance manual or In-
structions for Continued Airworthiness 
that are acceptable to the Adminis-
trator, or other methods, techniques, 
and practices acceptable to the Admin-
istrator; 

(ii) Has the knowledge, skill, and ap-

propriate equipment to perform the 
work; 

(iii) Performs the maintenance, pre-

ventive maintenance, or alterations on 
the small unmanned aircraft in a man-
ner using the methods, techniques, and 
practices prescribed in the manufactur-
er’s current maintenance manual or In-
structions for Continued Airworthiness 
prepared by its manufacturer, or other 
methods, techniques, and practices ac-
ceptable to the Administrator; 

(iv) Inspects the small unmanned air-

craft in accordance with the manufac-
turer’s instructions or other instruc-
tions acceptable to the Administrator; 
and 

(v) Performs the maintenance, pre-

ventive maintenance, or alterations 
using parts of such a quality that the 
condition of the aircraft will be at 
least equal to its original or properly 
altered condition. 

(2) Maintain all records of mainte-

nance, preventive maintenance, and al-
terations performed on the aircraft and 
ensure the records are documented in a 
manner acceptable to the Adminis-
trator. The records must contain the 
description of the work performed, the 
date the work was completed, and the 
name of the person who performed the 
work. 

(3) Maintain all records containing— 
(i) The status of life-limited parts 

that are installed on, or part of, the 
small unmanned aircraft; 

(ii) The inspection status of the air-

craft; and 

(iii) The status of applicable air-

worthiness directives including the 
method of compliance, the airworthi-
ness directive number, and revision 
date. If the airworthiness directive in-
volves recurring action, the record 
must contain the time and date of the 
next required action. 

(4) Retain the records required under 

paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section, 
as follows: 

(i) The records documenting mainte-

nance, preventive maintenance, or al-
terations performed must be retained 
for 1 year from when the work is com-
pleted or until the maintenance is re-
peated or superseded by other work. 

(ii) The records documenting the sta-

tus of life-limited parts, compliance 
with airworthiness directives, and in-
spection status of the small unmanned 
aircraft must be retained and trans-
ferred with the aircraft upon change in 
ownership. 

(5) Ensure all records under para-

graphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section are 
available for inspection upon request 
from the Administrator or any author-
ized representative of the National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). 

(d) 

Compliance with parts 43 and 91 of 

this chapter. Compliance with part 43 
and part 91, subpart E, of this chapter 
fulfills the requirements in paragraphs 
(b)(3) and (c) of this section. 

[Amdt. No. 107–8, 86 FR 4383, Jan. 15, 2021; 86 
FR 13633, Mar. 10, 2021] 

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914 

14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 107.145 

§ 107.145

Operations over moving vehi-

cles. 

No person may operate a small un-

manned aircraft over a human being lo-
cated inside a moving vehicle unless 
the following conditions are met: 

(a) The operation occurs in accord-

ance with § 107.110 for Category 1 oper-
ations; § 107.115 for Category 2 oper-
ations; § 107.125 for Category 3 oper-
ations; or § 107.140 for Category 4 oper-
ations. 

(b) For an operation under Category 

1, Category 2, or Category 3, the small 
unmanned aircraft, throughout the op-
eration— 

(1) Must remain within or over a 

closed- or restricted-access site, and all 
human beings located inside a moving 
vehicle within the closed- or restricted- 
access site must be on notice that a 
small unmanned aircraft may fly over 
them; or 

(2) Must not maintain sustained 

flight over moving vehicles. 

(c) For a Category 4 operation, the 

small unmanned aircraft must— 

(1) Have an airworthiness certificate 

issued under part 21 of this chapter. 

(2) Be operated in accordance with 

the operating limitations specified in 
the approved Flight Manual or as oth-
erwise specified by the Administrator. 
The operating limitations must not 
prohibit operations over human beings 
located inside moving vehicles. 

§ 107.150

Variable mode and variable 

configuration of small unmanned 
aircraft systems. 

A small unmanned aircraft system 

may be eligible for one or more cat-
egories of operation over human beings 
under this subpart, as long as a remote 
pilot in command cannot inadvertently 
switch between modes or configura-
tions. 

§ 107.155

Means of compliance. 

(a) 

Establishment of compliance. To 

meet the requirements of § 107.120(a) for 
operations in Category 2, or the re-
quirements of § 107.130(a) for operations 
in Category 3, the means of compliance 
must consist of test, analysis, or in-
spection. 

(b) 

Required information. An applicant 

requesting FAA acceptance of a means 
of compliance must submit the fol-

lowing information to the FAA in a 
manner specified by the Administrator: 

(1) 

Procedures. Detailed description of 

the means of compliance, including ap-
plicable test, analysis, or inspection 
procedures to demonstrate how the 
small unmanned aircraft meets the re-
quirements of § 107.120(a) for operations 
in Category 2 or the requirements of 
§ 107.130(a) for operations in Category 3. 
The description should include condi-
tions, environments, and methods, as 
applicable. 

(2) 

Compliance explanation. Expla-

nation of how application of the means 
of compliance fulfills the requirements 
of § 107.120(a) for operations in Category 
2 or the requirements of § 107.130(a) for 
operations in Category 3. 

(c) 

FAA acceptance. If the FAA deter-

mines the applicant has demonstrated 
compliance with paragraphs (a) and (b) 
of this section, it will notify the appli-
cant that it has accepted the means of 
compliance. 

(d) 

Rescission.  (1) A means of compli-

ance is subject to ongoing review by 
the Administrator. The Administrator 
may rescind its acceptance of a means 
of compliance if the Administrator de-
termines that a means of compliance 
does not meet any or all of the require-
ments of this subpart. 

(2) The Administrator will publish a 

notice of rescission in the F

EDERAL

 

R

EGISTER

(e) 

Inapplicability of part 13, subpart D, 

of this chapter. Part 13, subpart D, of 
this chapter does not apply to the pro-
cedures of paragraph (a) of this section. 

§ 107.160

Declaration of compliance. 

(a) 

Required information. In order for 

an applicant to declare a small un-
manned aircraft is compliant with the 
requirements of this subpart for Cat-
egory 2 or Category 3 operations, an 
applicant must submit a declaration of 
compliance for acceptance by the FAA, 
in a manner specified by the Adminis-
trator, that includes the following in-
formation: 

(1) Applicant’s name; 
(2) Applicant’s physical address; 
(3) Applicant’s email address; 
(4) The small unmanned aircraft 

make and model name, and series, if 
applicable; 

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§ 107.160 

(5) The small unmanned aircraft se-

rial number or range of serial numbers 
that are the subject of the declaration 
of compliance; 

(6) Whether the declaration of com-

pliance is an initial declaration or an 
amended declaration; 

(7) If the declaration of compliance is 

an amended declaration, the reason for 
the re-submittal; 

(8) The accepted means of compliance 

the applicant used to fulfill require-
ments of § 107.120(a) or § 107.130(a) or 
both; 

(9) A declaration that the applicant— 
(i) Has demonstrated that the small 

unmanned aircraft, or specific configu-
rations of that aircraft, satisfies 
§ 107.120(a) or § 107.130(a) or both, 
through the accepted means of compli-
ance identified in paragraph (a)(8) of 
this section; 

(ii) Has verified that the unmanned 

aircraft does not contain any safety de-
fects; 

(iii) Has satisfied § 107.120(b)(3) or 

§ 107.130(b)(3), or both; and 

(iv) Will, upon request, allow the Ad-

ministrator to inspect its facilities, 
technical data, and any manufactured 
small unmanned aircraft and witness 
any tests necessary to determine com-
pliance with this subpart; and 

(10) Other information as required by 

the Administrator. 

(b) 

FAA acceptance. If the FAA deter-

mines the applicant has demonstrated 
compliance with the requirements of 
this subpart, it will notify the appli-
cant that it has accepted the declara-
tion of compliance. 

(c) 

Notification of a safety issue. Prior 

to initiating rescission proceedings 
pursuant to paragraphs (d)(1) through 
(3) of this section, the FAA will notify 
the applicant if a safety issue has been 
identified for the declaration of com-
pliance. 

(d) 

Rescission. (1) No person may oper-

ate a small unmanned aircraft identi-
fied on a declaration of compliance 
that the FAA has rescinded pursuant 
to this subpart while that declaration 
of compliance is rescinded. 

(2) The FAA may rescind a declara-

tion of compliance if any of the fol-
lowing conditions occur: 

(i) A small unmanned aircraft for 

which a declaration of compliance was 

accepted no longer complies with 
§ 107.120(a) or § 107.130(a); 

(ii) The FAA finds a declaration of 

compliance is in violation of § 107.5(a); 
or 

(iii) The Administrator determines 

an emergency exists related to safety 
in accordance with the authority in 49 
U.S.C. 46105. 

(3) If a safety issue identified under 

paragraph (c) of this section has not 
been resolved, the FAA may rescind 
the declaration of compliance as fol-
lows: 

(i) The FAA will issue a notice pro-

posing to rescind the declaration of 
compliance. The notice will set forth 
the Agency’s basis for the proposed re-
scission and provide the holder of the 
declaration of compliance with 30 cal-
endar days from the date of issuance of 
the proposed notice to submit evi-
dentiary information to refute the pro-
posed notice. 

(ii) The holder of the declaration of 

compliance must submit information 
demonstrating how the small un-
manned aircraft meets the require-
ments of this subpart within 30 cal-
endar days from the date of issuance of 
the proposed notice. 

(iii) If the FAA does not receive the 

information required by paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii) of this section within 30 cal-
endar days from the date of the 
issuance of the proposed notice, the 
FAA will issue a notice rescinding the 
declaration of compliance. 

(4) If the Administrator determines 

that an emergency exists in accordance 
with paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this sec-
tion, the FAA will exercise its author-
ity under 49 U.S.C. 46105(c) to issue an 
order rescinding a declaration of com-
pliance without initiating the process 
in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. 

(e) 

Petition to reconsider the rescission 

of a declaration of compliance. A person 
subject to an order of rescission under 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section may pe-
tition the FAA to reconsider the rescis-
sion of a declaration of compliance by 
submitting a request to the FAA in a 
manner specified by the Administrator 
within 60 days of the date of issuance 
of the rescission. 

(1) A petition to reconsider the re-

scission of a declaration of compliance 

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916 

14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–24 Edition) 

§ 107.165 

must demonstrate at least one of the 
following: 

(i) A material fact that was not 

present in the original response to the 
notification of the safety issue and an 
explanation for why it was not present 
in the original response; 

(ii) The FAA made a material factual 

error in the decision to rescind the dec-
laration of compliance; or 

(iii) The FAA did not correctly inter-

pret a law, regulation, or precedent. 

(2) Upon consideration of the infor-

mation submitted under paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section, the FAA will issue 
a notice either affirming the rescission 
or withdrawing the rescission. 

(f) 

Inapplicability of part 13, subpart D, 

of this chapter. Part 13, subpart D, of 
this chapter does not apply to the pro-
cedures of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this 
section. 

§ 107.165

Record retention. 

(a) A person who submits a declara-

tion of compliance under this subpart 
must retain and make available to the 
Administrator, upon request, the infor-
mation described in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section for the period of time de-
scribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this sec-
tion. 

(1) All supporting information used 

to demonstrate the small unmanned 
aircraft meets the requirements of 
§§ 107.120(a), for operations in Category 
2, and 107.130(a), for operations in Cat-
egory 3. 

(2) The following time periods apply: 
(i) If the person who submits a dec-

laration of compliance produces a 
small unmanned aircraft, that person 
must retain the information described 
in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for 
two years after the cessation of produc-
tion of the small unmanned aircraft 
system for which the person declared 
compliance. 

(ii) If the person who submits a dec-

laration of compliance designs or modi-
fies a small unmanned aircraft, that 
person must retain the information de-
scribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this sec-
tion for two years after the person sub-
mitted the declaration of compliance. 

(b) A person who submits a means of 

compliance under this subpart must re-
tain and make available to the Admin-
istrator, upon request, and for as long 

as the means of compliance remains 
accepted, the detailed description of 
the means of compliance and justifica-
tion showing how the means of compli-
ance meets the requirements of 
§§ 107.120(a), for operations in Category 
2, and 107.130(a), for operations in Cat-
egory 3. 

Subpart E—Waivers 

§ 107.200

Waiver policy and require-

ments. 

(a) The Administrator may issue a 

certificate of waiver authorizing a de-
viation from any regulation specified 
in § 107.205 if the Administrator finds 
that a proposed small UAS operation 
can safely be conducted under the 
terms of that certificate of waiver. 

(b) A request for a certificate of waiv-

er must contain a complete description 
of the proposed operation and justifica-
tion that establishes that the oper-
ation can safely be conducted under 
the terms of a certificate of waiver. 

(c) The Administrator may prescribe 

additional limitations that the Admin-
istrator considers necessary. 

(d) A person who receives a certifi-

cate of waiver issued under this sec-
tion: 

(1) May deviate from the regulations 

of this part to the extent specified in 
the certificate of waiver; and 

(2) Must comply with any conditions 

or limitations that are specified in the 
certificate of waiver. 

§ 107.205

List of regulations subject to 

waiver. 

A certificate of waiver issued pursu-

ant to § 107.200 may authorize a devi-
ation from the following regulations of 
this part: 

(a) Section 107.25—Operation from a 

moving vehicle or aircraft. However, no 
waiver of this provision will be issued 
to allow the carriage of property of an-
other by aircraft for compensation or 
hire. 

(b) Section 107.29(a)(2) and (b)—Anti- 

collision light required for operations 
at night and during periods of civil twi-
light. 

(c) Section 107.31—Visual line of sight 

aircraft operation. However, no waiver 
of this provision will be issued to allow 

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§ 107.205 

the carriage of property of another by 
aircraft for compensation or hire. 

(d) Section 107.33—Visual observer. 
(e) Section 107.35—Operation of mul-

tiple small unmanned aircraft systems. 

(f) Section 107.37(a)—Yielding the 

right of way. 

(g) Section 107.39—Operation over 

people. 

(h) Section 107.41—Operation in cer-

tain airspace. 

(i) Section 107.51—Operating limita-

tions for small unmanned aircraft. 

(j) Section 107.145—Operations over 

moving vehicles. 

[Docket FAA–2015–0150, Amdt. 107–1, 81 FR 
42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. No. 
107–8, 86 FR 4387, Jan. 15, 2021] 

PARTS 108–109 

[

RESERVED

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