Academy / Drone Piloting: Advanced Techniques

Drone Regulations: Understanding Legal Challenges and Certifications

Drone Regulations in the European Union

Regulatory Body: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Part 107 Certification

For commercial drone operations in the U.S., pilots are required to obtain a Part 107 certification from the FAA.

Key Requirements for Part 107 Certification:

  1. Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old.
  2. Pass a Knowledge Test: You need to pass a written exam covering topics such as:
    • Airspace classifications
    • Weather effects on drones
    • Flight safety protocols
    • Emergency procedures
  3. Maintain Line of Sight: You must keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times unless you have a waiver for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
  4. Weight Limit: Drones must weigh less than 55 lbs (25 kg).
  5. Operational Restrictions:
    • Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
    • No flying over people, unless you have specific FAA authorization.
    • Daylight operations only, unless a waiver for night flights is granted.
  6. Renewal: Part 107 certification requires recertification every 24 months.

Example:

If you’re a professional photographer using drones to capture real estate or film projects, Part 107 certification allows you to operate legally in U.S. airspace and charge for your services.