FAA Part 107: A Practical Starting Guide

For people exploring commercial or other non-recreational small-drone operations in the United States. Official requirements can change; this guide is educational and is not legal advice.

For many small unmanned aircraft operations conducted for work or business, the FAA’s Small UAS Rule, known as Part 107, is the relevant starting point. Whether Part 107 applies depends on the operation. Review the FAA’s current rules before deciding which requirements apply to your flight.

1. Confirm which rules apply

Do not assume that buying a course or passing an exam automatically authorizes every flight. Airspace, aircraft registration, Remote ID, operating limitations, waivers and other requirements may apply depending on the aircraft and planned operation.

FAA: Certificated Remote Pilots and Commercial Operators

2. Understand the initial certificate path

The FAA says first-time applicants for a Remote Pilot Certificate generally must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write and understand English, and physically and mentally able to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft. Applicants generally pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) aeronautical knowledge test and complete the FAA application process. Some current Part 61 certificate holders have a different training path.

Check the current FAA process and your specific eligibility before scheduling a test:

• FAA: Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
• FAA: Airman Testing resources
• FAA: Part 107 waivers and operating limitations

3. Choose training based on the gap you need to close

Compare course scope, currentness, teaching approach, practice questions, instructor access, refund terms and total cost. A course provider may help you prepare, but course completion itself is not an FAA-issued Remote Pilot Certificate.

• If you need structured study, compare lessons, progress tracking and explanations of missed questions.
• If you struggle with airspace charts, weather or regulations, look for detailed worked examples and opportunities to ask questions.
• If your goal also requires practical flight skills, plan separate safe practice and instruction appropriate to the operation.

4. Verify the information before acting

Check the official FAA pages for the latest application steps, knowledge-test details, recurrent training, registration, Remote ID and airspace authorization requirements. Do not rely on a third-party article alone for regulatory decisions.

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Use DroneClasses to compare currently published options. Availability depends on the active public directory; this page does not imply that a particular course or instructor is available.

Reviewed against official FAA pages on October 17, 2026. Recheck the primary sources before relying on this information.