Part 107 Night Flying Rules: What Changed and What You Need (2026)

Before April 2021, Part 107 pilots needed an FAA waiver to fly at night. That changed when the FAA published the Operations Over People rule. Now you can fly at night without a waiver, but you still need the right equipment and training.

Here is what the 2026 night flying rules actually require and the mistakes that still get pilots in trouble.

What Changed in 2021 (and Still Applies in 2026)

The FAA dropped the night waiver requirement on April 21, 2021. In its place, the FAA added two requirements that every Part 107 pilot must meet before flying at night:

• 1Anti-collision lights. Your drone must have a flashing anti-collision light visible for at least 3 statute miles. This is not optional. The light must be on during the entire flight, not just at takeoff and landing.
• 2Updated knowledge or training. If you got your Part 107 certificate before April 6, 2021, you need to complete updated recurrent training or pass the recurrent knowledge test. If you got your certificate after that date, the night flying material was part of your initial test.

Anti-Collision Light Requirements

The light must flash. Solid lights do not count. And it must be visible for 3 statute miles in clear weather. Most strobe lights made for drones meet this standard. Look for lights that specify FAA Part 107 compliance.

Popular options include the Lume Cube Strobe, Firehouse Technology Arc II, and FoxFury D3060. Prices range from $25 to $80. Mount the light on top of the drone where it has a clear 360-degree view.

Built-in lights on DJI drones (like the Mavic 3 series) are not guaranteed to meet the 3-statute-mile requirement. Check the specs or add an external strobe to be safe.

What Counts as "Night"?

The FAA defines "civil twilight" as the period when the sun is no more than 6 degrees below the horizon. You can fly during civil twilight without the anti-collision light (though it is still a good idea to use it). Once civil twilight ends and true night begins, the light is required.

Use a civil twilight calculator or an aviation weather app to find exact times for your location. Times change daily and vary by latitude.

Common Night Flying Mistakes

• Using a solid light instead of a strobe. The FAA requires a flashing light. Solid LEDs on the drone arms do not count.
• Not updating training. If you have not done recurrent training since April 2021, you are not legal to fly at night. Complete the free online training on faasafety.gov.
• Losing orientation. At night, it is much harder to tell which way the drone is facing. Use the camera feed, set up orientation lights (different colors for front and back), and stay closer than you would during the day.
• Ignoring obstacles. Trees, power lines, and buildings are harder to see at night. Scout your flight area during daylight first. Mark hazards on your map.

Night Flying Tips for Better Results

• Scout the area during daylight. Note every obstacle, wire, and tree.
• Fly lower and slower than you would during the day.
• Keep a visual observer if possible. Two sets of eyes help at night.
• Set up a well-lit takeoff and landing pad.
• Charge extra for night work. It takes more planning and carries more risk.

The Bottom Line

You do not need a waiver to fly at night anymore. But you do need a flashing anti-collision light visible for 3 statute miles and updated training. Scout your area in daylight, fly conservatively, and log your night hours. It is a valuable skill that many clients pay extra for.

For the full set of Part 107 rules, read our FAA Part 107 rules guide. Need to fly over people at night? See our flying over people guide.