Part 107 has clear rules. Stay below 400 feet. Keep the drone in sight. Do not fly over moving traffic. But sometimes your job requires you to break one of those rules. That is what a Part 107 waiver is for.
A waiver is formal FAA permission to operate outside standard Part 107 limits. You apply, explain how you will keep things safe, and wait for a decision. This guide covers which operations need a waiver, how to apply, and how to improve your odds of getting approved.
What Operations Require a Waiver
You need a waiver any time you want to operate outside the standard Part 107 rules. The most common waiver types are:
| Operation | Section Waived | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Flying over people (Category 4+) | 107.39 | Moderate |
| Operations from a moving vehicle | 107.25 | High |
| Flying above 400 ft AGL | 107.51 | Moderate |
| Beyond visual line of sight (limited) | 107.31 | Low |
| Multiple drones by one pilot | 107.35 | Low |
Note: Night flying no longer requires a waiver as of 2021. You just need anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles and updated training.
How to Apply for a Part 107 Waiver
- 1Go to the FAA DroneZone portal. Log in with the same account you used for your Part 107 certificate.
- 2Select "Part 107 Waiver" and pick the rule(s) you need waived. You can request waivers for multiple sections in one application.
- 3Write your safety case. This is the most important part. Explain exactly how you will keep the operation safe. Include your procedures, equipment, pilot qualifications, and risk mitigations.
- 4Submit and wait. The FAA says to allow up to 90 days for a response. Some waivers come back in 30 days. Complex ones can take 6 months or more.
Tips to Improve Your Approval Odds
- Be specific.Do not say "we will be safe." Describe exactly what steps you will take, what equipment you will use, and what backup plans you have.
- Include a risk assessment. List each risk and your mitigation for it. The FAA wants to see that you thought through failure modes.
- Reference your flight hours. Pilots with logged flight experience have stronger applications. More hours show the FAA you are experienced.
- Start simple. If you need a BVLOS waiver, start with a small area and limited altitude. Once you have an approved waiver on your record, it is easier to expand the scope later.
Waiver vs. Airspace Authorization
A waiver lets you break a Part 107 rule (like altitude or visual line of sight). Airspace authorization lets you fly in controlled airspace (like Class B, C, or D). They are two different things. You might need both for the same job.
For example, if you need to fly at 500 feet near an airport, you would need an altitude waiver and airspace authorization for that location.
How Long Does a Waiver Last?
Most waivers are valid for up to four years. Some are issued for a specific date range or location. The waiver document will list the exact terms, area, altitude, and expiration date.
You must carry a copy of your waiver (digital counts) any time you operate under it. If an FAA inspector asks, you need to show it on the spot.
DroneLog107 stores your waivers, authorizations, and certificates in one place so you can pull them up instantly. Start tracking free.
The Bottom Line
A Part 107 waiver is your path to doing work that the standard rules do not allow. Write a strong safety case, be specific about your mitigations, and apply at least 90 days before you need it. The process is free. The approval rate depends entirely on how well you explain your plan.
Need a refresher on the standard rules first? Read our FAA Part 107 rules guide. Want to fly at night without a waiver? See our night flying rules guide.