Everything you need to know about staying current as a Part 107 drone pilot. Recurrency tests, UAS registration, Remote ID, and waivers.
Your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is good for 24 months. Before it expires, you must pass a recurrency knowledge test. If you don't, you can't fly commercially until you pass.
The FAA lets you take the recurrency test online through faasafety.gov. It is free. You can also take it in person at a CATS testing center, but most pilots do it online. The online version has no time limit and you can use study materials.
Your recurrency clock resets every time you pass the test. Pass it today, and your next deadline is 24 months from now. The FAA does not send reminders. It is on you to know when yours is due.
Tip: DroneLog107 tracks your recurrency date and sends reminders at 30 and 7 days before your deadline. Pro users get six reminders starting at 90 days out.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cycle | Every 24 months |
| Cost | Free (online at faasafety.gov) |
| Format | Online (free) or in-person at CATS testing center |
| Topics | Airspace, weather, regulations, loading, performance |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
Every drone that weighs 0.55 lbs (250g) or more must be registered with the FAA. This applies to both commercial and recreational pilots. Each drone gets its own registration number.
Go to faadronezone.faa.gov. Create an account, add your drone, and pay $5. You get a registration number. Put that number on your drone. Done.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Registration Period | 3 years per drone |
| Cost | $5 per drone |
| Weight Threshold | 0.55 lbs (250g) or more |
| Where | faadronezone.faa.gov |
Remote ID is like a digital license plate for your drone. While flying, your drone broadcasts its location, altitude, speed, and your takeoff point. The FAA requires it for most drone flights.
Most new drones have Standard Remote ID built in. If yours does not, you can add a Remote ID broadcast module. The third option is to fly only in FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs), but those are limited.
Part 107 has rules about where and how you can fly. If you need to go beyond those rules, you can apply for a waiver from the FAA. Here are the most common ones.
Fly over people who are not directly part of your operation. Some newer drones qualify without a waiver under updated Part 107 rules.
Since 2021, night flight is allowed under Part 107 with anti-collision lighting. A waiver is no longer needed for most night ops.
Fly farther than you can see. This waiver is hard to get but becoming more common for infrastructure inspection and delivery operations.
Fly over cars, trucks, or other moving vehicles on roads. Required for many commercial mapping and media jobs.
DroneLog107 tracks your recurrency deadline and sends reminders so you never miss it. Free for one certificate.
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