Every claim below was retrieved from its source, independently re-checked, and stamped with the date we last verified it. The short quote and the pinpoint reference let you check any claim against your own copy — that is the point.
Nobody may command a small-drone flight under this part without holding the certificate and its rating.
“no person may act as a remote pilot in command unless that person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating”
An uncertificated person may fly the aircraft only under a certificated pilot who can take the controls at once.
“no person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system unless: (1) That person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of § 107.65; or (2) That person is under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control”
The certificate has a floor of sixteen years of age, and the applicant must read, speak, write and understand English.
“in order to be eligible for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating under this subpart, a person must: (a) Be at least 16 years of age; (b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.”
There are two ways in: pass the knowledge test, or hold a current part 61 pilot certificate and complete the training.
“Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by satisfying one of the following conditions, in a manner acceptable to the Administrator: (1) Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73; or (2) If a person holds a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56, complete training”
The certificate does not expire, but the knowledge behind it must be refreshed inside 24 calendar months.
“A person may not exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command with small UAS rating unless that person has accomplished one of the following in a manner acceptable to the Administrator within the previous 24 calendar months”
Recurrent training, not a second exam, is what keeps the privileges current.
“Completed recurrent training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73”
A failed knowledge test locks you out of a retake for 14 calendar days.
“An applicant for a knowledge test who fails that test may not reapply for the test for 14 calendar days after failing the test.”
The first certificate is temporary and runs up to 120 calendar days before the permanent one arrives.
“A temporary remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating is issued for up to 120 calendar days, at which time a permanent certificate will be issued”
Identification is checked at the testing centre, not afterwards.
“An applicant for a knowledge test must have proper identification at the time of application”
The regulation names the syllabus itself, beginning with regulations, airspace, weather, loading and emergencies.
“An initial aeronautical knowledge test and recurrent training covers the following areas of knowledge: (a) Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation; (b) Airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation; (c) Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance; (d) Small unmanned aircraft loading; (e) Emergency procedures”
This part does not spell the requirement out — it defers to section 91.203(a)(2).
“A person operating a civil small unmanned aircraft system for purposes of flight must comply with the provisions of § 91.203(a)(2)”
The knowledge test runs to 60 questions.
“Total Number of Questions 60”
You get up to two hours for the paper.
“The knowledge test applicant has up to two hours to complete the test.”
The pass mark is 70%.
“Achieving a score of 70% or better is required to be considered as satisfactory for passing the certification knowledge test for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating.”
Every question is multiple choice with exactly one right answer.
“The certification knowledge test consists of objective, multiple-choice questions. There is a single correct response for each test question.”
The FAA publishes ranges rather than fixed weights, and Operations is given the widest band at 35-45%.
“I. Regulations 15-25% II. Airspace & Requirements 15-25% III. Weather 11-16% IV. Loading & Performance 7-11% V. Operations 35-45%”
You may sit the knowledge test from the age of 14.
“In order for an applicant to take the certification knowledge test, they must be at least 14 years of age”
A passing test report is good for 24 calendar months when you apply.
“the AKTR with passing results is valid for 24 calendar”
Two hard numbers bound every flight: 87 knots of groundspeed and 400 feet above ground level.
“The groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots (100 miles per hour). (b) The altitude of the small unmanned aircraft cannot be higher than 400 feet above ground level”
The ceiling rises near a tall structure: within 400 feet of it you may go 400 feet above its top.
“Is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and (2) Does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.”
Visibility is measured from where you stand, and 3 statute miles is the floor.
“The minimum flight visibility, as observed from the location of the control station must be no less than 3 statute miles.”
Cloud clearance is 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally.
“The minimum distance of the small unmanned aircraft from clouds must be no less than: (1) 500 feet below the cloud; and (2) 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud.”
The aircraft must stay visible to the naked eye for the whole flight; corrective lenses are the only aid allowed.
“With vision that is unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, the remote pilot in command, the visual observer (if one is used), and the person manipulating the flight control of the small unmanned aircraft system must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight”
Night flight is allowed, with two conditions: recent-enough training, and anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.
“no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system at night unless— (1) The remote pilot in command of the small unmanned aircraft has completed an initial knowledge test or training, as applicable, under § 107.65 after April 6, 2021; and (2) The small unmanned aircraft has lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles”
You may not fly from a moving aircraft at all, and from a moving vehicle only over a sparsely populated area.
“No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system— (a) From a moving aircraft; or (b) From a moving land or water-borne vehicle unless the small unmanned aircraft is flown over a sparsely populated area”
One person, one aircraft — the rule bars flying, commanding or observing two at once.
“A person may not manipulate flight controls or act as a remote pilot in command or visual observer in the operation of more than one unmanned aircraft at the same time.”
Right of way never belongs to the drone: it gives way to each class of craft the rule names.
“Each small unmanned aircraft must yield the right of way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch and reentry vehicles.”
Controlled airspace around airports needs prior authorisation from Air Traffic Control.
“No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC).”
A small drone may not carry hazardous material.
“A small unmanned aircraft may not carry hazardous material.”
Careless or reckless operation is prohibited, and so is dropping an object in a way that creates an undue hazard.
“No person may: (a) Operate a small unmanned aircraft system in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another; or (b) Allow an object to be dropped from a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that creates an undue hazard”
The remote pilot in command carries the responsibility and the final say.
“The remote pilot in command is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small unmanned aircraft system.”
An in-flight emergency lets you break any rule of this part as far as the emergency requires, and the FAA may ask for a written report.
“In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the remote pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent necessary to meet that emergency. (b) Each remote pilot in command who deviates from a rule under paragraph (a) of this section must, upon request of the Administrator, send a written report”
The preflight assessment is named in the rule: weather, airspace and restrictions, people and property below, and other ground hazards.
“Prior to flight, the remote pilot in command must: (a) Assess the operating environment, considering risks to persons and property in the immediate vicinity both on the surface and in the air. This assessment must include: (1) Local weather conditions; (2) Local airspace and any flight restrictions; (3) The location of persons and property on the surface; and (4) Other ground hazards.”
Every flight begins with a check that the aircraft is fit to fly.
“No person may operate a civil small unmanned aircraft system unless it is in a condition for safe operation. Prior to each flight, the remote pilot in command must check the small unmanned aircraft system to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation.”
Some events must be reported to the FAA within 10 calendar days.
“No later than 10 calendar days after an operation that meets the criteria of either paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, a remote pilot in command must report to the FAA”
The reportable events are serious injury or loss of consciousness, and property damage above a $500 threshold.
“Serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness; or (b) Damage to any property, other than the small unmanned aircraft, unless one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) The cost of repair (including materials and labor) does not exceed $500; or (2) The fair market value of the property does not exceed $500”
A waiver can authorise a deviation, but only from the regulations section 107.205 enumerates.
“The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing a deviation from any regulation specified in § 107.205 if the Administrator finds that a proposed small UAS operation can safely be conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.”
The waivable rules are enumerated by section, and 107.25 is the first one listed.
“A certificate of waiver issued pursuant to § 107.200 may authorize a deviation from the following regulations of this part: (a) Section 107.25—Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft.”
Flying over someone inside a moving vehicle is barred unless specific conditions are met.
“No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft over a human being located inside a moving vehicle unless the following conditions are met”
Flight over people runs through four numbered categories, each with its own rule.
“a remote pilot in command may conduct operations over human beings only in accordance with the following, as applicable: § 107.110 for Category 1 operations; §§ 107.115 and 107.120 for Category 2 operations; §§ 107.125 and 107.130 for Category 3 operations; or § 107.140 for Category 4 operations.”
No medical certificate is required, but a condition of body or mind that would make the flight unsafe grounds anyone taking direct part in it.
“No person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system or act as a remote pilot in command, visual observer, or direct participant in the operation of the small unmanned aircraft if he or she knows or has reason to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation”
When a visual observer is used, the crew must stay in effective communication throughout.
“The remote pilot in command, the person manipulating the flight controls of the small unmanned aircraft system, and the visual observer must maintain effective communication with each other at all times.”