The Remote Pilot certificate: what it is and who needs one
[PART107-F##] tag that resolves to a fact in our store. Each fact holds a pinpoint citation into 14 CFR Part 107 or the FAA's published Airman Certification Standards. Both sources are public domain, so you can read every word of them yourself. This is study guidance, not a ruling on your own operation.Start here
Nobody may command a small-drone flight under this part without the certificate [PART107-F01]. Its full name is long, and its rating is the one for small UAS [PART107-F01].
An uncertificated person may still work the sticks, but never alone [PART107-F02]. A certificated pilot stands beside them, ready to seize control at once [PART107-F02].
So the certificate is not a licence to touch the sticks. It is a licence to be the one answerable for the flight.
Who can hold one
You must be at least sixteen [PART107-F03]. English is required too, in writing and in speech alike [PART107-F03].
There is no medical certificate [PART107-F41]. Even so, any condition of body or mind that would compromise a safe flight grounds you [PART107-F41].
That rule reaches past the pilot [PART107-F41]. Anyone taking a direct part in the flight is covered by it [PART107-F41].
Two ways in
The regulation offers a choice [PART107-F04]. Pass the initial knowledge test, or hold a current part 61 pilot certificate and complete the training [PART107-F04].
Most people take the first route. Lesson 2 is about that paper.
If you already fly manned aircraft and your flight review is current, the second route skips the test [PART107-F04].
What arrives, and when
The first certificate is temporary [PART107-F08]. It lasts no more than 120 calendar days, and then the permanent card replaces it [PART107-F08].
Registration is not spelled out in this part [PART107-F11]. It defers to section 91.203(a)(2) [PART107-F11].
Staying current
The certificate itself does not expire. The knowledge behind it does [PART107-F05].
You may not exercise the privileges unless you have refreshed within 24 calendar months [PART107-F05][PART107-F06].
Refreshing is training, not another exam [PART107-F06]. Recurrent training covering the same syllabus is what the rule asks for [PART107-F06].
That is the single most misread part of this certificate. People plan for a retest that the regulation does not require.
What to do next
Read section 107.61 in full before you book anything. It is one paragraph, and it is the whole eligibility question.
Then decide which of the two routes is yours. That choice changes everything you do next.
Check yourself
Answer before you open each one. Retrieving an answer from memory is what makes it stick.
Can someone without a certificate legally fly a small drone under Part 107?
Yes, but never alone — a certificated pilot must stand ready to seize control at once [PART107-F02].
What are the two ways to satisfy the aeronautical knowledge requirement?
Pass the initial knowledge test, or hold a current part 61 pilot certificate and complete the training [PART107-F04].
Does the Remote Pilot certificate expire?
No — but the privileges lapse unless you refresh within 24 calendar months [PART107-F05], and refreshing means recurrent training [PART107-F06].
Is there a medical exam?
No [PART107-F41]. You are still grounded by any condition of body or mind that would compromise a safe flight [PART107-F41].
How old must you be to hold the certificate?
Sixteen [PART107-F03].
Evidence for this lesson
Every tag above resolves here. Each entry names the section and page to check in your own copy, with the short quote we relied on — we link the source and never reproduce it.
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”
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”
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)”
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”