Federal Drone Regulations
FAA Part 107, Remote ID, airspace rules, and everything else you need to know about flying drones legally in the United States.
14 CFR Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Part 107 is the primary federal regulation governing commercial drone operations in the United States. It establishes rules for pilots, aircraft, and operations of small UAS (under 55 lbs) for non-recreational purposes.
Remote Pilot Certificate Required
All commercial drone operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. Requires passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (Part 107 exam) at an FAA-approved testing center. Must be at least 16 years old and pass TSA background check.
Maximum Altitude: 400 feet AGL
Drones may not fly higher than 400 feet above ground level, or if higher than 400 feet, must remain within 400 feet of a structure. Waivers available for operations requiring higher altitudes.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
The remote pilot must be able to see the drone at all times without the aid of devices other than corrective lenses. Visual observers may be used but do not relieve the pilot of VLOS responsibility.
Operations Over People (Subpart D)
Updated rules (effective April 2021) allow operations over people in four categories based on drone characteristics and risk level. Category 1: Under 0.55 lbs. Category 2: No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate. Category 3: Same as Cat 2 but only over open-air assemblies with authorization. Category 4: Must have airworthiness certificate.
Night Operations
Night operations are permitted without a waiver as of April 2021. Requires anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. Remote pilot must complete updated night operations training.
Operations from Moving Vehicles
Operations from moving vehicles are permitted over sparsely populated areas. May not be conducted from a moving aircraft.
Airspace Authorization
Drone operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface area of Class E) require prior authorization from ATC. LAANC provides near-real-time automated authorization at participating airports.
Maximum Speed: 100 mph
Drones may not exceed 100 mph (87 knots) ground speed. No minimum speed requirement.
Yielding Right of Way
Drones must yield the right of way to all manned aircraft. Pilots must implement see-and-avoid procedures.
No Operations Under the Influence
No person may operate a drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The 8-hour 'bottle to throttle' rule applies.
14 CFR Part 89 — Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft
Remote ID is the ability of a drone to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties. Often called a 'digital license plate' for drones. Full compliance required as of March 16, 2024.
Standard Remote ID Required
All drones required to register with the FAA must broadcast Remote ID information. Includes serial number or session ID, latitude/longitude/altitude of drone and control station, time mark, and emergency status indicator.
Three Compliance Methods
Operators can comply using: (1) Standard Remote ID drones with built-in broadcast capability, (2) Remote ID broadcast modules (add-on devices), or (3) Flying at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) — note: no new FRIAs after September 2023.
Broadcast on WiFi or Bluetooth
Remote ID information is broadcast locally via WiFi or Bluetooth. It can be received by anyone with an appropriate receiver or smartphone app within broadcast range.
Enforcement in Effect
FAA has been enforcing Remote ID requirements since March 16, 2024. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation. Criminal penalties possible for egregious cases.
14 CFR Part 48 — Small UAS Registration
All drones weighing between 0.55 lbs (250g) and 55 lbs (25 kg) must be registered with the FAA before flight, regardless of whether they are used commercially or recreationally.
Registration Required Before First Flight
Drones must be registered before the first flight outdoors. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. Registrants must be at least 13 years old (or registered by a parent/guardian) and U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Registration Number Display
The FAA registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the drone and easily accessible without tools. External marking must be legible and maintained in a condition that is readable.
Part 107 vs. Recreational Registration
Part 107 operators register each individual drone ($5 each for 3 years). Recreational flyers can register once ($5 for 3 years) and use the same number on all their drones.
49 U.S.C. § 44809 — Exception for Limited Recreational Operations
The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act established rules for purely recreational drone operations. Recreational flyers must follow a different set of rules than Part 107 commercial operators.
Fly for Recreational Purposes Only
The drone must be flown strictly for recreational purposes — personal enjoyment and not for any commercial benefit. Any commercial use, including posting monetized content, requires Part 107 certification.
Follow Community-Based Organization (CBO) Guidelines
Recreational flyers must follow safety guidelines established by an FAA-recognized CBO. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the most widely recognized CBO.
LAANC or Authorization for Controlled Airspace
Recreational flyers must obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace. LAANC is available for recreational users through approved apps. The TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) must be completed before flying.
Maximum Altitude: 400 feet AGL
Same as Part 107 — recreational drones must stay below 400 feet above ground level, or within 400 feet of a structure in uncontrolled airspace.
TRUST Certification Required
All recreational drone pilots must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. The test is free, online, and covers basic safety and regulatory knowledge.
Airspace Classes and Drone Operations
Understanding airspace classification is critical for safe and legal drone operations. The United States uses a classification system from Class A (most restrictive) to Class G (least restrictive).
Class G — Uncontrolled Airspace
No ATC authorization needed. Most drone operations occur in Class G airspace. Extends from the surface to varying altitudes (typically 700 or 1,200 feet AGL). Drone operations are generally permitted below 400 feet AGL.
Class B, C, D, E (Surface) — Controlled Airspace
ATC authorization required before any drone operation. LAANC provides automated near-real-time authorization at participating airports. Without LAANC, operators must apply for airspace authorization through DroneZone.
Prohibited and Restricted Areas
No drone operations permitted in prohibited areas (P-areas) such as the White House, Capitol Building, and military installations. Restricted areas (R-areas) require permission from the controlling agency.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
TFRs are issued for events like presidential visits, sporting events, wildfires, and natural disasters. Violating a TFR is a federal offense with penalties up to $100,000 and criminal prosecution.
LAANC — Low Altitude Authorization and Notification
LAANC provides automated airspace authorization for drone operations in controlled airspace. Available through approved apps like AirMap, Aloft, and KittyHawk. Provides near-real-time authorization up to approved ceiling heights shown on UAS Facility Maps.
Important Notice
Federal regulations are the baseline. Many states and municipalities impose additional requirements. Always check your specific state's drone laws before flying.