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 governs commercial and recreational small UAS operations. Recent amendments expanded operations over human beings with new categories (1-4), established safety event reporting, and integrated Remote ID requirements. Current status: stable with ongoing enforcement emphasis.
§ 107.39 — Operations Over Human Beings
Establishes four operational categories (Category 1-4) for flights over people. Category 1 allows operations over sparsely populated areas. Categories 2-3 require specific airworthiness certification. Category 4 requires airworthiness certification with means of compliance. §107.140 allows expanded operations subject to airworthiness standards.
§ 107.29 — Night Operations
Recreational operators prohibited at night unless certificate holder. Commercial operations require Remote Pilot Certificate and compliance with Part 89 Remote ID. Anti-collision lighting required.
§ 107.31 — Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Baseline requirement for all operations. Remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact with aircraft at all times. Visual observer alternative available. BVLOS operations subject to waiver/exemption.
§ 107.41 — Controlled Airspace Operations
Class B, C, D airspace and Class E surface areas require prior ATC authorization. Requires coordination with local ATC before flight.
§ 107.9 — Safety Event Reporting
Remote Pilot in Command must report any operation meeting criteria (property damage, injury, loss of aircraft control) within 10 calendar days to FAA.
§ 107.2 — Part 21 Airworthiness Applicability
Part 21 design/production certification NOT required for Part 107 operations EXCEPT those operating over human beings under §107.140.
14 CFR Part 89 — Remote Identification
Remote ID mandate effective September 16, 2023. All UAS operating in U.S. airspace must broadcast identification via standard remote ID or alternative means. Defines technical performance requirements and production/labeling standards.
§ 89.105 — Remote Identification Requirement
After September 16, 2023: all unmanned aircraft operations within U.S. airspace must comply with §89.110 (standard remote ID) or §89.115 (alternative remote ID). No exceptions except aeronautical research/show-of-compliance operations (§89.120).
§ 89.110 — Standard Remote Identification Unmanned Aircraft
UAS with integrated remote ID broadcast capability must continuously transmit: identity (serial number or session ID), take-off location, current location, velocity, altitude. Performance requirements: 400ft broadcast range line-of-sight, synchronized time marks, self-testing capability.
§ 89.115 — Alternative Remote Identification
Non-standard remote ID aircraft may comply via: (a) Remote ID broadcast modules attached to aircraft, or (b) Operating in FAA-recognized identification areas with waiver/exemption for aeronautical research.
§ 89.301-320 — Technical Message Elements & Performance
Standard remote ID broadcast: serial number, operator location, current UAS location, velocity, altitude, time mark. Minimum broadcast range 400 ft line-of-sight. Remote ID broadcast modules: same elements plus module serial number. All timing synchronized to UTC.
§ 89.505 — Serial Number Requirements
All standard remote ID UAS and remote ID broadcast modules must have serial numbers compliant with ANSI/CTA-2063-A standard.
§ 89.125 — ADS-B Out Prohibition
ADS-B Out equipment cannot be used to comply with remote ID requirements.
14 CFR Part 48 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Registration
Registration required for all civil small UAS eligible under 49 U.S.C. 44101-44103 (except certain recreational operations). Two categories: commercial/non-recreational and recreational. Recreational operations under 55 lbs may register under simplified §48.105.
§ 48.15 — Registration Requirement
All small UAS eligible for U.S. registration must be registered before operation. Exception: Limited Recreational Operations (under 55 lbs, controlled airspace waiver exception) may use §48.105 simplified registration.
§ 48.100 — Non-Recreational Registration
Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued for each specific small UAS used for commercial, research, public operations. Covers single aircraft identified on application. Valid 3 years.
§ 48.105 — Recreational Operations Registration
Single Certificate covers all small UAS used exclusively for recreational flight under Part 101 (model aircraft rule). Simplified process for hobbyists/recreational operators.
§ 48.20 — Eligibility
Small UAS eligible for registration if: (a) not registered in foreign country, (b) owned by U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (c) owned by non-U.S. entity with U.S. domicile, or (d) owned by foreign air carrier with Part 375 authorization.
Important Notice
Federal regulations are the baseline. Many states and municipalities impose additional requirements. Always check your specific state's drone laws before flying.