Part 107 Commercial Drone Rules: What You Actually Need to Know
Commercial drone regulations have gotten complicated with all the waivers, authorizations, and overlapping rules flying around. As someone who’s helped dozens of operators get their Part 107 and navigate their first commercial jobs, I learned everything there is to know about what the FAA actually requires versus what people assume. Today, I will share it all with you.
Operating a drone for commercial purposes in the United States requires compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations. That’s non-negotiable. Understanding these requirements saves you from fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
What Makes a Drone Flight “Commercial”
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The FAA defines commercial drone use as any operation where you’re being compensated or furthering a business purpose. This includes:
- Aerial photography or videography for clients
- Real estate photography and marketing
- Infrastructure inspection (bridges, towers, roofs, solar panels)
- Agricultural monitoring and crop spraying
- Construction site surveying and progress documentation
- Search and rescue support operations
- News gathering and journalism
- Wedding and event photography
- Promotional content for your own business
Here’s the catch most people miss: even if you’re not directly paid, if the footage or data furthers a business purpose, it’s considered commercial use. That YouTube video promoting your restaurant? Commercial. That rooftop inspection you did for free to land a bigger contract? Commercial.
Getting Your Part 107 Certificate
Eligibility
To qualify for Part 107 certification, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Be in physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
- Pass the FAA Part 107 initial aeronautical knowledge exam
The Test
That’s what makes Part 107 study endearing to us regulation nerds — there’s actually logic to it once you understand the system. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Regulations specific to small unmanned aircraft systems
- Airspace classification and operating requirements
- Weather sources and effects on drone performance
- Drone loading and performance calculations
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Radio communication procedures
- Maintenance and preflight inspection requirements
- Airport operations (yes, even for drone pilots)
You need 70% to pass. The test costs $175 and must be taken at an FAA-approved testing center. Results typically appear immediately after you finish. Most people pass on the first attempt with 2-4 weeks of study.
Operating Rules You Can’t Waive
Airspace and Altitude
- Maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, or 400 feet above a structure if you’re within 400 feet of that structure
- Operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, E) require prior authorization through LAANC or DroneZone waiver
- Class A airspace (above 18,000 feet) is completely prohibited
- Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are non-negotiable — check before every flight
Visual Line of Sight
- You must see your drone with unaided vision (glasses/contacts are fine, binoculars are not)
- Visual observers can help maintain awareness but you retain responsibility
- Cannot operate from a moving vehicle unless in sparsely populated areas
- Minimum visibility of 3 statute miles from your control station
Time Restrictions
- Daylight operations only, OR
- Civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise/after sunset) with anti-collision lighting visible from 3 statute miles
- Night operations allowed with appropriate lighting since the 2021 rule changes
Speed and Distance
- Maximum ground speed of 100 mph
- Cannot fly over people not directly participating in the operation (unless under specific conditions)
- Cannot operate under a covered structure or inside an enclosed stationary vehicle
What You Can Get Waivers For
Some Part 107 restrictions can be waived with proper application and justification:
- Operations over people (now covered by updated rules with specific drone categories)
- Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations
- Operations from a moving vehicle
- Multiple drones by one pilot
- Altitude above 400 feet
Waiver applications go through DroneZone and require detailed safety cases. Approval can take months.
The Enforcement Reality
The FAA has issued fines ranging from $1,000 to over $180,000 for Part 107 violations. Common enforcement triggers:
- Operating without certification
- Flying in controlled airspace without authorization
- Operations that endanger manned aircraft
- Incidents that draw public complaints
The FAA is getting better at enforcement. Remote ID requirements now make tracking violations easier. Don’t assume you won’t get caught because you’re in a rural area.
Getting Started Right
- Study for and pass your Part 107 exam
- Register your drone(s) with the FAA ($5 per drone, valid 3 years)
- Ensure Remote ID compliance (built-in or module)
- Get familiar with LAANC for airspace authorizations
- Consider liability insurance (often required by clients)
- Start with simple operations and build experience
Part 107 compliance isn’t complicated once you understand the framework. The rules exist to keep everyone safe — including you and your business.
