FAA Part 107
FAA Part 107, the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule, sets the operating and pilot certification rules for commercial drones weighing less than 55 pounds in the United States.
What it requires
Effective August 29, 2016, Part 107 requires a remote pilot certificate with recurrent training every 24 months, registration, and flight within visual line of sight, generally no higher than 400 feet. Since April 2021, night flights and flights over people are allowed conditionally, and Remote ID has been enforced since March 16, 2024. Paid property carriage must be intrastate and under 55 pounds total. Beyond visual line of sight flights need a waiver; a final Part 108 rule, under White House review since July 2026, was unpublished in October 2026.
Why it matters
Part 107 is why most US drone delivery runs under air carrier certificates instead of the simpler small drone rule. Its visual line of sight limit makes routine home delivery impractical, but distribution centers can use Part 107 for outdoor site work. For example, a distribution center can fly a drone over its yard to inventory trailers or inspect roofs with a certificated remote pilot, while a retailer delivering orders to homes miles away needs Part 135 certification and waivers. A final Part 108 rule would change those economics.
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Not legal advice.