Part 107 Eligibility and Requirements

If you plan to fly a drone commercially under Part 107, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. This lesson explains the eligibility requirements, how temporary certification works, how to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency, and the certificate consequences of certain drug- and alcohol-related offenses.

Remote Pilot Certificate Eligibility

To qualify for a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must meet four baseline requirements.

Age You must be at least 16 years old.

English proficiency You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If a medical reason prevents you from meeting a language requirement, the FAA may place operating limitations on your certificate.

Safe operation You must not know, or have reason to know, that you have a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe drone operations. A formal FAA medical certificate is not required; this is an ongoing self-assessment.

Aeronautical knowledge You must either pass the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test or qualify through the applicable Part 61 pilot pathway.

Fitness for duty applies to the whole crew. The rule is not limited to the Remote Pilot in Command. It also applies to a person manipulating the controls, a visual observer, and anyone else directly participating in the operation. If a condition would prevent you from safely performing your role, do not serve in that role until you can do so safely.

Most applicants meet the aeronautical-knowledge requirement by passing the FAA Part 107 knowledge test. However, an eligible person who already holds a Part 61 pilot certificate and is current on their flight review may complete the FAA’s required online training instead of taking the Part 107 knowledge test.

Applying for Your Certificate

After meeting the eligibility requirements, apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system, known as IACRA.

After the FAA completes its required security background check, you will receive instructions to print your temporary certificate while the permanent plastic certificate is mailed to you.

Temporary Remote Pilot Certificate

A temporary Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for up to 120 calendar days. It may expire earlier if you receive your permanent certificate or if the FAA notifies you that your application has been denied.

Exam reminder: The rule is 120 calendar days, not 120 business days.

Maintaining Aeronautical Knowledge Recency

To exercise the privileges of your certificate as a Remote Pilot in Command, you must maintain aeronautical knowledge recency. For most certificate holders, the practical way to do this is to complete the FAA’s free recurrent online training.

Passing the initial knowledge test may count as a qualifying recency path. Eligible Part 61 pilots may also meet the requirement through the applicable current-flight-review pathway.

Drug and Alcohol Certificate Consequences

This section addresses certificate consequences. The operational drug- and alcohol flight rules are covered in a later lesson.

The FAA may deny an application for a Remote Pilot Certificate for up to one year after a qualifying alcohol- or drug-related offense. A conviction related to growing, manufacturing, or selling drugs may also result in denial for up to one year. If you already hold a certificate, the FAA may suspend or revoke it.

The FAA also treats certain test refusals seriously. Refusing a lawful request for a blood or breath alcohol test, or refusing to provide or authorize release of the results of a test taken within four hours after acting or attempting to act as a crewmember, can be grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation.

Lesson Recap

1. To receive a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be at least 16, demonstrate English proficiency, be able to safely perform your role, and meet an approved aeronautical-knowledge path.
2. A temporary Remote Pilot Certificate lasts for up to 120 calendar days.
3. To keep exercising Remote Pilot in Command privileges, you must maintain aeronautical knowledge recency every 24 calendar months.
4. Qualifying drug- or alcohol-related offenses and certain test refusals can affect your certificate or application.