Drone Registration and Remote Pilot In Command

Drone Registration and Remote Pilot in Command

When you fly commercially under Part 107, the FAA treats the operation as an aircraft operation. Before you fly, you must understand two foundational responsibilities: registering the correct aircraft and knowing who is the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).

Drone Registration

A civil small unmanned aircraft used for a Part 107 operation must be registered with the FAA before flight, regardless of its weight. Register the aircraft through FAA DroneZone. Part 107 registration is issued for a specific aircraft, costs $5, and is valid for three years unless it is renewed.

Important: The “under 250 grams” exception does not apply to commercial Part 107 flights. The only relevant registration exception is for an aircraft that weighs 0.55 pounds or less at takeoff, including anything attached to it, and is flown exclusively for limited recreational operations. A recreational registration cannot be used for Part 107 operations.

Information and Documents

To register, provide contact information, the aircraft’s make and model, and the appropriate Remote ID serial number. Your registration certificate may be carried as a paper or digital copy. If another person operates your aircraft, that person must also have access to the registration certificate.

A registration certificate cannot simply be transferred between recreational and Part 107 operating categories. If the use of the aircraft changes, complete the appropriate registration process for the new operation type.

Marking the Aircraft

After registration, display the FAA registration number on the drone. The number must be legible, securely affixed, and placed on an external surface of the aircraft. Do not place it inside a battery compartment or another location that cannot be seen during inspection.

A label-maker label, permanent marking, or another durable external label is a practical way to meet the marking requirement.

Keeping Registration Current

Your registration information must remain current. If you change your mailing address or if the aircraft is sold, destroyed, or exported, update the FAA system or cancel the registration within 14 calendar days.

A small unmanned aircraft cannot be registered in the United States while it is registered under the laws of a foreign country. If it is currently registered abroad, that foreign registration must be canceled before U.S. registration can be completed.

Remote Pilot in Command

Every Part 107 flight must have a designated Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC) before or during the flight. The Remote PIC holds a current Remote Pilot Certificate and is directly responsible for the operation of the small UAS.

The Remote PIC is the final authority for the operation. This means the Remote PIC must ensure the flight complies with applicable regulations and that a loss of control would not create an undue hazard to people, other aircraft, or property. The Remote PIC also has the ultimate go/no-go decision-making authority. If weather, pilot fatigue, aircraft condition, or another factor makes the operation unsafe, the Remote PIC must decide not to fly.

Who May Manipulate the Flight Controls?

The Remote PIC does not have to be the person holding the controller. A person who does not hold a Remote Pilot Certificate may manipulate the flight controls when they are under the direct supervision of a qualified Remote PIC.

Direct supervision is more than simply being nearby. The Remote PIC must be able to immediately take direct control of the flight. The Remote PIC remains responsible for the operation even when another person is manipulating the controls.

Lesson Recap

  1. For Part 107 operations, register each drone you fly, no matter how light it is.
  2. A recreational exemption applies only to drones at or below 0.55 pounds at takeoff that are flown exclusively for recreation.
  3. Keep the registration certificate available, display the registration number legibly on the outside of the drone, and update registration information within 14 calendar days when required.
  4. A Remote PIC must be designated for every operation. That pilot is the final authority and is responsible for safety and regulatory compliance.
  5. Someone without a Remote Pilot Certificate may manipulate the controls only under direct supervision of a qualified Remote PIC who can immediately take control if needed.

FAA Resources

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