1.3 Operating Rules Overview (Subpart B)

1.3 Operating Rules Overview (Subpart B)

Subpart B (§§107.11–107.51) contains the core operating rules for Part 107 drone operations. These rules form the backbone of safe, legal commercial drone flight and are the most extensively tested portion of the regulations section.

Remote Pilot in Command (§107.19)

The Remote PIC is the person ultimately responsible for the safe operation of the small UAS. Key responsibilities include:

• Final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight
• Ensuring the operation does not create a hazard to other aircraft, people, or property
• Must be designated before each flight (only one Remote PIC at a time)
• Must directly observe the sUAS at all times (or use a visual observer)
• Can designate a person to manipulate the flight controls under the Remote PIC's direct supervision

Critical Rule: There can be only ONE Remote PIC at a time for any given sUAS operation. The Remote PIC may change during a flight, but the transfer of duties must be clear and acknowledged.

Visual Line of Sight (§107.31)

The Remote PIC (or person manipulating the controls) must be able to:

• See the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight
• Use vision that is unaided by any device other than corrective lenses (glasses/contacts)
• Know the aircraft's location, attitude, altitude, and direction of flight
• Maintain awareness of the surrounding airspace for hazards including other aircraft

What counts as "unaided"? You may use:

• ✅ Prescription glasses or contact lenses
• ❌ Binoculars
• ❌ First-person view (FPV) goggles alone (you CAN use FPV if a visual observer or the Remote PIC maintains unaided visual line of sight)
• ❌ Telescopes or other optical devices
• ❌ Onboard camera feed as the sole means of tracking the aircraft

Visual Observer (§107.33)

A visual observer is an optional crew member who helps the Remote PIC maintain situational awareness. Key rules:

• A VO is not required but highly recommended for complex operations
• The VO must be able to see the sUAS at all times and scan for hazards
• The VO must be in direct communication with the Remote PIC at all times
• The VO cannot manipulate the flight controls
• The VO must be positioned so they can see the aircraft without visual aids (other than corrective lenses)

Yielding Right of Way (§107.37)

All small UAS must yield the right of way to all other aircraft, including:

• Manned aircraft
• Other UAS that have the right of way
• Airborne vehicles
• Launch and reentry vehicles

The small UAS must give way and may not pass over, under, or ahead of the other aircraft unless well clear.

Exam Tip: The rule is absolute — a drone ALWAYS yields to manned aircraft, no exceptions.

Operation Limitations (Summary Table)

Maximum Altitude Exception

The 400-foot AGL limit has an important exception: if the sUAS is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure, it may fly up to 400 feet above the structure's highest point.

Example: If a cell tower is 300 feet tall, you may fly up to 700 feet AGL (300 + 400) as long as you remain within 400 feet horizontally of the structure.

Careless or Reckless Operation (§107.23)

No person may operate a small UAS in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. This is a broad rule that gives the FAA authority to take action against unsafe operations even if no other specific rule was violated.

Alcohol and Drugs (§107.27)

Remote pilots are subject to the same substance restrictions as manned aircraft pilots:

• 8-hour "bottle-to-throttle" rule — no alcohol within 8 hours of flying
• 0.04% BAC maximum — blood alcohol cannot exceed 0.04%
• No impairment from any substance (including over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness)
• Cannot refuse a drug or alcohol test requested by the FAA