1.1 Applicability and Definitions (Subpart A)
Key Takeaways
- Part 107 governs commercial sUAS operations for aircraft under 55 pounds at takeoff weight.
- The 55-pound limit includes everything on board: airframe, batteries, payload, and accessories.
- A small UAS includes the aircraft plus all associated elements (control station, communication links, etc.).
- Recreational flyers meeting 49 USC §44809 requirements are exempt from Part 107.
- Remote pilots must also comply with Part 48 (registration), Part 89 (Remote ID), and all applicable airspace regulations.
1.1 Applicability and Definitions (Subpart A)
Understanding the scope of Part 107 and its key definitions is fundamental to both the exam and legal drone operations. Subpart A (§§107.1–107.9) establishes who and what the regulation covers.
Who Does Part 107 Apply To?
Part 107 governs the operation of civil small unmanned aircraft systems in the National Airspace System (NAS). It applies to:
- Remote pilots who fly drones commercially
- Persons manipulating the flight controls of a small UAS
- Visual observers participating in Part 107 operations
- Owners and operators of small UAS used for commercial purposes
What Is a Small Unmanned Aircraft?
A small unmanned aircraft is an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft. This 55-pound limit includes:
- The airframe itself
- All batteries
- Cameras, sensors, and other payloads
- Any attached equipment (propeller guards, landing gear modifications, etc.)
Key Definition: The 55-pound weight limit is measured at takeoff weight — not empty weight. If your drone weighs 40 pounds empty but carries a 20-pound payload, total takeoff weight is 60 pounds and it does not qualify under Part 107.
Key Regulatory Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Small unmanned aircraft | An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lbs on takeoff |
| Small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) | A small unmanned aircraft AND its associated elements (control station, communication links, etc.) |
| Remote pilot in command (Remote PIC) | The person who holds a Remote Pilot Certificate and has final authority over the operation |
| Person manipulating the flight controls | The person actually controlling the flight (may or may not be the Remote PIC) |
| Visual observer (VO) | A crew member who assists the Remote PIC by watching the aircraft and airspace |
| Control station | The interface (controller, tablet, etc.) used to control the small UAS |
| Corrective lenses | Spectacles or contact lenses — the only visual aid allowed for maintaining visual line of sight |
Relationship to Other Regulations
Part 107 does not exist in isolation. Remote pilots must also comply with:
- 14 CFR Part 48 — Registration requirements for small UAS
- 14 CFR Part 89 — Remote Identification of unmanned aircraft
- 49 USC § 44809 — Exception for recreational flyers (Part 107 does NOT apply to recreational operations meeting specific criteria)
- Other applicable FARs — Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), NOTAMs, and relevant airspace regulations
Exemptions from Part 107
Certain operations are exempt from Part 107:
- Recreational operations meeting all requirements of 49 USC § 44809 (flying for fun under community-based organization guidelines)
- Public aircraft operations (government operations for non-commercial purposes, like law enforcement or firefighting — these operate under a COA or Part 107)
- Air carrier operations (Part 135 certificate holders may have separate UAS authority)
- Operations conducted outside the United States (Part 107 is a U.S. domestic regulation)
Section 107.3 — Definitions Unique to Part 107
Control station — An interface used by the remote pilot to control the flight path of the small unmanned aircraft.
Corrective lenses — Spectacles or contact lenses.
Small unmanned aircraft — An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft.
Small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS) — A small unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the small unmanned aircraft) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the small unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System.
Unmanned aircraft — An aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Part 107 applies to small unmanned aircraft weighing less than what amount at takeoff?
The 55-pound weight limit under Part 107 is measured:
Which of the following is NOT included in the definition of a small UAS?