Pilot Proficiency

Everything You Need to Know about Drone Laws

Friday, May 04, 2018 at 10:00 PM ET

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Drone rules in plain English. Daniel Herbert/Skygear Solutions

Key Takeaways:

Part 107 drone operations are subject to strict rules including maintaining visual line of sight, specific altitude and speed limits, daylight-only flying (with anti-collision lights for civil twilight), and restrictions regarding airspace and flying over non-participating persons.
To operate a small UAS under Part 107, a remote pilot certificate is required, obtainable by passing an aeronautical knowledge test or, for existing Part 61 pilots, by completing an online training course and having a recent flight review.
All drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, which claims jurisdiction over all airspace and "aircraft," including drones.
Existing Part 61 pilot certificate holders face potentially higher penalties, including certificate suspension or revocation, for unsafe drone operations, as their pilot status is considered an aggravating factor by the FAA.

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Relevant Discussion: FAR part 107, AC 107-2