For more information about small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operations, review the references below. (Note: If a direct link becomes inactive, search for the reference on the faa.gov website or the applicable high-level landing page.)

 

Course Job Aids

• Summary of Provisions in 14 CFR Part 107

  Summary of Major Provisions Under 14 CFR Part 107

  Category	Provisions
  Aircraft Requirements	The sUAS must be registered with the FAA prior to flight.
  	Aircraft markings are required.
  	FAA airworthiness certification not required. However, the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC) must maintain small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in a condition for safe operation and prior to flight must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation.
  	14 CFR part 107 does not apply to model aircraft that satisfy all of the criteria specified in Public Law 112–95 section 336.
  	14 CFR part 107 codifies the FAA’s enforcement authority in part 101 by prohibiting model aircraft operators from endangering the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS).
  Remote PIC Certification and Responsibilities	Remote PICs are required to: Be at least 16 years old Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language (FAA may make exceptions for medical reasons) Be in a physical and mental condition that would not interfere with the safe operation of sUAS Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center (or pass this online course, for part 61 certificate holders) Obtain an unmanned aircraft operator certificate with a small UAS rating (like existing pilot airman certificates, never expires) Pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months
  	Prior to flight, the Remote PIC must: Conduct a preflight inspection, to include specific aircraft and control station systems checks, to ensure the sUAS is safe for operation Make available to the FAA, upon request, the sUAS for inspection or testing, and any associated documents/records
  	Report an accident to the FAA within 10 days if the sUAS operation results in serious injury or property damage.
  Operational Requirements and Limitations	Unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 55 lbs. (25 kg).
  	Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) only; the unmanned aircraft must remain within VLOS of the operator or visual observer. At all times the small unmanned aircraft must remain close enough to the operator for the operator to be capable of seeing the aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.
  	The Remote PIC may use visual observers (VOs), but they are not required.
  	No person may act as the Remote PIC, a person manipulating the controls, or a VO for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at one time.
  	Daylight-only operations (official sunrise to official sunset, local time).
  	Must yield right-of-way to other aircraft, manned or unmanned.
  	First-person view camera cannot satisfy ‘‘see-and-avoid’’ requirement but can be used as long as requirement is satisfied in other ways.
  	Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over any persons not directly involved in the operation.
  	No operations from a moving vehicle or aircraft, except from a watercraft on the water.
  	Maximum airspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).
  	Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
  	Minimum weather visibility of 3 miles from control station.
  	No operations are allowed in Class A (18,000 feet & above) airspace.
  	Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace are allowed with the required ATC permission.
  	Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without ATC permission
  	No careless or reckless operations.

  Source: Adapted from 14 CFR part 107

• Sample Preflight Inspection Checklist

  Sample Preflight Inspection Checklist

  Even if the small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) manufacturer has a written preflight inspection procedure, it is recommended that the Remote PIC ensure that the following inspection items are incorporated into the preflight inspection procedure required by part 107 to help the Remote PIC determine that the sUAS is in a condition for safe operation. 

  Conduct a preflight visual or functional check of the aircraft, including (but not limited to) the steps below.

  • Visually inspect the condition of the unmanned aircraft system components

  • Inspect the airframe structure, including undercarriage, all flight control surfaces and linkages

  • Inspect registration markings for proper display and legibility

  • Inspect moveable control surface(s), including airframe attachment point(s)

  • Inspect servo motor(s), including attachment point(s)

  • Inspect the propulsion system, including powerplant(s), propeller(s), rotor(s), ducted fan(s), etc.

  • Verify all systems (e.g. aircraft, control unit) have an adequate energy supply for the intended operation and are functioning properly

  • Inspect the avionics, including control link transceiver, communication/navigation equipment and antenna(s)

  • Calibrate UAS compass prior to any flight

  • Inspect the control link transceiver, communication/navigation data link transceiver, and antenna(s)

  • Check that the display panel, if used, is functioning properly

  • Check ground support equipment, including takeoff and landing systems, for proper operation

  • Check that control link correct functionality is established between the aircraft and the control station

  • Check for correct movement of control surfaces using the control station

  • Check on board navigation and communication data links

  • Check flight termination system, if installed

  • Check fuel for correct type and quantity

  • Check battery levels for the aircraft and control station

  • Check that any equipment, such as a camera, is securely attached

  • Verify communication with UAS and that the UAS has acquired GPS location from at least 4 satellites

  • Start the UAS propellers to inspect for any imbalance or irregular operation

  • Verify all controller operation for heading and altitude

  • If required by flight path walk through, verify any noted obstructions that may interfere with the UAS

  • At a controlled low altitude, fly within range of any interference and recheck all controls and stability

   

  Adapted from Advisory Circular (AC) 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

 

FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Website (http://www.faa.gov/uas)

• Online UAS Registration
  • Related Reference: FAA guidance on sUAS registration and marking
• UAS operation definitions (Public, Civil, Hobby)
• Section 333 exemption information
• B4UFly Smartphone Application (Note: This application is designed for hobbyists, but can be used for situational awareness purposes for commercial sUAS operations.)
• FAA Online sUAS Accident Reporting Website (available after Part 107 Rule effective date)
• FAA Online Application for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (available after Part 107 Rule effective date)

 

FAA Regulatory and Guidance Library (http://rgl.faa.gov/)

• Advisory Circulars, including:
  • AC 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (as amended) (available after Part 107 Rule effective date)
  • AC 91-57, Model Aircraft Operating Standards (for hobbyists conducting recreational UAS operations)
• Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including:
  • 14 CFR Part 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (available after Part 107 Rule effective date)
  • 14 CFR Part 48, Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft
  • 14 CFR Part 61.56, Flight Review
  • 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B, Flight Rules
  • 14 CFR Part 99.7, Special Security Instructions
  • 14 CFR part 375.43, Navigation of Foreign Civil Aircraft within the United States

 

FAA Regulations and Policies Website (http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/)

• Forms
• Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
• Orders and Notices
• Policy and Guidance
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

 

FAA Airman Testing Standards Branch (AFS-630) Website (http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/)

• Testing Resources
  • Reference Handbooks, including:
    • Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
    • Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
  • Airman Certification Standards, including:
    • Unmanned Aircraft System Airman Certification Standards (available after Part 107 Rule effective date)
  • Knowledge Testing Authorization Requirements Matrix
  • Airman Knowledge Test Guides, including:
    • General information about the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) Knowledge Test
    • Sample FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) Knowledge Test questions
• Knowledge Testing
  • Commercial Testing Center List
  • Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Private Pilot (FAA-CT-8080-2G)

 

FAA Airline Safety Website (http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/)

• Information for Operators (InFo)
• Safety Alert for Operators (SAFOs), including:
  • SAFO 10017, Risks in Transporting Lithium Batteries in Cargo by Aircraft
  • SAFO 15010, Carriage of Spare Lithium Batteries in Carry-on and Checked Baggage

 

Other FAA Web Resources

• FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
• FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Locations
• Chart Supplements U.S. (formerly the Airport/Facility Directory)

 

Outside Web Resources

• Department of Transportation Foreign Air Carrier Economic Licensing Website
• FCC Licensing Website that provides information about frequency spectrum authorization
• GPS.gov Website that provides known global positioning system (GPS) outages and reports
• Naval Observatory Website that includes the Federal Air Almanac with customizable tables to determine sunrise and sunset at your location
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Voluntary Best Practices for UAS Privacy, Transparency, and Accountability