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Part 107 Drone License: Complete Study Guide for 2026

Complete Part 107 drone license study guide for 2026. Covers the UAG knowledge test, airspace rules, VLOS requirements, waivers, night operations, registration, and recurrent training.

April 2026·9 min read read·Faraim Editorial

KEY POINT

The FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate is required for commercial drone operations in the US. This guide covers everything you need to know to pass the knowledge test and operate legally.

If you're operating a drone commercially in the United States — meaning for any business purpose, even social media content creation — you need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The good news: there's no flight test. You pass one written exam and you're certified.

Who Needs a Part 107 Certificate?

Any person operating a UAS (unmanned aircraft system) for non-recreational purposes. 'Non-recreational' is broadly defined — if you're getting paid, trading for goods, or using footage to promote a business, that's commercial. Recreational fliers can instead register with the FAA and follow community-based safety guidelines (FRIA sites).

The UAG Knowledge Test

60 questions, 2 hours to complete, 70% passing score required
Available at CATS/PSI testing centers nationwide
No instructor endorsement required
Fee: approximately $175
Certificate is valid until you pass the recurrent test (every 24 calendar months)

Key Topics on the Part 107 Test

Airspace: Know all airspace classes, their altitudes, and where LAANC authorization is required
Weather: Reading METARs and TAFs, cloud coverage, wind, visibility
Loading and performance: Weight limits, battery considerations, flight planning
Emergency procedures: Lost link procedures, flyaway protocol
Crew resource management: Visual observer roles and communications
Radio communications: Basic phraseology for controlled airspace operations
Aeronautical decision making: Risk management, IMSAFE checklist applied to UAS
Airport operations: Runway markings, taxiway signs, traffic patterns

Part 107 Operating Rules You Must Know

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

Under §107.31, you must maintain visual line of sight with your UAS at all times — unaided (glasses and contacts are fine, but no binoculars). A visual observer may assist, but you must be able to see the UAS at any moment. Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) requires an FAA waiver.

Altitude Limits

Maximum altitude is 400 feet AGL, except when operating within 400 feet of a structure — in that case you may fly above 400 feet relative to the structure. In controlled airspace, you need LAANC authorization or a specific FAA waiver.

Night Operations

Night operations were added to standard Part 107 authority in 2021. You may fly at night without a waiver if your drone has anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. The lighting must flash at a rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

Operations Over People

Part 107 establishes four categories for operations over people (Category 1-4), based on drone weight and injury risk. Category 1 (under 0.55 lbs) has the fewest restrictions. Categories 3 and 4 require specific FAA declarations or design approvals.

LAANC: Automated Airspace Authorization

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) provides near-instant authorization to fly in controlled airspace up to approved altitudes. Available through apps like Aloft, SkyVector, and others. For altitudes above the published grid values, you need a manual waiver through DroneZone.faa.gov.

UAS Registration Requirements

All UAS weighing more than 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. The registration number must be marked on the UAS and carried by the operator during flight. Register at faadronezone.faa.gov.

Recurrent Training

Part 107 certificates require recurrent online training every 24 calendar months. The free online course is available at FAASafety.gov. Unlike manned aircraft, there is no flight review or practical test for recurrency — just the online course.

FARAIM.US covers Part 107 regulations in its full knowledge base. Search any drone regulation question and get an answer with the exact CFR citation.