U.S. federal overview · reviewed July 27, 2026

Commercial drone rules are operation-specific. Start with the current FAA sources.

This guide summarizes common federal checkpoints for operations under 14 CFR Part 107. State, local, tribal, landowner, client, industry, insurance, and contract requirements may also apply.

Educational information only—not legal advice. Verify every requirement against current primary sources and the facts of the planned operation.

Baseline Part 107 checkpoints

What operators commonly need to confirm

Remote pilot authority

The person manipulating the controls must hold the appropriate remote pilot certificate or operate under the direct supervision allowed by Part 107. The FAA requires recurrent training within the applicable 24-calendar-month period.

FAA remote pilot certification guidance →

Drone registration

Part 107 operators register each drone they intend to operate, mark it as required, and carry proof of registration during operations.

FAA registration guidance →

Remote ID

Drones that are registered or required to be registered generally must comply with Remote ID through a standard Remote ID drone, a broadcast module, or operation in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area, unless another authorization applies.

FAA Remote ID guidance →

Airspace authorization

Part 107 operations in applicable Class B, C, D, or surface Class E airspace require prior FAA authorization. LAANC can support near-real-time requests at participating facilities; other requests use FAA systems and timelines.

FAA LAANC guidance →

Operating limitations

Part 107 includes rules and conditions involving visual line of sight, altitude, speed, visibility, people, moving vehicles, night operations, hazardous operations, and other limitations. The applicable rule and any waiver or authorization must be evaluated for the actual flight.

FAA Part 107 overview →

Waivers and additional authority

Operations outside standard Part 107 limits may require a waiver, exemption, airspace authorization, or another regulatory framework. Approval is not automatic and may require a safety case.

FAA authorization guidance →

Before each operation

Regulatory and operational review checklist

  1. 1

    Identify the operating framework

    Confirm whether the flight is under Part 107 or another applicable authority.

  2. 2

    Confirm pilot and aircraft status

    Check certificate currency, registration, marking, Remote ID status, aircraft condition, and required documents.

  3. 3

    Review airspace and restrictions

    Evaluate controlled airspace, authorizations, UAS Facility Maps, NOTAMs, temporary flight restrictions, special-use airspace, and local operating constraints.

  4. 4

    Review the operating environment

    Assess people, vehicles, structures, visibility, weather, lighting, obstacles, site access, communications, emergency procedures, and client constraints.

  5. 5

    Document the decision

    Retain the records your organization requires and any records required by an applicable rule, authorization, waiver, contract, insurer, or client.

  6. 6

    Report qualifying events

    Part 107 qualifying accidents must be reported to the FAA within 10 days; separate NTSB or other reporting duties may also apply.

Primary sources

Current federal references

This guide was reviewed on July 27, 2026. Because rules and agency guidance change, operators should open and review the current source before relying on a requirement.

Keep the rule check separate from the software check.

Colony Core may support records and internal procedures; qualified people still determine whether the planned operation is lawful and safe.

See Colony Core's Compliance Role