Drone Permits and Regulations Guide
Commercial drone operations in the U.S. require compliance with FAA regulations, proper certifications, and often special authorizations. Here's what you need to know.
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
The foundation of legal commercial drone operations. Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test
- Pass TSA vetting
- Recurrent training every 24 months
The exam covers airspace classification, weather, regulations, radio communication, and aeronautical decision-making. Study time varies from 10-40 hours depending on experience.
Core Part 107 Operational Limits
- Daylight only — Civil twilight with anti-collision lighting
- Visual line of sight — Must maintain unaided visual contact
- 400 feet AGL maximum — Higher when within 400 feet of a structure
- Under 100 mph — Ground speed limit
- Minimum visibility — 3 statute miles from control station
- Yield to manned aircraft — Always
- No operations over people — Unless they're under a covered structure or inside a vehicle (or drone meets Category 1-4 requirements)
- No operations from moving vehicles — Except in sparsely populated areas
Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) provides near-instant airspace authorization in controlled airspace. Key points:
- Required for Class B, C, D, and E surface airspace
- Available through FAA-approved providers
- Approval often granted within seconds to minutes
- Free to use
Always check B4UFLY or similar tools before every flight to verify airspace status.
Part 107 Waivers
Need to operate outside standard Part 107 rules? You can apply for waivers for:
- Night operations
- Operations over people (beyond Category 1-4)
- Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
- Multiple drones per pilot
- Operations from moving vehicles
Waiver approval requires demonstrating equivalent safety. Applications take 90+ days and require detailed operational procedures, risk assessments, and safety mitigations.
Drone Registration
- Recreational: Register yourself once ($5 for 3 years)
- Commercial: Register each drone individually ($5 per drone for 3 years)
- Display registration number externally on aircraft
- Carry proof of registration during operations
Remote ID Requirements
As of September 2023, most commercial drone operations require Remote ID:
- Standard Remote ID: Built into new drones manufactured after Sept 2022
- Remote ID Broadcast Module: Aftermarket module for older drones
- FAA-Recognized Identification Area: Fly without Remote ID in designated areas
Remote ID broadcasts drone location, altitude, speed, and operator location in real-time.
State and Local Regulations
While the FAA has exclusive authority over airspace, state and local governments can regulate:
- Privacy and data collection
- Trespass and property rights
- Voyeurism and harassment
- Land use (takeoff/landing locations)
- Police and emergency operations
Always check local ordinances, especially for operations in cities or near sensitive locations.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain records for at least 24 months:
- Flight logs (date, time, location, pilot, duration)
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Remote pilot certificate and recurrent training
- Airspace authorizations and waivers
- Incident reports
ColonyCore automatically captures and organizes flight logs and maintenance records for regulatory compliance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The FAA can impose civil penalties up to $27,500 for individuals and $32,666 for businesses. Criminal penalties apply for reckless operations. Common violations:
- Operating without Part 107 certification
- Flying in restricted airspace without authorization
- Night operations without waiver
- Operating over people without proper category/waiver
- Interfering with manned aircraft
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Part 107 to fly drones commercially?
Yes. All commercial drone operations in the United States require a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This includes any flight where the operator receives compensation, whether direct payment or as part of a business service.
How long does it take to get Part 107 certified?
Most candidates study for 2–4 weeks and pass on the first attempt. The exam covers airspace classification, weather, radio communication, regulations, and aeronautical decision-making. Cost is approximately $175 at an FAA-approved testing center.
What is LAANC and when do I need it?
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) provides near-instant airspace authorization for operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E surface). It is free and available through FAA-approved providers. You need it whenever flying in controlled airspace.
What is Remote ID and is it required?
Remote ID broadcasts your drone’s location, altitude, speed, and operator location in real-time. As of September 2023, most commercial drone operations require Remote ID compliance, either through built-in capability or an aftermarket broadcast module.
How does ColonyCore help with regulatory compliance?
ColonyCore automatically captures and organizes flight logs, equipment records, and maintenance data that regulators expect. This eliminates manual record-keeping and ensures you have audit-ready documentation at all times.
Stay Compliant Automatically
ColonyCore tracks certifications, flight logs, and maintenance — everything regulators expect.
Request Early Access