Flying drones for commercial purposes in the U.S. means adhering to FAA’s Part 107 rule. Here's a detailed guide to what that entails in 2025.
1. Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 License)
To legally operate a drone commercially (under 55 lb / 25 kg), you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Read, speak, and understand English
- Be physically and mentally fit to fly
- Pass the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (“Unmanned Aircraft General – Small”)
- Hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate
Your certificate is valid for 2 years, after which you'll need to complete recurrent training or testing.
2. Drone Registration & Marking
Commercial UAS over 0.55 lb must be registered with FAA via DroneZone, typically under Part 48, unless larger UAS require Part 47 certification. Each aircraft requires its own $5 registration and marking.
3. Operational Requirements under Part 107
Operators must follow these fundamental operational rules under Subpart B of Part 107:
- Keep drone within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
- Max altitude: 400 ft AGL
- Max speed: 100 mph
- No careless or reckless operations
- Yield to manned aircraft
- No flying over people unless waivered or compliant
- Night flights or over-people flights require proper lighting and training
4. Airspace & Authorization
- Flights in controlled airspace (Class B/C/D/E) require authorization via LAANC or manual DroneZone submission.
- Standard operations in uncontrolled Class G airspace are permitted up to 400 ft AGL.
5. Remote ID Compliance
FAA’s Remote ID rules (Part 89) apply to all commercial UAS unless flown within a FRIA:
- Drones must broadcast ID, position, altitude, velocity, and takeoff location
- Modules are available for retrofitting older UAS
6. Waivers (Optional)
Want to fly beyond standard Part 107 limits? You can apply for waivers through DroneZone for operations like:
- Night flights without lighting
- BVLOS
- Over people
- Operating multiple drones with one pilot
- From moving vehicles
7. Reporting & Compliance
- UAS accidents causing serious injury or over $500 property damage must be reported within 10 days.
- Pilots must maintain safe operational condition before each flight, and recurrent training every 24 months.
Staying Ahead in 2025 & Beyond
- The FAA is actively integrating Advanced Air Mobility (eVTOL, deliveries) and refining commercial UAS standards.
- Executive orders in June 2025 direct FAA to expedite BVLOS rules and strengthen drone detection/security frameworks.
Official FAA Resources
- FAA Commercial Operators (Part 107)
- Remote Pilot Certification Guide
- FAA UAS Registration (DroneZone)
- Part 107 Waivers & Authorizations
- FAA Remote ID Rules (Part 89)
Stay informed, stay compliant, and fly safely.