Drone pilots sometimes want to perform operations that don’t comply with standard Part 107 rules—such as flying at night, beyond visual line of sight, over people, or from moving vehicles. The FAA allows these operations through Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations, provided applicants demonstrate equivalent safety.
What is a Part 107 Waiver?
A Part 107 waiver, officially a Certificate of Waiver, permits deviation from specific operational rules (see § 107.205). With safe procedures in place, pilots can get permission to fly:
- From moving vehicles or aircraft
- At night, without anti-collision lighting
- Beyond visual line of sight
- Without a visual observer
- Multiple drones with one pilot
- Over people
- In controlled airspace (§ 107.41)
- Exceeding operating limitations like altitude, speed, or visibility
How to Apply for a Waiver or Airspace Authorization
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Determine what’s needed Confirm which Part 107 rule(s) require a waiver—e.g., night flight (§ 107.29) or BVLOS (§ 107.31–.33).
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Prepare your application Use the FAA DroneZone portal (FAA Form 7711-2) — specify operation details, location, altitude, sUAS info, and risk mitigation strategies.
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Submit through DroneZone File via your Part 107 dashboard. If flying in controlled airspace, also request a § 107.41 airspace authorization—either via LAANC (for near-instant approval) or manual DroneZone application (up to 60 days).
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Safety explanation required Waiver applications must include detailed hazard identification and mitigation; insufficient detail often results in denial.
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Additional approvals Some operations—like above the D.C. Flight Restricted Zone—require coordination with the TSA and FAA FSDO security teams.
What to Expect After Submission
- Review time varies—if requesting both waiver and airspace authorization manually, allow up to 60 days.
- Issued certificates are publicly available on the FAA’s waiver list.
- Trend reports from the FAA reveal common application issues—brevity and lack of risk explanation are frequent pitfalls.
Top Tips for a Successful Waiver Application
- Be thorough: Include detailed safety procedures tailored to each waiver request.
- Know your rules: Familiarize yourself with the exact regulations listed under § 107.205 that can be waived.
- Apply early: Allow sufficient lead time (60 days is wise) for manual review and coordination.
- Use LAANC when possible: It’s faster and free for many airspace requests.
- Secure support: Waivers for sensitive areas (e.g., near D.C.) may need TSA involvement.
Official FAA Resources
- Full Part 107 waiver page: FAA Part 107 Waivers
- Waiver application instructions (Form 7711‑2): [FAA Waiver Instructions PDF]
- DroneZone portal for submissions: [FAA DroneZone Access]
Successfully navigating the FAA waiver process enables advanced drone operations while maintaining aviation safety and compliance.