The concepts
Count whole months forward, then move to the last day of that month.
Why it mattersEvery currency and expiry question on the exam hinges on this distinction.
People get this wrong24 calendar months means the same date two years later.
It means the end of that month two years later, so you gain up to 30 extra days.
For your projectsYour own remote pilot currency runs on this clock - note the month end, not the test date.
Go deeper
In one line: An FAA time unit that expires at the END of the last day of the month X months later, not on the same day-of-month. A certificate issued 7 October and good for 24 calendar months is valid until 31 October two years later.
The FAA writes "calendar months" deliberately; it always rounds out to month end.
Contrast with "calendar days" (107.9) and with plain years (Part 48 registration is 3 YEARS to the day, not 36 calendar months).
▶ Watch this taught: 0:04:14
Check yourselfAnswer from memory first — the recall attempt is what makes it stick. Then reveal.
A document is issued 4 May and is good for 6 calendar months. When does it expire?
30 November - six months forward is November, then to month end.
02
107.1 Applicability - who Part 107 covers 0:08:52
Part 107 applies to registration, airman certification and operation of CIVIL small unmanned aircraft in the United States. It does NOT apply to air carrier operations (Part 135), operations under 49 USC 44809 (recreational), or operations elected under section 333 / 44807 or Part 91.
Civil = you as a civilian. Public = public safety, a different pathway (COA).
Part 107 is the base regulation; recreational flight is an exception carved out of it.
Aircraft over 55 lbs fall under Part 91, the same rules manned aircraft follow.
Any time that you're not flying for fun, you're going to be under Part 107.0:08:52
03
Intent of the flight, not the exchange of money 0:08:52
Whether a flight is recreational turns on the ORIGINAL INTENT at the time of the flight, not on whether money changed hands.
You can be under Part 107 without being paid.
Footage captured on a genuinely recreational flight may be sold afterwards.
A repeated pattern of "recreational" flights that get monetised is what draws FAA attention.
"Hobbyist" is obsolete; the current term is "recreational flyer".
04
107.3 Definitions - sUA, sUAS, visual observer, RPIC 0:14:41
A small unmanned aircraft weighs LESS THAN 55 pounds on takeoff including everything on board or attached. The sUAS is the whole system - aircraft plus control station. A visual observer assists the RPIC in seeing and avoiding. The RPIC is the person flying OR supervising, and is in charge of the operation.
Less than 55 lbs - 55.0 lbs itself is excluded.
There is NO lower weight limit for Part 107. A sub-250 g drone flown under Part 107 must be registered and must follow every Part 107 rule.
Unmanned = operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
RPIC and the person manipulating the controls may be two different people.
05
107.7 Inspection, testing and compliance - what you carry and who may ask 0:18:31
The RPIC must have the remote pilot certificate, photo identification, and any documents Part 107 requires (registration, waivers, means of compliance) available for inspection.
Who may request them - the FAA (the Administrator), NTSB, any federal, state or local law enforcement, and TSA. Local law enforcement was added in 2021.
Only the FAA may test or inspect the aircraft, the RPIC, the person manipulating the controls, and the visual observer.
The certificate carries no photograph, so separate photo ID is required.
06
107.9 Accident reporting to the FAA 0:18:31
Report to the FAA within 10 CALENDAR DAYS any accident causing serious injury or loss of consciousness to any person, or damage to the property of others exceeding $500 to repair or replace.
10 calendar days - any day of the week, not business days.
The $500 threshold applies to OTHERS' property. Damage to your own drone does not count.
This is entirely separate from the NTSB requirement (see ntsb-830).
07
107.12 Certificate requirement and supervising another flyer 0:24:26
You must hold a remote pilot certificate with sUAS rating, OR fly under the direct supervision of someone who does and who can immediately take over the controls.
Three ways to be able to take over - stand beside the person, use a buddy box (two linked controllers), or use an automated system that hovers or returns the aircraft.
One flight at a time. You may supervise only one person, and fly only one aircraft, at a time.
08
107.15 Condition for safe operation 0:27:38
The aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation, and if the RPIC discovers in flight that it no longer is, the flight must be terminated.
A failing battery cell or rising component temperature means bring it home now.
09
107.17 Medical conditions - applies to the whole crew 0:27:38
No person may act as RPIC, person manipulating the controls, visual observer, or direct participant with a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation.
Examples given - loss of dexterity, blurred vision, loss of situational awareness, migraine or severe pain, hearing or speech impairment preventing effective crew communication.
This covers the ENTIRE crew, not just the pilot.
A "direct participant" is anyone else taking part, beyond visual observers.
10
107.19 RPIC - direct responsibility and final authority 0:33:27
The RPIC must be designated before the flight, is directly responsible for and has FINAL AUTHORITY over the operation, must ensure the aircraft poses no undue hazard in the event of loss of control, and must ensure regulatory compliance.
No one outranks the RPIC on their own operation - not a supervisor, not an "instructor".
There is no FAA-issued UAS instructor certificate.
Two RPICs may transfer control mid-flight provided visual line of sight is maintained and there is no loss of control during the handover.
11
107.21 In-flight emergency 0:33:27
In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the RPIC may deviate from any rule of Part 107 to the extent necessary to meet that emergency, and must send a written report to the Administrator UPON REQUEST.
The report is required only if the FAA asks for it.
12
107.23 and 107.25 Careless operation, dropping objects, moving vehicles 0:39:47
No careless or reckless operation endangering life or property; no dropping objects so as to create an undue hazard; no operating FROM a moving aircraft or moving land or waterborne vehicle unless over a sparsely populated area and not carrying property for compensation or hire.
107.23 is the catch-all citation, the Part 107 equivalent of 91.13.
Operating from a moving vehicle is allowed only over sparsely populated areas.
13
107.27, 107.57, 107.59 - alcohol and drugs 0:41:51
Via 91.17, no crew member may act within 8 HOURS of consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, while using any drug affecting faculties contrary to safety, or with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 OR GREATER.
"Eight hours bottle to throttle" - but being over 8 hours does not help if you are still under the influence.
Drugs means legal OR illegal.
91.19 prohibits carrying narcotics, marijuana, depressants or stimulants aboard any aircraft, including an sUAS.
Refusing a test or refusing to furnish results (107.59) is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year, or suspension or revocation.
107.57 - a drug or alcohol conviction can cost you ALL your certificates, not just the remote pilot one.
14
107.29 Night operations and civil twilight 0:47:26
Night is the time between the END of evening civil twilight and the BEGINNING of morning civil twilight. Civil twilight is the 30-minute period after sunset and the 30-minute period before sunrise.
Night flight requires completion of the initial knowledge test or training AND an anti-collision light visible for at least 3 STATUTE MILES with a flash rate sufficient to avoid collision.
Civil twilight requires the anti-collision light but not the extra training.
Light intensity may be reduced below the 3 statute mile standard if the RPIC determines it is in the interest of safety.
Night is not defined in 107.3 - it uses the general FAA definition shared with manned aviation.
15
107.31 Visual line of sight 0:51:27
The RPIC AND the visual observer (if used) must be able to see the aircraft throughout the entire flight with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.
The word is AND, not OR. A visual observer having sight of the aircraft does not excuse the RPIC losing it.
No binoculars, no telescopes.
VLOS means knowing at all times - location, attitude, altitude, direction of flight, surrounding air traffic, and airspace hazards - and being able to determine the aircraft endangers no one.
FPV goggles do NOT satisfy VLOS; a visual observer is required.
16
107.33 Visual observer requirements 0:54:41
If a visual observer is used, effective communication must be maintained between RPIC, the person manipulating the controls and the VO; the VO must see the aircraft unaided; and all must coordinate to scan for collision hazards.
Visual observers are not required by default - but if used, all three conditions apply.
Radio communication is acceptable.
17
107.35 One aircraft at a time, 107.36 hazardous materials 0:54:41
No person may operate or act as RPIC or visual observer for more than one aircraft at a time. No sUAS may carry hazardous material.
The single-aircraft limit binds visual observers too - a VO may not watch two flights or serve two RPICs simultaneously.
18
107.37 Right of way 0:57:28
Yield the right of way to all other aircraft. You may not pass over, under or ahead of another aircraft unless well clear.
A remote pilot has priority over nobody. Give way to everything.
19
107.39 Operations over human beings - the base rule 0:57:28
No flight over a human being unless that person is directly participating in the operation, is under a covered structure, or is inside a stationary vehicle - UNLESS the operation meets one of the Subpart D categories.
20
107.41 Controlled airspace and 107.43 vicinity of airports 0:59:17
Operation in Class B, C, D or surface-area Class E (E2) requires PRIOR AUTHORIZATION from air traffic control. No operation may interfere with operations or the traffic pattern at any airport, heliport or seaplane base.
The old "within 5 miles of an airport, call the tower" rule no longer exists. Recreational flyers now use the same airspace authorization process.
Forcing a manned aircraft to go around is interference and can cost your certificate.
Prohibited and restricted areas, and areas activated by NOTAM, are also off limits.
21
107.49 Preflight familiarization, inspection and actions 1:02:21
Before flight the RPIC must assess local weather, airspace and flight restrictions, the locations of people and property at risk, and other ground hazards; brief all participants; verify the control links; confirm sufficient power; and ensure any attached object is secure.
"I did not know I was in controlled airspace" is itself a 107.49 violation - checking was your job.
Taking off knowing you lack the battery to complete the mission violates 107.49.
22
107.51 Operating limitations - the exam's favourite numbers 1:05:15
Maximum 400 ft above ground level; 100 mph (87 knots) ground speed; minimum 3 statute miles flight visibility; and minimum cloud clearance of 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally.
400 ft AGL follows the TERRAIN. Your controller shows height above the launch point, which is not the legal reference.
Structure exception - within a 400 ft radius of a structure you may fly up to 400 ft above the structure's uppermost limit. This applies in UNCONTROLLED airspace only.
Both 87 knots and 100 mph appear on the exam.
Cloud bases between 500 and 900 ft AGL squeeze the usable band; at a 1,000 ft ceiling you still have the full 400 ft.
The maximum altitude ceiling imposed by this rule is intended to limit the height of the aircraft above the ground over which it is flying. It is incumbent upon the remote pilot in command to maintain flight at or below the ceiling regardless of the topography.1:05:15
23
Automated and pre-planned missions 1:14:34
Pre-programmed autonomous missions are permitted, but the RPIC must retain the ability to reroute, change altitude, or command a landing - including after a lost link.
Automation does not permit operating more than one aircraft at a time.
Program a lost link to return and land rather than continue the mission.
24
Subpart C - eligibility, temporary certificate, recency 1:16:36
To be eligible you must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write and understand English, and pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test in person at a testing centre.
107.64 - the temporary certificate is valid 120 days; the permanent card typically arrives in about 30-40 days.
107.65 - within the previous 24 CALENDAR MONTHS you must complete either the initial knowledge test or RECURRENT TRAINING. Since 1 March 2021 the recurrent TEST no longer exists; the training is free online at FAAsafety.gov and needs no new IACRA application.
107.71 - fail the exam and you must wait 14 days to retest.
107.77 - report a change of address to the FAA within 30 DAYS.
25
Sustained flight and open-air assembly 1:28:23
Sustained flight includes hovering above people, flying back and forth over them, or circling so the aircraft remains above part of the assembly. It excludes a brief, one-time transit incidental to a point-to-point operation.
The FAA deliberately declined to define "open-air assembly", applying a case-by-case test based on the DENSITY of non-participating people and the SIZE of the operational area.
Likely open-air assembly - sporting events, concerts, parades, protests, political rallies, community festivals, crowded beaches or parks.
Unlikely - a family leaving a shopping centre, athletes playing without spectators, individuals walking or cycling a path.
The FAA has declined to define the term by regulation; rather, the FAA employs a case-by-case approach in determining how to apply the term open-air assembly.1:28:23
26
Categories 1 to 4 for operations over people 1:36:37
Four aircraft categories permit flight over people. Cat 1 - 0.55 lb (250 g) or less with no exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin. Cat 2 - no more than 11 ft-lb of kinetic energy on impact. Cat 3 - no more than 25 ft-lb. Cat 4 - airworthiness certificate under Part 21.
Category 1 is self-certified. Categories 2 and 3 need a means of compliance and an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance, plus a label.
Category 3 may NEVER operate over an open-air assembly.
Category 3 over people requires either a closed or restricted-access site with everyone on notice, OR the base 107.39 conditions.
Category 4 requires a maintenance, preventive maintenance, alteration and inspection programme with records.
If your drone is not categorised you may still fly it - just not over people or people in moving vehicles.
27
Closed or restricted access site, and "on notice" 1:50:45
A closed or restricted-access site is one where the RPIC ensures no inadvertent or unauthorised access can occur - using physical barriers, personnel, or both. People are "on notice" when told the sUAS will operate overhead.
Notice methods - public signage or flagging, a written notice posted at the entry point, or verbal notice. Written is preferred because it is provable.
Prop guards can prevent laceration, but on a 242 g Mini 2 they push it to 289 g, outside Category 1.
28
107.145 Flying over moving vehicles 1:56:03
Requires a Category 1-4 aircraft PLUS either a closed or restricted-access site with everyone in the vehicles on notice, or no sustained flight - transit only.
A vehicle is any means of transportation, motorised or not - car, truck, bus, train, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, and watercraft.
Crossing a highway in transit is acceptable; loitering over it is not.
Filming a sightseeing boat spotted in the distance fails on two counts - not on notice, and not a restricted area.
29
107.205 Waivable regulations 2:01:35
A defined list of Part 107 rules may be waived by the FAA on application through FAADroneZone, including 107.25, 107.29, 107.31, 107.33, 107.35, 107.37(a), 107.39, 107.41, 107.51 and 107.145.
A WAIVER waives a rule. An AUTHORIZATION grants access to controlled airspace. They are different things and people confuse them.
Swarm light shows operate under a 107.35 waiver.
30
Part 48 - registration 2:04:33
Registration costs $5, is made in the owner's legal name, requires the owner to be at least 13 years old, and is valid for 3 YEARS.
Under Part 107 registration is per AIRCRAFT. Recreational registration is per PERSON and covers all their aircraft.
A Part 107 registration is also valid for recreational use - you do not register twice.
Renewal may be done up to 6 months early.
Update or cancel a registration within 14 DAYS of a change - sale, transfer, destruction or export. (Contrast the 30-day change-of-address rule for your certificate.)
Since February 2019 the registration marking must be on the EXTERIOR, not inside a battery compartment, and must stay legible.
FAADroneZone is the only legitimate place to register; third parties charging $30-50 are a scam.
31
Part 89 - remote identification 2:11:19
Remote ID is a broadcast "licence plate" for drones, satisfied three ways - a standard remote ID aircraft, a broadcast module, or flying inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Anything required to be REGISTERED is required to have remote ID. A sub-250 g drone therefore needs it under Part 107 but not when flown recreationally.
Standard remote ID message - aircraft serial number or session ID, latitude, longitude, altitude and velocity of the AIRCRAFT, latitude, longitude and altitude of the CONTROL STATION, emergency status, and a time mark.
Module message - module serial number, aircraft position and velocity, and the TAKEOFF POINT rather than the live control station position; no emergency status.
The message broadcasts once per second, from takeoff to shutdown, and cannot be switched off. A failed self-test prevents takeoff.
The broadcast must come from the aircraft, never the controller.
Module operations are limited to visual line of sight.
ADS-B and 4096-code transponders are NOT permitted for remote ID. DJI AirSense only RECEIVES ADS-B from manned aircraft.
The public can see the broadcast; only the FAA holds the registration database, released to law enforcement and national security agencies on request.
Federal government aircraft are exempt; state, local and tribal government aircraft are not.
32
NTSB reporting - 49 CFR Part 830 2:32:16
Separate from the FAA rule, the operator must IMMEDIATELY notify the NTSB of an unmanned aircraft accident - any occurrence in which a person suffers death or serious injury.
Serious injury means any of - hospitalisation for more than 48 hours beginning within 7 days of the injury; a fracture of any bone except simple fractures of fingers, toes or nose; severe haemorrhage or nerve, muscle or tendon damage; injury to any internal organ; second- or third-degree burns, or any burn affecting more than 5% of the body surface.
Also reported immediately - flight control system failure or malfunction, in-flight fire, in-flight collision, and damage to property other than the aircraft exceeding $25,000 (or fair market value if less).
Two agencies, two thresholds - FAA $500 within 10 calendar days, NTSB $25,000 immediately. An event may be reportable to one, the other, or both.
This page was built from an auto-generated transcript, which garbles product and people's names. Those were corrected silently in everything above and logged here for transparency. The warnings flag claims that were true on the recording day but change fast.