UA.I.A.K2: Definitions used in 14 CFR part 107.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task A: General References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 89 and 107, subpart A; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

What Part 107 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

• Part 107 governs the registration, airman certification, and operation of civil small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. in the U.S., and also the eligibility of civil small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. to operate over human beings. It does not apply to air carrier operations, operations conducted under 49 U.S.C. 44809 (recreational flyers), operations a person elects to conduct under legacy exemptions (Section 333 of Public Law 112-95 or 49 U.S.C. 44807) unless the exemption says otherwise, or operations a person elects to conduct under part 91 with an airworthiness-certificated small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.. For certification procedures: Part 21 does not apply to small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. under Part 107 unless the UASUnmanned Aircraft SystemCloseAn unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components. will operate over people per §107.140. Know these boundary lines—they define when Part 107 terms and limits apply to you. ^[6]

Key Defined Concepts for Operations Over People

• “Operations over human beings” (Subpart D) sets the framework and eligibility/operating requirements for flying over people or over moving vehicles. On the test, link “over people” with Subpart D and the category system. ^[2]
• Category 1 operations use an aircraft that weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff and throughout the operation, including everything on or attached to the aircraft, and the aircraft must not have exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies is permitted only if the operation meets §89.110 or §89.115(a) (Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.). These are bright-line definitions you must recall. ^[2]
• Category 2 eligibility is defined by aircraft design/production/modification that ensures: (1) no injury equal to or greater than a transfer of 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy on impact from a rigid object; (2) no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin; and (3) no safety defects. These are objective thresholds you should memorize. ^[7]
• Variable mode/configuration: A small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. can be eligible for more than one category only if the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. cannot inadvertently switch between modes/configurations. This prevents accidental operation in a riskier category than intended. ^[3]
• Limiting principle: Except for allowances in §§107.39(a) and (b) and §107.145, a remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. may conduct operations over people only in accordance with Category 1 (§107.110), Category 2 (§§107.115 and 107.120), Category 3 (§§107.125 and 107.130), or Category 4 (§107.140). Expect questions that match an operation to the correct category rule. ^[2]

Compliance Terms You Must Recognize

• Means of Compliance (MOC): For Category 2 or 3, compliance must be shown by test, analysis, or inspection, with procedures and explanations submitted to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. for acceptance. Acceptance can later be rescinded by the Administrator. This defines how manufacturers/designers prove an aircraft meets the category criteria. ^[3]
• Declaration of Compliance (DOC) support: If you submit a DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories. for Category 2 or 3 eligibility, you must retain all supporting information used to demonstrate compliance for two years—either after cessation of production (if you produced the small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.) or two years after submitting the DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories. (if you designed/modified it). If you submit a MOCMeans of ComplianceCloseFAA-accepted method a manufacturer uses to show a drone meets certain rule requirements., you must retain its description and justification for as long as the MOCMeans of ComplianceCloseFAA-accepted method a manufacturer uses to show a drone meets certain rule requirements. remains accepted. These retention periods are testable details. ^[1]
• Product labeling and instructions (Category 2): The aircraft must display a legible, prominent, permanently affixed English label indicating Category 2 eligibility, and remote pilot operating instructions must be provided upon sale/transfer/use. Instructions must include a system description with required components, limitations, declared categories, permitted modifications, and how to verify/change the mode or configuration. These items define what information must accompany a compliant aircraft. ^[7]

Certification, Waivers, and Equipment Prohibitions

• Waivers: The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing deviation from regulations listed in §107.205 if the proposed operation can be conducted safely. A waiver request must include a complete description of the proposed operation and a safety justification. Know that “deviation is possible via waiver” is a defined pathway in Part 107. ^[1]
• Voluntary surrender: A remote pilot certificate may be voluntarily surrendered for cancellation. The signed request must acknowledge the certificate will not be reissued unless the person again completes the requirements in §§107.61 and 107.63. This statement language is precise and often tested. ^[2]
• Prohibited equipage state: Unless authorized, no one may operate a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. under Part 107 with an ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. transponder on, and no one may operate with ADS-BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastCloseAircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized. Out in transmit mode. If you see a question about turning these systems on “to be seen,” the rule says don’t—unless specifically authorized. ^[4]
• Drug/alcohol offenses and eligibility: A conviction for statutes relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant/stimulant drugs/substances is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year from the date of final conviction, or for suspension/revocation of a remote pilot certificate. Committing an act prohibited by §91.17(a) or §91.19(a) is also grounds for denial for up to 1 year, or suspension/revocation. These are definition-level consequences that directly affect certification status. ^[4]