UA.I.A.K3: The ramifications of falsification, reproduction, or alteration of a certificate, rating, authorization,

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 “Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration” Means and Who Can Be Held Responsible

The FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. depends on truthful, accurate information from small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. owners, operators, and remote pilots to make authorizations and compliance determinations. If any person fraudulently or knowingly provides false records or reports, or reproduces or alters records or reports, the United States government may take appropriate action. This applies broadly to a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. owner, operator, remote pilot in command (PICPilot in CommandCloseThe person responsible for the flight. Under Part 107, this is usually the remote pilot in command.), an applicant for a Declaration of Compliance (DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.), and “anyone else” who engages in such misconduct. Practically, this covers application materials, operational records, maintenance or compliance records, and any other records or reports tied to small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. operations and approvals. Expect FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. compliance or enforcement action if information you submit is untrue or if you alter official records or documentation.^[1]

How This Shows Up in Part 107 Operations

• Category labels for operations over people (Categories 2 and 3): If the aircraft’s Category 2 or 3 label is damaged, destroyed, or missing, the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must relabel the aircraft before conducting operations over human beings. The required label must be in English, legible, prominent, remain on the aircraft for the duration of the operation, and correctly identify the category or categories of operation the aircraft is qualified to conduct. Mislabeling or “up-labeling” an aircraft to a category it does not qualify for would be a false representation and a compliance risk.^[2]

• Category 4 eligibility and open-air assemblies: To conduct Category 4 operations, the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must use a small unmanned aircraft that is eligible for Category 4 operations and operate in accordance with all applicable operating limitations specified by the Administrator. The aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21, and the operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings. The rule also restricts sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. requirements in § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) are met. Misrepresenting an aircraft’s eligibility, its airworthiness certification, or its operating limitations would constitute false information with serious compliance implications.^[2]

• Currency and training status: A remote pilot must complete recurrent training within 24 calendar-months of passing either the initial knowledge test or initial knowledge training to continue exercising remote pilot privileges. Misstating or falsifying your currency (e.g., claiming you are current when you are beyond the 24 calendar-month window) is a form of false reporting that can trigger FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. action.^[3]

• Declarations of Compliance (DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.): ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2A specifically notes that an “applicant for a DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.” is among those who may face action for fraudulent or knowingly false submissions. Any misstatement or alteration in a DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories. process—such as compliance claims regarding design, production, or performance characteristics used to qualify for operational permissions—falls squarely within the falsification risk area.^[1]

Practical Implications for Remote PICs

• Treat every submission and record as a legal document. Do not fabricate or alter pilot certificates, training or test results, maintenance or compliance records, category labels, or any other operational documentation. The FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. explicitly reserves the ability to take action against anyone who falsifies or alters such information.^[1]

• If a Category 2 or 3 label is compromised, relabel correctly before operations over people. The replacement label must be legible, prominent, remain on the aircraft during the operation, and must correctly identify the aircraft’s true category qualifications—never label beyond what the aircraft actually meets.^[2]

• Verify your aircraft’s eligibility and operating limitations for Category 4 before flight. Do not claim eligibility without an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21 and applicable operating limitations that permit operations over human beings. Ensure any statements about Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. status for open-air assemblies are accurate.^[2]

• Track recurrent training carefully. Put reminders on the “24 calendar-months” schedule to avoid any temptation—or inadvertent error—in claiming currency you do not have.^[3]

Exam Takeaways

• The FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. relies on truthful data; “appropriate action” can be taken against any party who falsifies, reproduces, or alters records or reports, including owners, operators, the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., and DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories. applicants.^[1]
• Category labeling must accurately reflect the aircraft’s approved capabilities for operations over people; mislabeling is noncompliant.^[2]
• Category 4 operations hinge on airworthiness certification and adherence to operating limitations; misrepresenting eligibility is falsification with enforcement risk.^[2]
• Recurrent training is required every 24 calendar-months; misrepresenting currency is a falsification issue.^[3]