UA.I.B.K22: Requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task B: Operating Rules References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 47, 48, 89, and 107, subpart B; 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

When a Remote Pilot Certificate is required

• You must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. rating to act as Remote Pilot in Command (RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.). You also must hold this certificate—or be directly supervised by an RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. who can immediately take direct control—to manipulate the flight controls of an sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.. The RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must also meet §107.65 requirements for recent training/knowledge. The FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. may authorize an airman to operate a civil foreign-registered sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. without an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-issued certificate consistent with international standards (§107.12).[^^1]
• Subpart C of part 107 is the certification subpart—it prescribes the requirements for issuing a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. rating (§107.56). As a certificated remote pilot, you must also know and comply with operating prohibitions on activating an ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. transponder and ADS-BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastCloseAircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized. Out equipment on an sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. unless specifically authorized by the Administrator (§§107.52, 107.53). These systems must not transmit under part 107 operations without authorization.^[3]

Practical implications:

• If you’re training a person to fly, you must be able to immediately take direct control (e.g., by a handheld controller handoff or an immediate control link transfer). Without that capability, the trainee cannot legally manipulate the controls under part 107.^[1]
• Keep your certificate valid by meeting §107.65 requirements before acting as RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.; the exam may test that the RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must “satisfy the requirements of §107.65.”^[1]

Certificate holder responsibilities during operations

• The RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. is directly responsible for, and the final authority on, the safe operation of the sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. (§107.19). A person acting as RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must obtain the Remote Pilot Certificate before operating; and during flight operations, must have the certificate and personal identification in physical possession and readily accessible. A person may not operate or act as RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. or visual observer (VOVisual ObserverCloseA person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation.) for more than one small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. at the same time (§107.35). Transfer of RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. control between certificated remote pilots is permitted only if both can maintain visual line of sight during the transfer.^[2]

Practical implications:

• Carry your certificate and a government-issued ID any time you operate under part 107. Inspectors may request to see them on site.^[2]
• Do not split attention across multiple aircraft; each RPIC/VORemote Pilot in Command / Visual ObserverCloseThe pilot responsible for the operation and the observer who helps maintain visual awareness. may be involved with only one small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. at a time, an item frequently tested on the exam (§107.35).^[2]

Maintaining privileges: legal, registration, and safety foundations

• Offenses involving alcohol or drugs can cost you your certificate or block you from getting one. A conviction under Federal or State drug statutes can lead to denial of an application for up to 1 year after final conviction, or suspension/revocation of an existing Remote Pilot Certificate. Committing an act prohibited by §91.17(a) or §91.19(a) likewise is grounds for denial for up to 1 year after the act, or suspension/revocation (§107.57).^[4]
• Registration is an operating prerequisite you’re responsible to manage as RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.. Under §107.13 you must comply with §91.203(a)(2) (aircraft registration). For non-recreational operations, the Certificate of Aircraft Registration (part 48) becomes effective on the date of issue and expires 3 years after the date of issue unless renewed. The holder may renew by verifying information within the six months preceding the month of expiration; the renewed certificate expires three years from the previous certificate’s expiration (§48.100).^[5][6]
• Airworthiness-by-condition is mandatory. No person may operate a civil sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. unless it is in a condition for safe operation; before each flight, the RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must check the sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. to determine that condition. If during flight the aircraft is no longer in a condition for safe operation, you must not continue (§107.15).^[5]
• Know category-based limits that affect RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. decisions. Category 1 “operations over people” apply only to small unmanned aircraft that weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less on takeoff and throughout the operation. When operating near moving vehicles outside a closed or restricted-access site, only transient flight is permitted—no sustained flight over moving vehicles (Categories 1–3).^[8]
• Some operations require a Certificate of Waiver (CoW). You may request a waiver at the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. UASUnmanned Aircraft SystemCloseAn unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components. website. Applications must describe the proposed operation and provide justification and supporting data showing it can be conducted safely; while not required, applicants are encouraged to submit at least 60 days before the planned start date. If granted, the CoW may include special provisions to ensure safety.^[7]

Practical implications:

• Build a preflight checklist that verifies registration status and the aircraft’s “condition for safe operation.” This ties directly to your RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. responsibilities and common exam scenarios.^[5][6]
• If your planned operation would violate a specific section (e.g., certain operations over people/vehicles), determine whether a waiver path exists and apply early.^[7]