UA.I.C.K3: The eligibility requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task C: Remote Pilot Certification with an sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. Rating References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 107, subpart C; 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

Who must hold the Remote Pilot Certificate

• To manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft systemSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. (sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.) for non-recreational purposes, 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 and meet the currency requirements of §107.65. A person without the certificate may manipulate the controls only if directly supervised by a remote pilot in command (RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.) who can immediately take direct control. Only a certificated remote pilot may act as RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.. An FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. authorization may allow 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 remote pilot certificate, consistent with international standards (§107.12).^[1]
• Subpart C of part 107 is the rule set that 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).^[2]
• During flight operations, the RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must have the Remote Pilot Certificate and personal identification in physical possession and readily accessible, as referenced in ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2A (citing §§107.7 and 107.67(b)(1)-(3)).^[3]

Application scope and knowledge basis

• Remote pilot certification guidance and identity verification are outlined in ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2A Appendix D. It identifies remote pilot certification as covered by 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 107 Subpart C and notes that a person may apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate; it also emphasizes “specific knowledge requirements” located in Subpart C, which are tested on the aeronautical knowledge exam. For exam prep, remember: the regulation that governs who must hold the certificate and currency for operations is §107.12, and Subpart C is the home for certification requirements and knowledge standards.^[4][1][2]

Disqualifying events and certificate actions (fitness and conduct)

• Drug and alcohol offenses directly affect eligibility and continued holding of the certificate. A conviction under any Federal or State statute relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant/stimulant drugs is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year after the date of final conviction, or for suspension/revocation of an existing Remote Pilot Certificate (§107.57(a)). Committing an act prohibited by §91.17(a) (alcohol or drug use) or §91.19(a) (carriage of drugs) is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year after that act, or for certificate suspension/revocation (§107.57(b)). Practical takeaway: such offenses can delay your initial eligibility and can cost you your certificate once issued.^[2]
• Refusal to submit to a law-enforcement-requested alcohol test (in accordance with §91.17(c)), or refusal to furnish/authorize release of test results, is addressed in §107.59. Practical takeaway: refusing such a test has regulatory consequences that can affect your certification status.^[2]
• Medical fitness is a prerequisite to operate. Part 107 includes a specific “Medical condition” rule (§107.17). Practical takeaway: do not manipulate the controls if affected by a condition that would make flight unsafe; fitness to operate is a continuing responsibility under part 107.^[5]

Related compliance once certificated

• An RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must ensure the sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. is registered when operating for any purpose other than exclusively limited recreational operations. Under part 48, the Certificate of Aircraft Registration for such sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. is effective on the date of issue and expires 3 years after the date of issue unless renewed; renewal may occur any time within the six months preceding the month of expiration (§48.100). These timelines are commonly tested. Remember also that part 107 requires compliance with §91.203(a)(2) regarding registration for civil sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. (§107.13).^[6][5]
• Operational responsibility accompanies eligibility: the RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must ensure the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation before each flight and discontinue flight if it is no longer in a safe condition (§107.15). This duty links certification to continuous safety oversight by the certificated RPICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation..^[5]