Part 107 for inspection and delivery work
Tower, roof and solar inspections run under Part 107. Paid delivery beyond line of sight needs Part 135. What drone inspection and delivery pilots must know.
Updated
Most drone inspection work, such as roofs, towers, bridges, solar farms and power lines, runs under Part 107. Delivery is different: carrying someone else's property for pay beyond visual line of sight is not possible under Part 107 alone. Both jobs lean on the same exam topics, especially altitude, airspace, preflight and emergency procedures.
Which rules matter most for inspections?
| Rule | Why inspectors care | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Structure exception to 400 ft | Towers and tall buildings | 400-foot rule |
| Cloud clearance | Low ceilings stop high inspections | Cloud clearance |
| Visual line of sight | Long linear assets like pipelines | VLOS and observers |
| Condition for safe operation | Heavy use wears equipment | Maintenance rules |
| Waivers | BVLOS or other deviations | Part 107 waivers |
Where does Part 107 stop for delivery?
The FAA states that Part 135 certification is the only path for small drones to carry the property of another for compensation beyond visual line of sight. Part 107 waivers do not fill that gap: §107.205 says no waiver of the moving-vehicle or VLOS rules will be issued to carry another's property for compensation. Delivery companies build on Part 107 knowledge, but the operation needs more than a remote pilot certificate.
What about Part 108?
Part 108 is a proposed rule for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. It is not in force, and the knowledge test covers current rules. The Part 108 vs Part 107 post explains what is proposed and what is not.
How do you know you are ready?
Use a readiness score rather than one practice result, especially if a job depends on your certificate date. Start with the free diagnostic, then run the exam simulator until the score holds above 70%.
20 questions, free, with a breakdown by exam area.
Get a readiness baselineRoof and claims work has its own guide: Part 107 for roof and insurance inspections. Job sites are covered in Part 107 for construction.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I fly above 400 feet for a tower inspection?
- Yes, within limits. Part 107 lets you fly higher than 400 feet AGL if you stay within a 400-foot radius of a structure and no higher than 400 feet above its top.
- Can I deliver packages with a drone under Part 107?
- Only within visual line of sight and the other Part 107 limits. The FAA says Part 135 air carrier certification is the only path for small drones to carry another person's property for compensation beyond visual line of sight.
- Does Part 108 replace Part 107 for BVLOS work?
- Part 108 is a proposed BVLOS rule, not a final rule and not a new pilot license. The Part 107 exam tests the rules in force today.