FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate and waivers study guide
Subpart C of 14 CFR Part 107 sets who can get a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and how to keep exercising its privileges; Subpart E sets how the FAA issues certificates of waiver. This guide sets out what the rule text states on who needs a certificate, eligibility (age, English language and physical or mental condition), alcohol and drug offenses, applying for the certificate and the temporary certificate, knowledge tests and the areas of knowledge they cover, aeronautical knowledge recency within the previous 24 calendar months, the separate path for part 61 pilot certificate holders, carrying and presenting the certificate, name and address changes, and which sections can be waived. goraedu is an independent study site, not an FAA testing center, and these are not FAA test questions. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Scope and who needs a certificate
Subpart C of Part 107 sets the requirements for issuing a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.
“This subpart prescribes the requirements for issuing a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.”
To act as remote pilot in command, a person must have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued under Subpart C and satisfy the recency requirements of 107.65, except as provided in 107.12(c).
“Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may act as a remote pilot in command unless that person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to Subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of § 107.65.”
14 CFR 107.12, Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
A person may manipulate the flight controls of a small UAS either with that certificate (and meeting 107.65), or under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command who has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight, except as provided in 107.12(c).
“Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system unless: (1) That person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of § 107.65; or (2) That person is under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.”
14 CFR 107.12, Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
The Administrator may, consistent with international standards, authorize an airman to operate a civil foreign-registered small unmanned aircraft without an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.
“The Administrator may, consistent with international standards, authorize an airman to operate a civil foreign-registered small unmanned aircraft without an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.”
14 CFR 107.12, Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
Not covered here
Sections 107.52 (ATC transponder equipment prohibition) and 107.53 (ADS-B Out prohibition) also sit in Subpart C but are equipment rules, not certificate rules; they are not covered here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Eligibility
An applicant must be at least 16 years of age.
“Be at least 16 years of age;”
An applicant must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
“Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.”
If an applicant cannot meet one of the English language requirements due to medical reasons, the FAA may place operating limitations on the certificate as necessary for safe operation of the small unmanned aircraft.
“If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, the FAA may place such operating limitations on that applicant's certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the small unmanned aircraft;”
An applicant must not know or have reason to know of a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS.
“Not know or have reason to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system;”
An applicant must demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by satisfying one of the conditions in 107.61(d), in a manner acceptable to the Administrator.
“Demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by satisfying one of the following conditions, in a manner acceptable to the Administrator:”
One way is to pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge in 107.73.
“Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73; or”
The other way applies to a person who holds a part 61 pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) and meets the flight review requirements of 61.56: complete training covering the areas of knowledge in 107.74.
“If a person holds a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56, complete training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.74.”
Alcohol and drug offenses
A conviction for violating any Federal or State statute on the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for action against an application or certificate.
“A conviction for the violation of any Federal or State statute relating to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for:”
Such a conviction is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year after the date of final conviction, or for suspension or revocation of the certificate.
“Denial of an application for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating for a period of up to 1 year after the date of final conviction; or (2) Suspension or revocation of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.”
Committing an act prohibited by 91.17(a) or 91.19(a) is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year after the date of that act, or for suspension or revocation of the certificate.
“Committing an act prohibited by § 91.17(a) or § 91.19(a) of this chapter is grounds for: (1) Denial of an application for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating for a period of up to 1 year after the date of that act; or (2) Suspension or revocation of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.”
Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test when requested by a law enforcement officer in accordance with 91.17(c), or refusing to furnish or authorize release of test results requested by the Administrator in accordance with 91.17(c) or (d), is grounds for action.
“A refusal to submit to a test to indicate the percentage by weight of alcohol in the blood, when requested by a law enforcement officer in accordance with § 91.17(c) of this chapter, or a refusal to furnish or authorize the release of the test results requested by the Administrator in accordance with § 91.17(c) or (d) of this chapter, is grounds for:”
14 CFR 107.59, Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results
Such a refusal is grounds for denial of an application for up to 1 year after the date of that refusal, or for suspension or revocation of the certificate.
“Denial of an application for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating for a period of up to 1 year after the date of that refusal; or (b) Suspension or revocation of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.”
14 CFR 107.59, Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results
Applying for the certificate
The application must be made in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrator.
“An applicant for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating under this subpart must make the application in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrator.”
14 CFR 107.63, Issuance of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
The application must include either evidence that the applicant passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test (with a paper application, an airman knowledge test report showing passage of the test) or the part 61 certificate of completion below.
“The application must include either: (1) Evidence showing that the applicant passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test. If applying using a paper application, this evidence must be an airman knowledge test report showing passage of the knowledge test; or”
14 CFR 107.63, Issuance of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
The other option, for a part 61 pilot certificate holder (other than a student pilot certificate) who meets the 61.56 flight review requirements, is a certificate of completion of an initial training course under Part 107 covering the 107.74 knowledge areas.
“If a person holds a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56, a certificate of completion of an initial training course under this part that covers the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.74.”
14 CFR 107.63, Issuance of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
For an application under 107.63(a)(2), it must be submitted to the responsible Flight Standards office, a designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative for a pilot school, a certificated flight instructor, or other person authorized by the Administrator; the person accepting it must verify the applicant's identity in a manner acceptable to the Administrator; and the person making the application must show, by logbook endorsement or other manner acceptable to the Administrator, that the applicant meets the 61.56 flight review requirements.
“If the application is being made pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section: (1) The application must be submitted to the responsible Flight Standards office, a designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative for a pilot school, a certificated flight instructor, or other person authorized by the Administrator; (2) The person accepting the application submission must verify the identity of the applicant in a manner acceptable to the Administrator; and (3) The person making the application must, by logbook endorsement or other manner acceptable to the Administrator, show the applicant meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56 of this chapter.”
14 CFR 107.63, Issuance of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating
A temporary remote pilot certificate is issued for up to 120 calendar days, at which time a permanent certificate will be issued to a person whom the Administrator finds qualified.
“A temporary remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating is issued for up to 120 calendar days, at which time a permanent certificate will be issued to a person whom the Administrator finds qualified under this part.”
A temporary certificate expires on the expiration date shown on it, upon receipt of the permanent certificate, or upon receipt of a notice that the certificate sought is denied or revoked.
“A temporary remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating expires: (1) On the expiration date shown on the certificate; (2) Upon receipt of the permanent certificate; or (3) Upon receipt of a notice that the certificate sought is denied or revoked.”
Aeronautical knowledge recency
To exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command, a person must have accomplished one of the 107.65 options in a manner acceptable to the Administrator within the previous 24 calendar months.
“A person may not exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command with small UAS rating unless that person has accomplished one of the following in a manner acceptable to the Administrator within the previous 24 calendar months:”
Option (a): passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the 107.73 knowledge areas.
“Passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73;”
Option (b): completed recurrent training covering the 107.73 knowledge areas.
“Completed recurrent training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73; or”
Option (c): for a part 61 pilot certificate holder (other than a student pilot certificate) who meets the 61.56 flight review requirements, completed training covering the 107.74 knowledge areas.
“If a person holds a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56, completed training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.74.”
A person who passed a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test in a manner acceptable to the Administrator, or satisfied the training requirement of paragraph (c), prior to April 6, 2021 within the previous 24 calendar months is considered to be in compliance with paragraph (b) or (c), as applicable.
“A person who has passed a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test in a manner acceptable to the Administrator or who has satisfied the training requirement of paragraph (c) of this section prior to April 6, 2021 within the previous 24 calendar months is considered to be in compliance with the requirement of paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, as applicable.”
Knowledge tests and knowledge areas
Knowledge tests under Part 107 are given by persons and in the manner designated by the Administrator.
“Knowledge tests prescribed by or under this part are given by persons and in the manner designated by the Administrator.”
14 CFR 107.67, Knowledge tests: General procedures and passing grades
At the time of application for a knowledge test, an applicant's identification must contain the applicant's photograph, signature and date of birth.
“An applicant for a knowledge test must have proper identification at the time of application that contains the applicant's: (1) Photograph; (2) Signature; (3) Date of birth”
14 CFR 107.67, Knowledge tests: General procedures and passing grades
The identification must also contain the applicant's permanent mailing address; if that is a post office box number, the applicant must also provide a current residential address.
“Permanent mailing address. If the applicant's permanent mailing address is a post office box number, then the applicant must also provide a current residential address.”
14 CFR 107.67, Knowledge tests: General procedures and passing grades
An applicant who the Administrator finds has cheated or committed other prohibited conduct on a knowledge test is prohibited for 1 year after the act from applying for any certificate, rating, or authorization under this chapter and from applying for and taking any test under this chapter.
“An applicant who the Administrator finds has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section is prohibited, for 1 year after the date of committing that act, from: (1) Applying for any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this chapter; and (2) Applying for and taking any test under this chapter.”
14 CFR 107.69, Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct
Any certificate or rating held by such an applicant may be suspended or revoked.
“Any certificate or rating held by an applicant may be suspended or revoked if the Administrator finds that person has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section.”
14 CFR 107.69, Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct
An applicant who fails a knowledge test may not reapply for the test for 14 calendar days after failing it.
“An applicant for a knowledge test who fails that test may not reapply for the test for 14 calendar days after failing the test.”
The initial aeronautical knowledge test and recurrent training cover: applicable regulations; airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions; aviation weather sources and effects of weather on performance; and small unmanned aircraft loading.
“An initial aeronautical knowledge test and recurrent training covers the following areas of knowledge: (a) Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation; (b) Airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation; (c) Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance; (d) Small unmanned aircraft loading;”
They also cover emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication procedures, determining performance, physiological effects of drugs and alcohol, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, airport operations, maintenance and preflight inspection procedures, and operation at night.
“(e) Emergency procedures; (f) Crew resource management; (g) Radio communication procedures; (h) Determining the performance of the small unmanned aircraft; (i) Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol; (j) Aeronautical decision-making and judgment; (k) Airport operations; (l) Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures; and (m) Operation at night.”
Training for qualifying part 61 pilots covers: applicable regulations, effects of weather on performance, loading, emergency procedures, crew resource management, determining performance, maintenance and preflight inspection procedures, and operation at night.
“Training for pilots who hold a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meet the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56 covers the following areas of knowledge: (a) Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation; (b) Effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance; (c) Small unmanned aircraft loading; (d) Emergency procedures; (e) Crew resource management; (f) Determining the performance of the small unmanned aircraft; (g) Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures; and (h) Operation at night.”
Not covered here
The full list of prohibited acts in 107.69(a) is not repeated here; it includes copying or removing a test, giving or receiving help, and taking a test for another person. The FAA's Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-10B) set out the knowledge elements in more detail and are not summarized here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Carrying the certificate, changes and surrender
A remote pilot in command, owner, or person manipulating the flight controls must have the remote pilot certificate and identification in physical possession and readily accessible when exercising the certificate's privileges.
“A remote pilot in command, owner, or person manipulating the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system must- (1) Have in that person's physical possession and readily accessible the remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and identification when exercising the privileges of that remote pilot certificate.”
14 CFR 107.7, Inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance
That person must present the certificate and identification containing the 107.67(b)(1) through (3) information (photograph, signature, date of birth) for inspection upon a request from the Administrator, an authorized NTSB representative, any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer, or an authorized TSA representative.
“Present his or her remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and identification that contains the information listed at § 107.67(b)(1) through (3) for inspection upon a request from- (i) The Administrator; (ii) An authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board; (iii) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer; or (iv) An authorized representative of the Transportation Security Administration.”
14 CFR 107.7, Inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance
An application to change the name on the certificate must include the remote pilot certificate and a copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document verifying the name change; these are returned after inspection.
“An application to change the name on a certificate issued under this subpart must be accompanied by the applicant's: (1) Remote pilot certificate with small UAS rating; and (2) A copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document verifying the name change. (b) The documents in paragraph (a) of this section will be returned to the applicant after inspection.”
After a change in permanent mailing address, the holder may not exercise the certificate's privileges after 30 days from that date unless the FAA has been notified of the change.
“who has made a change in permanent mailing address may not, after 30 days from that date, exercise the privileges of the certificate unless the holder has notified the FAA of the change in address”
The FAA is notified either by letter to the FAA Airman Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, or by using the FAA website portal at www.faa.gov; either way the notice provides the new permanent mailing address or, if the permanent mailing address includes a post office box number, the holder's current residential address.
“By letter to the FAA Airman Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 providing the new permanent mailing address, or if the permanent mailing address includes a post office box number, then the holder's current residential address; or (2) By using the FAA Web site portal at www.faa.gov providing the new permanent mailing address, or if the permanent mailing address includes a post office box number, then the holder's current residential address.”
A certificate holder may voluntarily surrender the certificate for cancellation.
“The holder of a certificate issued under this subpart may voluntarily surrender it for cancellation.”
The request must include a signed statement (or its equivalent) acknowledging that the certificate will not be reissued unless the holder again completes the requirements of 107.61 and 107.63.
“Any request made under paragraph (a) of this section must include the following signed statement or its equivalent: "I voluntarily surrender my remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating for cancellation. This request is made for my own reasons, with full knowledge that my certificate will not be reissued to me unless I again complete the requirements specified in §§ 107.61 and 107.63."”
Waivers
The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing a deviation from any regulation listed in 107.205 if the Administrator finds the proposed operation can safely be conducted under its terms.
“The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing a deviation from any regulation specified in § 107.205 if the Administrator finds that a proposed small UAS operation can safely be conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.”
A waiver request must contain a complete description of the proposed operation and a justification establishing that it can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver.
“A request for a certificate of waiver must contain a complete description of the proposed operation and justification that establishes that the operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver.”
The Administrator may prescribe additional limitations considered necessary.
“The Administrator may prescribe additional limitations that the Administrator considers necessary.”
A person who receives a certificate of waiver may deviate from Part 107 to the extent specified in the certificate of waiver, and must comply with any conditions or limitations it specifies.
“A person who receives a certificate of waiver issued under this section: (1) May deviate from the regulations of this part to the extent specified in the certificate of waiver; and (2) Must comply with any conditions or limitations that are specified in the certificate of waiver.”
The 107.205 list of regulations a waiver may cover starts with 107.25 (operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft), but no waiver of it will be issued to allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for compensation or hire.
“A certificate of waiver issued pursuant to § 107.200 may authorize a deviation from the following regulations of this part: (a) Section 107.25-Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft. However, no waiver of this provision will be issued to allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for compensation or hire.”
The 107.205 list includes 107.29(a)(2) and (b), the anti-collision light required for operations at night and during periods of civil twilight.
“Section 107.29(a)(2) and (b)-Anti-collision light required for operations at night and during periods of civil twilight.”
The list includes 107.31 (visual line of sight aircraft operation), but no waiver of it will be issued to allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for compensation or hire.
“Section 107.31-Visual line of sight aircraft operation. However, no waiver of this provision will be issued to allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for compensation or hire.”
The list includes 107.33 (visual observer), 107.35 (operation of multiple small UAS) and 107.37(a) (yielding the right of way).
“Section 107.33-Visual observer. (e) Section 107.35-Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems. (f) Section 107.37(a)-Yielding the right of way.”
The list ends with 107.39 (operation over people), 107.41 (operation in certain airspace), 107.51 (operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft) and 107.145 (operations over moving vehicles).
“Section 107.39-Operation over people. (h) Section 107.41-Operation in certain airspace. (i) Section 107.51-Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft. (j) Section 107.145-Operations over moving vehicles.”
Not covered here
Section 107.200(a) allows waivers of the regulations specified in 107.205; other Part 107 sections are not on that list. How to file a waiver request through FAA systems is not covered here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.56, Applicability (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.12, Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.61, Eligibility (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.57, Offenses involving alcohol or drugs (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.59, Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.63, Issuance of a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.64, Temporary certificate (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.65, Aeronautical knowledge recency (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.67, Knowledge tests: General procedures and passing grades (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.69, Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.71, Retesting after failure (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.73, Knowledge and training (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.74, Small unmanned aircraft system training (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.7, Inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.77, Change of name or address (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.79, Voluntary surrender of certificate (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.200, Waiver policy and requirements (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 107.205, List of regulations subject to waiver (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 5, 2026
Other FAA Part 107 study guides: Operating rules, Airspace, Operations over people and at night, Registration and Remote ID, Weather, Loading, performance and safe operations, Loading and performance, Airport operations, radio and emergencies, Decision-making, crew resource management and physiology