Understanding the FAA's Part 107 for FPV Pilots: Do You Need a License?

Introduction: Navigating FAA Regulations for FPV Drones

First-Person View (FPV) drone flying offers an immersive piloting experience that has captured the imagination of enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, navigating the regulatory landscape can be challenging, especially when determining whether you need formal certification for your FPV operations. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Part 107 rules establish the framework for commercial small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) operations in the United States . Understanding these regulations is crucial for both recreational and commercial FPV pilots to ensure compliance and safe operations.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential components of Part 107, specifically addressing how these rules apply to FPV drone operations. Whether you're flying for fun, creating cinematic content, or using FPV drones for professional applications, knowing the legal requirements will help you avoid significant penalties while contributing to safer airspace for all users.

What is FAA Part 107?

The Foundation of Commercial Drone Operations

The FAA's Part 107, officially known as the "Small Unmanned Aircraft Rules," represents the first comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial drone operations in the United States . Implemented in August 2016, these rules standardized operations for small unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds (approximately 25 kilograms) . Prior to Part 107, commercial drone operators faced significant regulatory hurdles, including the requirement for a traditional pilot's license .
Part 107 established a balanced approach to drone regulation, aiming to integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace while addressing safety and security concerns . As Michael Huerta, then-FAA Administrator, stated during the rule's introduction: "We can balance the need to deploy this technology with the FAA's protection of public safety" . This framework has been instrumental in creating a professional ecosystem of certified pilots, registered aircraft, and standardized operating procedures .

Key Limitations Under Part 107

The Part 107 framework establishes several operational limitations for drone flights:

• • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Aircraft must remain within the visual line of sight of the remote pilot-in-command or visual observer

• • Altitude Restrictions: Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level, unless flying near taller structures

• • Time of Operation: Daylight-only operations, with exceptions for flights during civil twilight with proper anti-collision lighting

• • Speed Limit: Maximum groundspeed of 100 miles per hour

• • Right-of-Way Rules: Yield right-of-way to all manned aircraft

• • Population Restrictions: No flying over non-participating persons

Do FPV Pilots Need a License Under Part 107?

Commercial vs. Recreational Operations

The requirement for a license under Part 107 primarily depends on the purpose of your FPV flight:
Commercial Operations REQUIRE Certification
If you use FPV drones for any work-for-hire, business purposes, or compensation, you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate . This includes:

• • Aerial photography and videography for clients

• • Real estate photography

• • Infrastructure inspection

• • Agricultural monitoring

• • Search and rescue operations

• • Any activity where you receive payment for your FPV flying services
  Recreational Operations Typically DO NOT Require Part 107 Certification
  If you fly strictly for hobby, recreation, or educational purposes, you generally don't need a Remote Pilot Certificate . However, recreational flyers must still follow basic safety guidelines and may need to register their drone with the FAA.

The Critical Exception: FPV Flying and Visual Observers

FPV operations present a unique challenge under Part 107 because the rules require maintaining visual line of sight with the unmanned aircraft . Since FPV pilots fly using the drone's camera view rather than direct visual observation, standard FPV goggle use technically violates the VLOS requirement .
To legally operate FPV drones under Part 107 for commercial purposes, you must utilize a Visual Observer (VO). The VO maintains unaided visual contact with the aircraft while you pilot using FPV goggles . The VO must be positioned beside you and in direct communication to relay the drone's position, attitude, and potential hazards .

Obtaining Your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, you must:

• • Be at least 16 years old

• • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English

• • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a sUAS

• • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center

Testing Process and Content

The Part 107 knowledge test covers critical aviation topics essential for safe drone operations:

• • Airspace Classification: Understanding different airspace categories and operating requirements

• • Weather Effects: Recognizing meteorological impacts on drone performance

• • Loading and Performance: Calculating how weight affects drone capabilities

• • Emergency Procedures: Responding to in-flight emergencies

• • Flight Restrictions: Identifying temporary flight restrictions and other airspace limitations

• • Human Factors: Recognizing physiological effects on pilot performance
  The FAA estimates the cost of obtaining the remote pilot license to be approximately $150 . Once you pass the knowledge test, you'll complete the FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate, which is valid for two years before requiring recurrent testing.

Part 107 Waivers and Exemptions for FPV Operations

Beyond Part 107: When You Need Additional Authorization

While Part 107 establishes the baseline for commercial drone operations, certain FPV activities require special waivers. The FAA identifies seven key operations that need specific exemptions under Part 107 :

1. 1. Night Operations

2. 2. Operations Over People

3. 3. Operations from Moving Vehicles

4. 4. Multiple sUAS Operations (controlling more than one drone simultaneously)

5. 5. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

6. 6. Operations at Altitudes Above 400 Feet

7. 7. Operations in Certain Controlled Airspace

The Future: Part 108 and BVLOS Operations

The FAA has recognized the limitations of Part 107 for advanced operations, particularly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. In late 2025, the FAA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Part 108, which aims to create a standardized framework for BVLOS operations .
Part 108 represents a significant shift from Part 107, moving responsibility from individual pilots to operating organizations . This proposed framework eliminates the requirement for a certificated pilot in the traditional sense, recognizing that highly automated BVLOS operations are managed more through system oversight than traditional stick-and-rudder skills .

Special Considerations for FPV Pilots

FPV Equipment and Technical Requirements

When operating under Part 107, FPV pilots must ensure their equipment complies with relevant regulations:

• • Anti-Collision Lighting: Required for night operations (recent rules allow night flights with proper lighting)

• • Remote Identification: As of 2021, most drones require Remote ID, functioning as a "digital license plate" that broadcasts identification and location information

• • Registration: All commercial drones must be registered with the FAA

Airspace Awareness for FPV Operations

FPV pilots face unique challenges with airspace awareness due to their limited field of view. Under Part 107, pilots must:

• • Check airspace restrictions before flight using tools like the FAA's B4UFLY app

• • Obtain airspace authorization when operating in controlled airspace

• • Be aware that some areas, like major metropolitan zones (e.g., Manhattan), may be effectively no-fly zones due to complex restrictions

Recent Updates and Future Regulatory Trends

Evolving Regulations

The regulatory landscape for drones continues to evolve rapidly:

• • Remote ID Implementation: Final ruling issued in 2021, with phased compliance deadlines

• • Operations Over People: New rules enable broader operations over people without waivers under specific categories

• • Night Operations: Streamlined processes for flying at night

Preparing for Regulatory Changes

FPV pilots should stay informed about regulatory developments through:

• • FAA's official website and newsletters

• • Industry publications and organizations

• • Recurrent training requirements for Remote Pilot Certificate holders

Conclusion: Navigating Your FPV Licensing Requirements

Understanding whether you need a license for FPV flying ultimately depends on your operational purpose. If you're flying recreationally, you typically don't need Part 107 certification, though you must follow basic safety guidelines. For commercial FPV operations, a Remote Pilot Certificate is mandatory, with the additional requirement of using a Visual Observer to maintain VLOS compliance.
The Part 107 framework has successfully standardized commercial drone operations while maintaining safety standards. As the industry evolves with proposed regulations like Part 108 for BVLOS operations, FPV pilots have increasing opportunities for more complex missions .
By obtaining your Part 107 certification and staying current with regulatory changes, you can legally and safely explore the incredible possibilities of FPV drone flying while contributing to the responsible growth of the industry. Remember that regulations will continue evolving, so maintaining awareness through official sources ensures your operations remain compliant as new requirements emerge.