sUAS Characteristics & Requirements
Before you can operate legally under Part 107, you have to understand what qualifies as a small unmanned aircraft system, how it must be registered, and who can be on the operating team.
Definition of a Small Unmanned Aircraft
- Weighs less than 55 pounds total — including everything onboard or attached
- Operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft
- Both criteria must be met to fall under 14 CFR Part 107
What Part 107 Does NOT Cover
Part 107 specifically excludes the following — they fall under different rules or none at all:
- Limited recreational operations under 49 USC 44809 (hobbyist flying)
- Amateur rockets
- Moored balloons or unmanned free balloons
- Kites
- Operations conducted outside the United States
- Public aircraft operations (PAO) — though operators may opt into Part 107 if they meet all requirements
- Air carrier operations
Aircraft Registration
- All sUAS operated under Part 107 must be registered — 14 CFR Part 47 (paper) or Part 48 (online)
- Part 48 is the streamlined online option via FAA DroneZone
- Foreign-registered sUAS must comply with 14 CFR § 375.43 (Foreign Aircraft Permit) when operating in US airspace
- UA under 0.55 lbs are normally exempt from registration — but if operated under Part 107, they must be registered regardless of weight
Registration Markings
- FAA-issued unique identifier (typically the registration / N-number) must be on the aircraft
- Visible on an external surface — owners are no longer permitted to enclose the marking inside a battery compartment
- Must be legible and durable — engraving, permanent marker, or self-adhesive labels are acceptable
Crew Roles
- Remote PIC: Holds a current Remote Pilot certificate with sUAS rating. Has final authority and responsibility for the operation. There can only be one Remote PIC at a time, but the designation can be transferred between certificated pilots during flight (must be done while maintaining VLOS without losing control).
- Person manipulating the controls: May or may not be certificated. If non-certificated, must operate under direct supervision of the Remote PIC, who must be able to immediately take direct control.
- Visual Observer (VO): Optional crew member designated by the Remote PIC to help see and avoid traffic and other hazards. Must remain in continuous visual contact with the sUAS and have a means to communicate with the Remote PIC.
Methods to Maintain RPIC Override
If a non-certificated person is at the controls, the Remote PIC must be able to take over immediately. Acceptable methods include:
- Standing close enough to physically take over the control station
- Using a "buddy box" — two control stations with override capability
- Using a preprogrammed safe-mode system with "home" or "hover" functions