Rules for Safe Operation

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance covers scheduled and unscheduled overhaul, repair, inspection, modification, replacement, and software updates of the aircraft and all components necessary for flight.

• Scheduled maintenance: Follow manufacturer recommendations. If none are provided, develop your own protocol — document repairs, record time-in-service, and assess records over time to build a reliable schedule.
• Unscheduled maintenance: Discovered during preflight or flight. Do not operate until the discrepancy is corrected.
• If you can't perform the maintenance yourself, use the manufacturer's recommended personnel, certificated repair stations, or mechanics/repairmen
• If a component cannot be safely repaired, replace it

Preflight Inspection

Before every operation, inspect the aircraft for damage and malfunctions. AC 107-2 contains a sample preflight assessment checklist. Cover at minimum:

• Airframe integrity — no cracks, no loose parts
• Propellers / rotors — no nicks, cracks, or imbalance
• Battery condition, voltage, and secure attachment
• Control station charged, paired, and functioning
• GPS lock acquired before flight
• Camera/payload secure
• Software/firmware up to date

Assessing the Operating Environment

Required assessment includes (but is not limited to):

• Local weather conditions, current and forecast
• Local airspace and any flight restrictions (TFRs, NOTAMs)
• Location of persons and property on the surface
• Other ground hazards — power lines, antennas, vehicles

Performance factors to consider:

• Atmospheric pressure and stability — affects lift and battery output
• Wind currents — high winds make geographic position-holding difficult and drain batteries faster. Obstacles cause turbulence even at low wind speeds. Buildings, trees, mountains, bluffs, and canyons all distort airflow.
• Uneven surface heating — creates convective currents and turbulent updrafts/downdrafts. Plowed ground, rocks, sand, and barren land tend to create updrafts. Water, trees, and vegetation tend to create downdrafts.
• Visibility and cloud clearance — verified before launch and continuously monitored

Crew Briefing

Before any sUAS operation, brief everyone directly involved on:

• Operating conditions (weather, terrain, mission profile)
• Emergency procedures (lost link, flyaway, battery fire)
• Contingency procedures (alternate landing sites, abort criteria)
• Roles and responsibilities of each crew member
• Potential hazards specific to this site and mission

Part 89 — Remote ID

14 CFR Part 89 requires remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems. This applies to all UA operated under Part 107, regardless of weight (since Part 107 requires registration, and Part 89 applies to any UA that must be registered).

• Standard Remote ID UA: Built-in remote ID broadcast. Serial number must be on an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance (DoC), and the registration must include that serial number.
• UA with Remote ID broadcast module: Same DoC and serial number requirements as standard Remote ID UA.
• UA without Remote ID: May only operate at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) and only within VLOS.
• Part 89 is in addition to Part 107 — not a replacement

Logbook & Records

Maintain a hardcopy and/or electronic logbook documenting all periodic inspections, maintenance, preventative maintenance, repairs, and alterations on:

• The aircraft itself
• Control station
• Launch and recovery equipment
• Data link equipment
• Payload
• Any other components required for safe operation

Required Documents — RPIC Possession

The Remote PIC must have these in their physical possession (paper or electronic) and readily accessible during all flights:

• Remote Pilot certificate with sUAS rating
• Personal identification with photograph, date of birth, and signature
• Aircraft registration

Note: lithium batteries installed in the sUAS for power are not considered hazardous material under Part 107.