FAA Part 107: Do You Need It? A Simple Guide for Drone Pilots
If you’ve just bought your first drone or you're thinking about using one to make money, you’ve probably come across something called the FAA Part 107 license. But what is it, and do you really need it? This guide breaks it down in simple terms, so you can fly confidently—whether for fun or business.
The FAA Part 107 is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration that gives drone pilots legal permission to fly for commercial purposes. In other words, if you're making money—or planning to—by using your drone, this license is required. It covers things like real estate photography, roof inspections, monetized YouTube videos, and any drone footage tied to a business.
So, who needs it? If you’re being paid to fly, selling drone content, or even promoting your own business using drone shots, you need the Part 107. This includes everything from construction site mapping and farm surveying to sponsored social media posts. Even if you’re not earning yet, but plan to use the footage commercially in the future, you’ll need to be certified.
On the flip side, if you're only flying recreationally—just for fun or as a hobby—you don’t need the Part 107. Recreational flyers fall under a different rule called Section 44809. That means you can legally fly without the license as long as you’re not making money, not promoting a business, and you're flying purely for personal enjoyment. You will, however, need to take a free safety test called the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), which takes just a few minutes to complete online.
It’s important to understand that flying commercially without a Part 107 license is illegal. If you're caught operating commercially without certification, you could face serious consequences—including fines or legal action. Additionally, many drone insurance policies won’t cover you if something goes wrong during an unlicensed commercial flight. That could leave you personally responsible for any damage or injury.
Luckily, getting certified isn’t as hard as you might think. The FAA Part 107 test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You'll need to score 70% or higher to pass. Topics include airspace classifications, weather, safety procedures, and general drone regulations. The exam costs about $175 to take at an FAA-approved testing center, and your certification is valid for two years.
To sum it up: if you're flying drones for fun, no license is needed—just complete the free TRUST test. But if you plan to make money or use drone footage to promote a business, then yes, you absolutely need your FAA Part 107 certification. It’s a smart investment that opens the door to flying professionally and legally.
If you’re ready to take the next step, check out my post on How I Passed the FAA Part 107 Exam for Under $20. It includes the exact resources I used, plus a few extra tips to make studying easier. You don’t need to spend hundreds to get certified—you just need the right tools and a plan.
Getting Started with Drones?
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