Lone Star Drone
If you are flying for work and are unlicensed - you are taking massive risks.
As drones become more integral to various industries such as construction, agriculture, real estate, cinematography, and surveying, the importance of ensuring safe and legal drone operations has never been higher. If you plan on flying drones for work or commercial purposes, you need to be aware of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, particularly the Part 107 certification. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of obtaining your Part 107 certification, what flying a drone commercially really means, and why it's essential for both safety and legal compliance.
What Does Flying a Drone Commercially Mean?
Flying a drone commercially isn’t limited to situations where someone hands you a check. The FAA draws the line at any operation that goes beyond pure recreation—whether or not money changes hands. In practice, commercial use includes:
Direct money-making activities: Surveying land, shooting real-estate photos, filming promotional videos, inspecting infrastructure, delivering goods, etc.
Content that supports a brand or personal profile: Posting drone footage on social media or YouTube to promote yourself, your company, or your sponsor—even if you aren’t paid per post.
Non-profit and charitable missions: Capturing imagery for a church, school, disaster-relief group, or other 501(c)(3) organization. “Free” work that advances another entity’s mission still counts.
Specialty or utility flights: Hog hunting, wildlife tracking, fishing bait drops, agricultural spraying, mapping, or any task that furthers a business, research, or management goal.
In short, if you’re doing anything more than flying purely for fun, you’re in commercial territory—and the FAA requires you to hold a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This license proves you understand U.S. airspace rules, safety protocols, and best practices, and it’s the legal foundation for every non-recreational drone flight in the United States.
Punishments for Flying a Drone Illegally
Flying a drone illegally, particularly for commercial purposes without a Part 107 certificate, can have serious legal consequences. The FAA takes violations seriously, and penalties can range from fines to more severe criminal charges.
Here are some potential consequences for flying without a Part 107:
Fines: The FAA can impose hefty fines on individuals who fly drones for commercial purposes without a Part 107 certification. Fines for illegal drone operations can range from several hundred dollars to HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of dollars per incident.
Seizure of Equipment: In some rare cases, the FAA may confiscate your drone if you are caught flying illegally for commercial purposes.
Criminal Charges: If the illegal drone operation endangers the safety of other aircraft or violates airspace restrictions, the consequences can escalate to criminal charges, which may include imprisonment.
Civil Penalties: In addition to fines, individuals flying drones illegally may be required to pay civil penalties, including damages or fees related to the incident.
Forfeiture of Future License: You may be prohibited from ever getting your drone license in the future.
These punishments are meant to protect airspace and ensure safe drone AND plane/helicopter operations. When you are flying a drone, you are flying an aircraft in airspace - just the same as a plane. Operating a drone without proper certification can not only lead to legal trouble but also risks the safety of others in the airspace.
Who Might Be Flying Their Drone Illegally Without Knowing It?
Many people assume that because drones are so easy to fly, they don’t need any specialized training or certification. However, a large number of drone operators may not realize they are flying illegally, especially if they’re using their drones for commercial purposes. Here are some common groups of people who might unknowingly be violating FAA regulations:
1. People Who Post Their Work or Use it for Marketing: Many amateur photographers, videographers, and real estate agents use drones to capture photos or videos but may not realize that using and posting those photos or videos makes it a commercial operation - even if they aren’t selling the drone images, the drone is still being used commercially.
2. Construction Workers or Surveyors: Some construction professionals use drones to survey land or inspect buildings but may not have the required Part 107 certification, even though they are using the drone to support their work and business operations.
3. Social Media Influencers or Content Creators: Influencers who use drones to capture content for their social media platforms, even if not directly paid by clients, may still be operating commercially if they are receiving income through ads or sponsorships - or if they are furthering their personal brand.
4. Agricultural Drone Operators: People using drones for crop monitoring or other agricultural services may not be aware that commercial use in agriculture requires a Part 107 certification.
These individuals might be under the misconception that flying a drone is simply a hobby or a tool, unaware that once the drone is used in a business context—whether paid directly or indirectly—FAA regulations kick in. The key distinction lies in the "commercial use," which requires the operator to have the proper certification.
How Hard is the Part 107 Test?
The Part 107 test, officially known as the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test, is designed to evaluate a drone operator’s understanding of key concepts related to aviation safety, regulations, and drone operations. The test is not exceedingly difficult, but it does require preparation. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass. While the questions are focused on practical knowledge needed for safe commercial operations, the material can be very challenging if you haven’t studied the required subjects.
Here’s a breakdown of what the test covers:
● Regulations: The rules and regulations governing drone operations, airspace classifications, and the FAA’s legal framework for remote pilots.
● Airspace: Understanding different classes of airspace, how to accurately read complex airspace charts, restricted zones, and how to operate safely around other aircraft. ● Weather: Knowledge of weather conditions, how they affect flight, and how to interpret weather data for safe operations. (METAR reports, ATIS, etc.)
● Operations: Understanding flight restrictions, such as maximum altitude and restrictions near airports, and knowing how to conduct a pre-flight check.
● Drone Systems: Familiarity with the technical aspects of drones, including their operation, maintenance, and safety features.
While the test is not excessively difficult, it is a serious exam that requires intense preparation. The FAA provides resources, and there are many online courses and practice tests available to help you study. Taking the time to thoroughly prepare for the test is essential for becoming a successful and safe drone operator.
Why is the Part 107 Test Important?
The Part 107 test is crucial because it ensures that drone pilots are equipped with the knowledge to operate drones safely and legally. A drone in the wrong hands can pose significant risks to aviation safety, property, and people on the ground. The Part 107 certification not only protects others from potential accidents but also gives clients and the public confidence that your drone operations meet legal standards. Additionally, if you are flying drones for work, having your Part 107 license opens up business opportunities. Many companies require proof of certification before hiring drone operators, and having the license makes you stand out as a qualified, responsible drone pilot.
Why is Part 107 Knowledge Important for a Drone Pilot
The knowledge covered in the Part 107 test is not just about passing an exam—it’s essential for operating drones safely and legally.
Here are several reasons why the knowledge gained from the test is so important:
1. Safety: Understanding the risks and limitations of drone operations can help prevent accidents, such as collisions with manned aircraft or people on the ground.
2. Legal Compliance: Flying without a Part 107 certification is illegal, and understanding the regulations helps ensure that you stay compliant with FAA rules.
3. Airspace Awareness: The test helps pilots understand where they can and cannot fly their drones, avoiding restricted areas and ensuring that they do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.
4. Operational Efficiency: The knowledge from the Part 107 exam ensures that drone operators can conduct pre-flight checks, understand weather conditions, and optimize their flight for the best results, saving both time and resources.
If you plan to fly drones for commercial purposes, obtaining your Part 107 certification is not just a legal requirement; it’s an essential step in ensuring safe, responsible, and effective drone operations. By understanding and following FAA regulations, you not only avoid legal trouble but also position yourself as a skilled, knowledgeable drone pilot ready to tackle a variety of business challenges. Whether you’re in construction, real estate, surveying, or any other industry, the Part 107 certification is your ticket to legally operating drones in a way that keeps you, your clients, and the public safe. So, if you haven’t already, take the time to study and pass the Part 107 test. It’s an investment in your future as a professional drone operator. And remember, Lone Star Drone is here to help guide you through the process and ensure your drone operations are always safe, legal, and efficient!