If you want to fly a drone for any reason other than just for fun, you need to follow a specific set of rules from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These rules are known as Part 107. Think of it as the official operator's manual for commercial drone flights in the United States.

Part 107 was created to make it safer and simpler for people to use drones for business, whether it's for real estate photography, agricultural surveys, or package delivery. It establishes a clear path for becoming a certified pilot and outlines the rules for flying safely and legally.

To fly a drone commercially, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate. The FAA has a few basic requirements you'll need to meet to be eligible.

First, you must be at least 16 years old and be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. You also need to be in a physical and mental condition that allows you to safely operate the drone.

The biggest step is passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test, often called the “Part 107 test.” This exam covers topics like regulations, operating requirements, and emergency procedures. It ensures you have the foundational knowledge to be a responsible pilot.

Once you pass your test and receive your certificate, you become a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). This is a formal title that means you are directly responsible for the safety of every flight you conduct. The buck stops with you.

As the RPIC, you have several key duties. Before each flight, you must conduct a preflight check to ensure your drone is in a condition for safe operation. This includes checking the propellers, battery levels, and control systems. You are also responsible for making sure the drone is properly registered with the FAA.

Perhaps the most important rule for an RPIC is maintaining a visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone. This means you, or a designated visual observer, must be able to see the drone with your own eyes—not through a camera feed—at all times. This ensures you can see and avoid other aircraft or obstacles.

Part 107 also includes several operational limits to keep the skies safe for everyone. These are the foundational rules you'll need to follow on every commercial flight.

These rules provide a baseline for safety. While waivers are available for certain operations, most commercial drone flights will fall squarely within these limitations. Understanding and respecting them is the core of being a professional drone pilot.