If you’re hiring someone to fly a drone over your property, your event, or your job site, one question matters more than price or equipment: does this pilot have an FAA Part 107 drone license? Understanding the FAA Part 107 drone license and what clients need to know can protect you from legal liability, poor-quality footage, and serious safety risks.
Flying a drone commercially without this certification is a federal violation. And “commercially” covers more than you might think. If any money changes hands, or if the footage is used to promote a business, it counts. That means the pilot you hire needs to be properly certified, no exceptions.
Key Takeaways
- Part 107 is federal law — any drone flown for commercial purposes in the U.S. must be operated by an FAA-certified Remote Pilot.
- You can verify credentials online — the FAA’s Airmen Inquiry tool lets anyone confirm a pilot’s certificate status in seconds.
- Hiring an uncertified pilot exposes you to liability — fines, footage that can’t be legally used, and potential lawsuits if something goes wrong.
- Insurance is separate from certification — even certified pilots may not carry adequate coverage for your project.
- Airspace authorization is a real consideration in NC — many areas near Raleigh and the Triangle require LAANC approval before any flight.
- Ask five specific questions before booking — certificate number, insurance proof, airspace plan, flight experience, and deliverable format.
What Is an FAA Part 107 Drone License?
Quick Answer: An FAA Part 107 license is a federal certification that allows pilots to fly drones commercially in the U.S. It requires passing a knowledge test, a TSA background check, and registration with the FAA. Pilots must renew every 24 months.
Part 107 refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107. This is the section of federal law that governs Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or sUAS, which includes all commercial drones under 55 pounds. The FAA enforces these rules nationally, which means they apply whether you’re hiring a drone pilot in Raleigh, Charlotte, or anywhere else in the country.
To earn a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, a pilot must pass a 60-question aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center. The test covers airspace classifications, weather interpretation, emergency procedures, flight regulations, and crew resource management. A passing score is 70% or higher.
The FAA’s official process for becoming a certified commercial drone pilot also includes a Transportation Security Administration background check and drone registration. Once certified, pilots receive a unique certificate number that can be verified by anyone using the FAA’s public Airmen Inquiry database.
What Does “Commercial Use” Actually Mean?
The FAA defines commercial drone use broadly. You don’t have to be a professional aerial photography company to fall under these rules. Commercial use includes any flight where:
- The pilot receives payment, even a one-time fee
- The footage is used in advertising, marketing, or promotional content
- The images are used in a real estate listing
- The footage documents a project for a paying client
- A business uses the data to make operational decisions
A neighbor with a consumer drone offering to shoot your event for a flat fee is operating commercially. A contractor using drone footage to show progress on a construction project is operating commercially. Both situations legally require a Part 107 certificate.
Why Is FAA Part 107 Certification Required for Commercial Drone Work?
Quick Answer: Commercial drone work requires Part 107 certification because drones share airspace with manned aircraft. The FAA mandates training to ensure pilots understand airspace rules, weather hazards, and emergency procedures that protect people on the ground and in the air.
Drones fly in controlled and uncontrolled airspace alongside helicopters, small planes, and commercial aircraft. A drone at 400 feet doesn’t look like much from the ground, but a collision with a manned aircraft at that altitude is catastrophic. Part 107 exists to make sure anyone operating a commercial drone understands exactly what they’re doing in that shared airspace.
Beyond safety, the certification requirement creates accountability. Certified pilots are registered with the FAA. Their certificate can be suspended or revoked for violations. They carry legal responsibility for their flights. Uncertified operators, by contrast, have no formal oversight and no mechanism for accountability.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Hiring an Uncertified Drone Pilot?
If an uncertified pilot causes damage, injures someone, or violates airspace restrictions while working for you, the consequences extend beyond the pilot. As the client, you could face:
- Civil liability for property damage or personal injury if you knowingly hired an unqualified operator
- Unusable footage if the footage was captured illegally and can’t be used in licensed media, listings, or public content
- FAA complaints if your property was used as a launch or landing site for an illegal commercial operation
- Contract disputes if the operator has no legal standing to sell you the footage rights
How Do You Verify a Drone Pilot’s FAA Certification?
Quick Answer: You can verify any drone pilot’s certification through the FAA’s public Airmen Inquiry tool at amsrvs. Registry.faa.gov. Search by the pilot’s name or certificate number. A valid result will show “Remote Pilot” as the certificate type and an active status.
Verification takes less than two minutes. Go to the FAA Airmen Inquiry portal, enter the pilot’s first and last name, and look for a certificate type of “Remote Pilot” with an active status. Ask the pilot for their certificate number before the flight so you can cross-reference the name and number together.
If the pilot hesitates to share their certificate number, that’s a red flag. Certified pilots have nothing to hide. Their certificate number is a professional credential, not private information.
What Other Credentials Should You Look For?
Certification is the minimum. For professional drone work, additional qualifications matter:
- Equipment proficiency — has the pilot flown the specific drone model being used on your project?
- Airspace authorization history — can they show LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) approvals for controlled airspace flights?
- Portfolio of similar work — have they completed projects similar to yours in scale and location type?
- Liability insurance certificate — separate from certification, this is what actually covers property damage
| Credential | What It Proves | How to Verify | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAA Part 107 Certificate | Legal authority to fly commercially | FAA Airmen Inquiry database | Yes — federal law |
| Drone Registration Number | Aircraft is registered with FAA | Ask to see physical label on drone | Yes — required for all commercial drones |
| Liability Insurance | Financial coverage for accidents | Request Certificate of Insurance | Not federal, but strongly recommended |
| LAANC Authorization | Approval to fly in controlled airspace | Ask to see the authorization record | Yes — where airspace requires it |
| Recency of Experience | Pilot stays current with flight hours | Ask about recent projects and flight logs | No law, but operationally important |
What Are the FAA Part 107 Rules That Affect Your Project?
Quick Answer: Part 107 rules limit drones to 400 feet above ground level, require visual line of sight at all times, prohibit flights over people or moving vehicles without a waiver, and restrict nighttime and controlled airspace flights without prior authorization.
Understanding these rules helps you set realistic expectations for your project. A drone pilot can’t always fly exactly where or when you want. Some restrictions are fixed. Others can be worked around with advance planning and proper authorization.
Key Part 107 Operational Limits
| Rule | Limit | Waiver Available? | Impact on Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Altitude | 400 feet AGL | Yes, near structures | Limits high-rise building shots |
| Visual Line of Sight | Pilot must see drone at all times | Yes, with waiver | Limits remote area mapping |
| Daylight Operations | 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset | Yes, with anti-collision lights | Evening events need anti-collision lighting |
| Speed Limit | 100 mph maximum | No | Rarely a factor in commercial work |
| Flights Over People | Restricted without authorization | Yes, Category waivers exist | Affects events with crowds |
| Maximum Weight | 55 lbs | No, different certification required | Limits heavy payload sensors |
How Does Airspace Work in the Raleigh-Durham Area?
Raleigh sits in one of the busiest airspace regions in North Carolina. RDU International Airport creates a large controlled airspace zone around it, meaning drones within several miles of the airport require LAANC authorization before takeoff. Without that authorization, a flight is illegal regardless of the pilot’s certification.
Pilots use apps like Aloft or the FAA’s DroneZone portal to check airspace status and obtain LAANC approvals. A professional pilot should be doing this as standard practice before every flight. If your pilot can’t explain what airspace class your property falls under, that’s a concern.
Field Experience
On a recent shoot in Raleigh, a property owner had already paid a deposit to an uncertified operator before reaching out to us. The original pilot couldn’t obtain LAANC authorization for the site because they weren’t registered in the FAA system. The flight never happened. We stepped in, ran the authorization through Aloft within 20 minutes, and completed the shoot the same afternoon. The client lost their deposit and nearly lost the listing window. Always verify credentials before any money changes hands.
What Liability Risks Do You Take on by Hiring an Uncertified Drone Operator?
Quick Answer: Hiring an uncertified drone operator puts you at risk for civil liability from accidents, loss of footage rights, and potential FAA complaints. If the operator causes injury or property damage while working for you, your exposure depends on what you knew before booking.
Think of it this way: if you hired an unlicensed electrician and their work caused a fire, your homeowner’s insurance would likely deny the claim. The same logic applies here. Knowingly engaging an unqualified contractor transfers a share of the risk to you.
The cost of a commercial drone accident is not trivial. A drone striking a person can cause serious injury. A drone crashing into a vehicle or structure can cost thousands in repairs. If the operator has no insurance and no certification, recovery falls entirely on whoever can be proven responsible, including the client who booked the job.
Why Drone Insurance Matters Even With a Certified Pilot
FAA certification proves the pilot knows the rules. It does not prove they can pay for damages if something goes wrong. A certificate doesn’t replace insurance. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage specific to drone operations.
For larger commercial projects, you can also ask to be named as an additional insured on the policy for the duration of the job. This is standard practice in professional drone services and adds another layer of protection for your business or property.
You can review our commercial drone services to understand the standards and documentation a professional operation provides before any project begins.
What Questions Should You Ask a Drone Pilot Before Booking?
Quick Answer: Before booking any drone pilot, ask for their FAA certificate number, proof of insurance, airspace authorization plan for your location, a portfolio of similar completed projects, and a clear list of deliverables with file formats and delivery timeline.
These five questions separate professionals from hobbyists every time. A qualified pilot will answer all of them confidently and immediately.
The Five Questions That Reveal Everything
- What is your FAA Part 107 certificate number? — A real pilot has this memorized or can pull it up in seconds.
- Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance? — You want to see liability coverage specific to drone operations, not just a general business policy.
- What’s your airspace plan for my location? — They should be able to identify the airspace class, check for TFRs (temporary flight restrictions), and explain how they’ll obtain any needed authorization.
- Can I see examples of work similar to mine? — A real estate shoot and a construction site survey require very different skills. Verify relevant experience.
- What will I receive, in what format, and when? — Deliverables should be spelled out clearly. Resolution, file type, editing included or not, turnaround time.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
- They can’t produce a certificate number
- They offer unusually low pricing with no mention of insurance or compliance
- They say they “don’t need a license” for your type of project
- They can’t explain what airspace class your property is in
- They have no portfolio or client references
- They refuse to sign a contract or provide written deliverables
How Do FAA Part 107 Requirements Apply to Different Types of Drone Projects?
Quick Answer: Part 107 requirements apply equally to all commercial drone work, but project complexity varies. Real estate shoots are simpler airspace cases. Construction monitoring, events with crowds, and mapping projects introduce additional regulatory layers that require more planning and sometimes waivers.
| Project Type | Typical Complexity | Common Airspace Issues | Waiver Likely Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Photography | Low to moderate | Proximity to airports | LAANC only, if in Class D/C |
| Construction Monitoring | Moderate | Urban airspace, equipment hazards | Rarely, but site safety plan required |
| Event Coverage | High | Crowds, TFRs, low altitude maneuvering | Often, for over-people operations |
| Aerial Mapping / Surveying | Moderate to high | Large area coverage, BVLOS concerns | Sometimes, for extended range |
| Roof / Infrastructure Inspection | Moderate | Urban canyons, tall structures | Rarely, altitude exception near structures |
| Agricultural Drone Services | Low | Rural airspace, minimal conflict | Rarely |
For property owners and real estate professionals, our real estate drone services include full airspace pre-clearance and certification documentation provided before every single shoot.
Does Part 107 Apply to Recreational Drones Too?
Recreational drone flying follows a different set of rules under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. However, the moment a drone flight has any commercial purpose, recreational exemptions no longer apply. This is a hard line in FAA regulations. There is no gray area.
Hobbyists who decide to “make a little money” on the side without getting certified are operating illegally. And the clients who pay them are part of that transaction.
How Often Does an FAA Part 107 Certificate Need to Be Renewed?
Quick Answer: FAA Part 107 certificates must be renewed every 24 months. Since 2021, renewal is done through an online recurrent training course at no cost, replacing the previous in-person exam requirement. Pilots must complete the course before their certificate expires.
The recurrent training requirement exists to keep pilots current with updated airspace rules, new technologies, and regulatory changes. FAA Part 107 waivers and renewal requirements are updated periodically, so staying current isn’t optional for professionals.
When you verify a pilot’s credentials through the FAA Airmen Inquiry tool, the result will show their certificate issue and expiration date. A certificate that expired more than 24 months ago means the pilot has not completed recurrent training and is not legally authorized to fly commercially.
What Should You Expect From a Professional Certified Drone Operator?
Quick Answer: A professional certified drone operator provides pre-flight airspace checks, written documentation of their certification and insurance, a detailed shot plan, safe equipment operation, and post-production deliverables in your agreed format — all without requiring you to manage compliance details.
Professionalism in drone services goes beyond having the certificate. The best operators treat compliance as invisible to you. You shouldn’t need to chase down their credentials or wonder if the flight was legal. That documentation should arrive before the flight date, without you asking.
What a Standard Professional Drone Engagement Looks Like
- Pre-flight documentation package — certificate, insurance, airspace authorization for your specific location
- Site consultation — walkthrough of the shot plan, safety considerations, and any access requirements
- Day-of safety protocols — pre-flight checklists, communication with any relevant air traffic control, crew briefing
- Footage capture — methodical, deliberate flight paths with redundant backup footage
- Post-production and delivery — edited files in agreed format, typically within 48-72 hours
- Documentation of flight records — professional operators maintain flight logs that establish a record of legal operation
If you want to see the kind of work a fully certified and insured operation produces, explore our drone photography and videography portfolio to review completed projects across North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a drone pilot fly without Part 107 if they are just a hobbyist?
Hobbyists can fly under recreational rules, but only if no money changes hands and there’s no commercial purpose. The moment someone pays a hobbyist for footage or uses it in any business context, Part 107 applies. Calling yourself a hobbyist doesn’t override the commercial use rule.
What happens if a drone causes property damage during a shoot on my property?
If the pilot has liability insurance, that policy covers property damage up to the policy limits. If they have no insurance, recovery depends on the pilot’s personal assets, which are often insufficient. This is why asking for a Certificate of Insurance before booking is non-negotiable.
Are there places in North Carolina where drones simply cannot fly?
Yes. Restricted and prohibited airspace exists throughout NC, including around military installations, prisons, national parks, and stadium flight restrictions during large events. Pilots must check for temporary flight restrictions, known as TFRs, before every flight. A professional checks these automatically.
Does the client need to do anything to prepare for a legal drone shoot?
Your main responsibility is granting site access and confirming the pilot’s credentials before the flight date. If the shoot is on private property, written permission from the property owner helps document the legal right to operate. For events, share the venue address early so airspace checks can happen well in advance.
How is a Part 107 certificate different from a drone registration number?
These are two separate things. The Part 107 certificate belongs to the pilot and certifies their knowledge and authority to fly commercially. The drone registration number belongs to the aircraft and must be affixed to every drone used commercially. Both are required for a legal commercial operation.
What is LAANC and why does it matter for my project in the Raleigh area?
LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It’s the system that allows certified pilots to get near-instant approval to fly in controlled airspace around airports like RDU. Large portions of the Raleigh metro area fall within RDU’s airspace radius, making LAANC authorization a routine part of professional drone work here.
