FAA Part 107 Updates: What Drone Pilots Need to Know

The FAA continues to evolve its regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). For commercial operators flying under Part 107, staying current with rule changes isn’t optional — it’s part of your compliance obligation.

Remote ID: Now Fully Enforced

The Remote ID rule — which requires most drones to broadcast identification and location data — has been fully in effect since September 2023. As of 2025, enforcement has ramped up significantly. Operators flying drones manufactured after the compliance date without Remote ID capability face potential enforcement action.

What this means for you:

• Verify your drone model is Remote ID compliant (check the FAA’s accepted Remote ID list)
• If your drone isn’t natively compliant, you need an FAA-accepted Remote ID module
• Flying without Remote ID in controlled airspace is now grounds for certificate action

Recurrent Training Reminder

Part 107 certificates don’t expire, but the FAA requires remote pilots to complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months to stay current. This free online course covers regulatory updates and is available through the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) platform.

If you earned your certificate before online recurrent training was available, verify your currency date in IACRA.

BVLOS Operations: A Slow Opening

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations remain restricted to waiver holders, but the FAA’s BEYOND and BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommendations have set the stage for a potential rulemaking that could open routine BVLOS operations in low-risk environments.

The current consensus: routine BVLOS operations under Part 107 could become available within the next 2–3 years, with initial focus on fixed routes in rural areas.

Airspace Authorization: LAANC is the Standard

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system is now the standard method for Part 107 operators to get near-real-time airspace authorization in controlled airspace. Key points:

• LAANC covers Class B, C, D, and E surface airspace
• Most authorizations are instant and valid for 4 hours
• Some requests require manual FAA review (typically for altitudes above automated limits or sensitive locations)

Operational Limitations Unchanged

The core Part 107 limits remain:

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (or higher with authorization/waiver)
• Maximum speed: 100 mph
• Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles
• Daytime operations only without waiver
• No flight over moving vehicles unless waivered

Regulatory information can change. Always verify current requirements at FAA.gov before operations. This article does not constitute legal advice.