AIM ¶ 11-4-2 — Part 107 and Waivers
AIM 11-4-2 explains 14 CFR Part 107 sUAS operations, Class G limits, LAANC authorizations, and how to request waivers. Study guide for remote pilots.
In Plain English
14 CFR Part 107 was the FAA's first rule dedicated to small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), creating a path to integrate drones into the National Airspace System for non-recreational flights conducted under Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). Because Part 107 requires more vetting than recreational rules under 49 USC 44809, it grants remote pilots greater flight permissions and altitudes — and Part 107 pilots may also fly recreationally under it.
Key operating points:
- Class G airspace: fly up to 400 feet AGL, or within 400 feet of a structure, without ATC coordination.
- Controlled airspace: use LAANC for near real-time airspace authorization within the UAS Facility Map (UASFM) altitudes.
- Eligibility to become a remote pilot is found in 14 CFR 107.61.
- Operating limitations are listed in 14 CFR 107.51.
Waivers are FAA-issued documents allowing deviation from certain Part 107 rules when the pilot demonstrates equivalent safety. Only rules listed in 14 CFR 107.205 are waivable — others (like the §107.36 HAZMAT prohibition) require a Part 11 exemption. The Administrator may also waive §107.31 (VLSO) if safety can be maintained.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 11-4-211-4-2. 11-4-2. 14 CFR part 107 and Waivers to 14 CFR part 107
14 CFR part 107 was the first new rule dedicated to UAS operations. It was designed to provide a path for integration into the NAS for sUAS, flown under VLOS, and operated for non-recreational purposes. Part 107 allows remote pilots to fly for recreation. Part 107 grants certain flight permissions and altitudes in excess of those provided under 49 USC 44809, The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of UAS, in view of the greater vetting required for 14 CFR part 107 certification. Eligibility requirements to fly under 14 CFR part 107, are listed in 14 CFR section 107.61, Eligibility. NOTE- The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing a deviation from 14 CFR section 107.31, Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation, if the operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver. REFERENCE- 14 CFR Part 107, sUAS. 14 CFR Section 107.61, Eligibility. 14 CFR Section 107.31, Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation. Operations in Class G airspace. part 107 remote pilots may fly in Class G airspace up to 400 feet AGL, and within 400 feet of a structure without prior coordination with ATC. Other limitations for Part 107 operators are described in 14 CFR part 107.51, Operating Limitations for sUAS. REFERENCE- 14 CFR Section 107.51, Operating Imitations for Small Unmanned Aircraft. Operations in controlled airspace through LAANC. LAANC gives the remote pilot the ability to obtain near real-time airspace authorization within UASFM altitudes and stay notified of airspace restrictions and prohibitions. See paragraph 11-8-7 , Resources for UAS Operators, for information on downloading LAANC. Waivers to 14 CFR part 107: A waiver is an official document issued by the FAA which approves certain operations of UAS outside the limitations of a regulation. These waivers allow drone pilots to deviate from certain rules under 14 CFR part 107 by demonstrating they can still fly safely using alternative methods or safety mitigations. 14 CFR part 107 rules which can be waived are listed in 14 CFR section 107.205, List of Regulations Subject to Waiver. Any subpart of 14 CFR part 107 rule which is not specifically listed in 14 CFR section 107.205, such as the §107.36 prohibition on the carriage or transport of HAZMAT, is not subject to waiver, and would require an exemption under 14 CFR part 11, General Rulemaking Procedures. See paragraph 11-3-2 , Exemptions Under 49 USC 44807, Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems, for guidance on requesting exemptions. To request a 14 CFR part 107 waiver, refer to the FAA's Part 107 Waiver website. NOTE- The FAA's Part 107 wavier website may be viewed at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107_waivers/ . REFERENCE- 14 CFR Section 107.205, List of Regulations Subject to Waiver. 14 CFR Part 11, General Rulemaking Procedures.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Under Part 107, how high and where can a remote pilot fly in Class G airspace without ATC coordination?
Per AIM 11-4-2, a Part 107 remote pilot may fly in Class G airspace up to 400 feet AGL, or within 400 feet of a structure, without prior coordination with ATC. Additional limits are in 14 CFR 107.51.
Q2What is LAANC and what does it provide to remote pilots?
Per AIM 11-4-2, LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) gives remote pilots near real-time airspace authorization within UAS Facility Map altitudes when operating in controlled airspace, and keeps them notified of airspace restrictions and prohibitions.
Q3Which Part 107 rules can be waived, and what must a pilot do if a rule is not waivable?
Per AIM 11-4-2, only rules listed in 14 CFR 107.205 are subject to waiver. Rules not listed — such as the §107.36 prohibition on carrying HAZMAT — are not waivable and require an exemption under 14 CFR Part 11, General Rulemaking Procedures.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 11