UAS Pilot Certification

AIM ¶ 11-5-3 — UAS Pilot Certification

AIM 11-5-3 explains pilot certification for Part 135, Part 137 agricultural, and large civil UAS operations. Study guide for pilot students.

In Plain English

AIM 11-5-3 outlines the pilot certification rules for civil Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations under different FAA parts.

14 CFR Part 135 (Air Carrier) UAS: The Remote PIC must hold a commercial pilot certificate.
14 CFR Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft) UAS: The normal Part 137 requirement under §137.19(b) and (c) for a private or commercial pilot certificate is exempted for UAS. Only a Part 107 remote pilot certificate is required, regardless of aircraft weight. However, the pilot must still satisfactorily pass the knowledge and skill tests required by §137.19(e) and §137.41(b) or (c).
Other Large Civil UAS: Certification rules will be addressed in future rulemaking.

Why it matters: If you're considering UAS operations beyond Part 107 — such as ag spraying or carrying property for compensation — knowing which certificate stack you need keeps you on the right side of the rules and helps you plan training appropriately.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 11-5-3

11-5-3. 11-5-3. Pilot Certification for 14 CFR part 135, Part 137, and Large Civil UAS Currently, FAA regulations require a commercial pilot certificate for 14 CFR part 135 Remote PICs. Pilot certification for 14 CFR part 137. For civil UAS agricultural aircraft operations, the 14 CFR section 137.19(b) and (c) requirement (that the pilot hold a private or commercial pilot certificate) is exempted; only a 14 CFR part 107 pilot certificate is required. This policy pertains to all UAS regardless of weight. However, all civil pilots conducting agricultural aircraft operations must satisfactorily pass the knowledge and skill test of 14 CFR section 137.19(e) and 14 CFR section 137.41(b) or (c). Pilot certification for other large civil UAS. Requirements for future large civil UAS operations will be addressed in future rulemaking.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What pilot certificate is required to act as Remote PIC for a Part 135 UAS operation?

Per AIM 11-5-3, FAA regulations require a commercial pilot certificate for 14 CFR Part 135 Remote PICs.

Q2For civil UAS agricultural operations under Part 137, what pilot certificate is required, and does aircraft weight matter?

Per AIM 11-5-3, the §137.19(b) and (c) requirement for a private or commercial certificate is exempted; only a 14 CFR Part 107 pilot certificate is required, and this policy applies to all UAS regardless of weight.

Q3Even with the Part 107 exemption, what testing must a UAS pilot still complete to conduct agricultural aircraft operations?

Per AIM 11-5-3, all civil pilots conducting agricultural aircraft operations must satisfactorily pass the knowledge and skill test of 14 CFR §137.19(e) and §137.41(b) or (c).

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 11

¶ 11-5-1

UAS Pilot Certification

¶ 11-5-2

PAO Pilot Certification

¶ 11-5-4

Foreign Pilot UAS Certification