FAR 61.8 — UAS Operations Inapplicability
FAR 61.8 explains why operations conducted under Part 107 (small UAS) cannot be credited toward Part 61 pilot certification or rating requirements.
In Plain English
FAR 61.8 is short but important: any flight activity conducted under Part 107 (the small unmanned aircraft systems / drone rule) cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of Part 61.
In plain terms:
- Time you log as a remote pilot flying a small UAS under Part 107 does not count toward aeronautical experience for a private, commercial, instrument, or ATP certificate.
- It also doesn't count toward flight reviews, currency, or rating requirements under Part 61.
- Part 61 deals with the certification of pilots flying manned aircraft; Part 107 is a separate regulatory regime for small drones.
Why it matters operationally: students sometimes assume drone hours can offset required flight training. They can't. Every hour of training, solo, cross-country, and night experience required by Part 61 must be accomplished in a manned aircraft (or approved simulator/FTD where allowed). Plan your training and logbook accordingly.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.8§ 61.8 Inapplicability of unmanned aircraft operations.
Any action conducted pursuant to part 107 of this chapter cannot be used to meet the requirements of this part.
[FAA-2020-1067, Amdt. 61-148, 85 FR 79825, Dec. 11, 2020]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Can you log time flown under Part 107 toward your private pilot certificate?
No. Per FAR 61.8, any action conducted under Part 107 cannot be used to meet the requirements of Part 61, so drone time does not count toward pilot certification.
Q2Does a Part 107 remote pilot operation satisfy a flight review requirement under Part 61?
No. FAR 61.8 specifically prohibits using any Part 107 activity to meet Part 61 requirements, including flight reviews and currency.
Q3Why does the FAA separate Part 107 operations from Part 61 experience?
Because FAR 61.8 makes Part 107 operations inapplicable to Part 61, recognizing that small UAS operations are regulated separately from the certification of pilots operating manned aircraft.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 61