What Is FAA Part 107 Certification and Why It Matters

FAA Part 107 certification is the license the Federal Aviation Administration requires for anyone flying a drone commercially in the United States, including real estate, construction, and marketing photography. Hiring a Part 107-certified pilot means your project is being flown legally, safely, and with proper airspace authorization.

What Part 107 Actually Requires

To operate a drone commercially in the U.S., a pilot must pass the FAA’s Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test, covering airspace classification, weather, regulations, and safe operating procedures. Certified pilots must also renew their knowledge periodically and follow rules around altitude limits, visual line of sight, and flights over people.

In much of Arizona’s metro areas, commercial pilots also need to understand and request authorization for controlled airspace, such as the zones around Phoenix Sky Harbor, Scottsdale Airport, and Tucson International Airport.

Why It Matters When Hiring a Pilot

A Part 107-certified pilot knows how to plan a legal flight path, secure any required airspace authorization, and operate safely around people and property. For clients, this means fewer scheduling surprises, safer operations near your business or event, and imagery captured within legal bounds that won’t put your project at risk.

The Risk of Hiring an Uncertified Pilot

Hiring someone without Part 107 certification to shoot commercial drone content is not just a compliance issue — it can expose a business to liability if an incident occurs during an illegal flight. It also increases the odds of a flight being grounded midway if airspace authorization wasn’t secured in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ask to see a pilot’s Part 107 certificate?

Yes, and a reputable operator should be glad to confirm their certification and insurance before a shoot.

Does Part 107 cover flights everywhere in Arizona?

Part 107 is the base certification, but many areas also require additional airspace authorization, which a certified pilot knows how to obtain.

Is Drone Tec Pro Part 107 certified?

Yes, Drone Tec Pro operates as a licensed Arizona LLC with an FAA Part 107-certified remote pilot handling every flight.

Work With a Certified Arizona Drone Pilot

Tell us about your project and we’ll handle the airspace planning and certification questions for you.

Ready to see the property differently?

Tell us the location, what you need captured, and how you will use it.

Start a Project