Rules
Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations
A waiver lets you deviate from certain Part 107 rules, such as night lighting, visual line of sight, visual observers, multiple aircraft, operations over people and the 107.51 limits, if you show you can fly safely another way. Airspace authorization is a separate request for controlled airspace under 107.41.
Which rules can be waived?
| If you want to | Rule you need relief from |
|---|---|
| Fly from a moving vehicle or aircraft in populated areas | 107.25 |
| Fly at night or civil twilight without anti-collision lighting | 107.29 |
| Fly beyond visual line of sight | 107.31 |
| Use a visual observer outside the VO requirements | 107.33 |
| Fly several aircraft with one remote pilot | 107.35 |
| Fly over people without meeting Category 1 to 4 | 107.39 |
| Exceed 100 mph, 400 ft AGL, or the visibility and cloud limits | 107.51 |
| Fly over moving vehicles without meeting a category | 107.145 |
Sources (checked 2026-11-12): FAA: Part 107 Waivers.
How do I apply?
The FAA says waiver applications moved to Aviation Integrated Safety (AIS) Services, while airspace authorization requests remain in FAADroneZone until further notice. The key is the safety explanation: describe the operation, the hazards and how you reduce each risk. An application that lacks risk mitigations is disapproved for insufficient information.
How long does an airspace authorization take?
For requests outside LAANC, the FAA says processing has historically taken up to eight weeks from submission, so apply well ahead. You may not conduct the operation until you hold the authorization. Source: FAA: Part 107 Airspace Authorizations, checked 2026-11-12. For fast approval in participating airspace see LAANC.
Why does a drone light show need a waiver?
14 CFR 107.35 limits one person to one aircraft at a time, and that rule is waivable. Automation does not remove the limit, and adding observers does not authorize one person to command many aircraft.
Does carrying hazardous materials need a waiver?
No. 107.36 is not waivable. Carrying regulated hazardous materials takes an exemption petition under 14 CFR Part 11, as described in AC 107-2A.
Free practice questions on this topic
4 original questions from the Sectional Cue bank. Try each one, then open the answer.
Drone light shows
1. A light-show company wants one pilot to control 100 drones flying in formation. What does Part 107 require?
- Nothing extra, because the drones fly on preprogrammed automation
- A waiver, because 107.35 limits each person to one aircraft at a time
- A visual observer assigned to each drone, with no waiver needed
Show answer and explanation
B. A waiver, because 107.35 limits each person to one aircraft at a time
Section 107.35 limits each person to one unmanned aircraft at a time, and 107.205(e) lists it as a waivable rule, so a swarm needs a waiver. Automation does not remove the limit. Adding observers does not authorize one person to command many aircraft.
Source: 14 CFR 107.35; 14 CFR 107.205(e)
Waiver or authorization
2. A roofing company wants a night inspection in Class G airspace. The remote pilot completed recurrent training within the last 24 calendar months, and the drone carries an anti-collision light visible for 3 SM. What FAA approval is needed for the night portion?
- None, because the rule allows night operations when these training and lighting conditions are met
- A night waiver of 107.29, because every Part 107 night flight needs a waiver
- ATC authorization, because night flights in any airspace require it
Show answer and explanation
A. None, because the rule allows night operations when these training and lighting conditions are met
Since the 2021 amendments, 14 CFR 107.29(a) permits night operations without a waiver when the remote pilot has completed the initial test or training under 107.65 after April 6, 2021, and the aircraft has anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 SM. Night waivers were the old process. ATC authorization under 107.41 depends on the class of airspace, not on time of day, and Class G needs none.
Source: 14 CFR 107.29(a)
Hazardous materials relief
3. A business wants to carry a regulated hazardous material by small drone. Which form of relief does AC 107-2A describe?
- A certificate of waiver of 107.36 under 107.205
- An exemption permitting the carriage, petitioned under 14 CFR part 11
- An airspace authorization through LAANC
Show answer and explanation
B. An exemption permitting the carriage, petitioned under 14 CFR part 11
AC 107-2A states that hazardous materials may be carried only if the operator holds an exemption that permits it, and part 11 governs petitions for exemption. Section 107.36 is not waivable under 107.205. LAANC grants only controlled airspace authorization.
Source: AC 107-2A, para 5.15.2; 14 CFR 107.36; 14 CFR 107.205
Limits of the certificate
4. What does a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating NOT authorize by itself?
- Flight in Class B, C or D airspace or a Class E surface area without ATC authorization
- Acting as remote PIC of a small UAS under Part 107
- Supervising another person who manipulates the controls
Show answer and explanation
A. Flight in Class B, C or D airspace or a Class E surface area without ATC authorization
The certificate lets the holder act as remote PIC under 107.12 and supervise a person manipulating the controls under 107.12(a)(2), as long as recurrent training is current. It does not grant access to controlled airspace; that requires separate prior ATC authorization under 107.41.
Source: 14 CFR 107.12; 14 CFR 107.41
Related guides
- Airspace authorization and LAANC for Part 107 pilots
- Part 107 night operations: lights, twilight and training
- Operations over people: Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4
- All Part 107 guides
Study the charts on your phone
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Sources
- FAA: Part 107 Waivers, checked 2026-11-12
- FAA: Part 107 Airspace Authorizations, checked 2026-11-12
- 14 CFR 107.205 (eCFR), checked 2026-11-12
How this page was made: written by Certloom Learning from the sources above, with the rules checked against the current regulation text. Practice items are original questions from the app's reviewed bank. Spot an error? certloomlearning@gmail.com.