FAA Website Resources for Educational Users

To fly drones for educational or instructional purposes (for example, teaching a STEM class or a drone training program) there are 2 options:

Option 1: Fly under Part 107

Part 107 is the main set of rules for flying small drones (less than 55 lbs.) in the United States.

You can fly under part 107 rules for any reason, including for work or business, for fun in your backyard, to teach, or for public safety missions.

To fly under part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps:

Step 1: Learn the Rules

Make sure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules. Review a summary of the Part 107 rules (PDF). Still unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation? Check our user identification tool.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

1. To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:
   • At least 16 years old
   • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
   • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS
2. Review the full process to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.
3. Study for the Knowledge Test by reviewing the Test Prep materials provided by the FAA.
4. Schedule an appointment to take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (PDF). You must bring a government issued ID with you to the test.
5. Once you've passed your test, complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Aircrew Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Aircrew Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*

Step 3: Register your drone with the FAA

• Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. You'll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy in order to register.
• Visit dronezone.faa.gov and select "Fly sUAS under Part 107" to create an account and register your drone.
• Once you've registered, mark your drone with your registration number in case it gets lost or stolen.

Option 2: Fly as a Recreational Flyer or as part of a Modeler Community-Based Organization

Review the rules for flying your drone below to ensure that your operations meet the requirements.

Step 1: Register Your Drone

Even if you're only flying in your backyard, drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds must be registered.

1. Register your drone with the FAA – Visit faadronezone.faa.gov and select "Fly Model Aircraft under Section 336" to get started.

• You must be at least 13 years old to register your drone. If you are less then 13 years old, a responsible adult must register in your place.
• Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.

2. Once you've registered, mark your drone (PDF) with your registration number in case it gets lost or stolen.

Step 2: Review the Rules

It is important to review the rules for flying your drone, prior to your first flight.

• Fly only for fun or recreation
• Follow the safety guidelines of a model aircraft community-based organization
• Fly at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
• Fly within visual line-of-sight, meaning you as the drone operator use your own eyes and needed contacts or glasses (without binoculars), to ensure you can see your drone at all times.
• Never fly near other aircraft.
• Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
• Never fly near or over emergency response efforts.

If you want to fly more advanced drone operations, review the Part 107 operational waiver information.

Step 3: Where Can You Fly

Knowing where you can and can't fly your drone will help to maintain a safe airspace for not only you, but others flying as well. You are responsible for flying within FAA guidelines and regulations. That means it is up to you as a drone pilot to know the Rules of the Sky, and where it is and is not safe to fly.

• Where Can I Fly?
• Drone Safety Tips
• Airspace Restrictions

Be sure to download the B4UFLY app on your mobile device. This will assist you in being a responsible drone pilot.

Step 4: Have Fun Flying

Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus - sUAS User Guide

Sarah Nilsson, J.D., Ph.D., MAS

602 561 8665

sarah@sarahnilsson.org

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Legal Disclaimer

The information on this website is for EDUCATIONAL purposes only and DOES NOT constitute legal advice. 

While the author of this website is an attorney, she is not YOUR attorney, nor are you her client, until you enter into a written agreement with Nilsson Law, PLLC to provide legal services.

In no event shall Sarah Nilsson be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages relating to this material, for any use of this website, or for any other hyperlinked website.

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