FAA Rules for DIY Drones: Recreational vs Part 107

Building your own drone doesn’t put it outside the rules. In the U.S., the FAA treats a home-built drone like any other: what matters is its weight and why you’re flying it. This guide covers the essentials for recreational and commercial pilots. Rules change, so always confirm details on the FAA’s website before you fly.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Step 1: Recreational or Part 107?

• Recreational: flying purely for fun or personal interest. You follow the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 U.S.C. 44809).
• Part 107 (commercial): flying for any business or paid purpose, including selling photos, mapping for a client or flying for your own company’s marketing. You need a Remote Pilot Certificate.

If there’s any business purpose, assume Part 107.

Recreational flyer requirements

Part 107 requirements

• Pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge test and get a Remote Pilot Certificate. Stay current with recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
• Register every drone you fly under Part 107, whatever its weight.
• Stay at or below 400 feet (with an exception near tall structures), within visual line of sight, below 100 mph.
• Get authorization for controlled airspace.
• Use anti-collision lighting for night operations.
• Remote ID applies.

FPV and line of sight

Flying through goggles means you can’t see the drone directly. The usual way to stay legal is to have a visual observer standing next to you who keeps the drone in sight and can warn you.

Where you can’t fly

• Near airports without authorization.
• Over stadium events and sports gatherings, within restricted distances and times.
• In Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), such as around wildfires, VIP movements or major events.
• Over many national parks and some state and local lands, which have their own rules.
• Over people and moving vehicles, except as the rules specifically allow.

Use the FAA’s B4UFLY tools or an approved app to check airspace before every flight.

State and local rules

States and cities may have their own rules on where you can take off and land, privacy and parks. Check local ordinances.

Flying at night and over people

• Recreational night flying is allowed if the drone has lighting that lets you keep it in sight and you follow other recreational rules.
• Part 107 night operations require anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles and current training.
• Flying over people is restricted. Part 107 has specific categories with requirements for drone weight and design. Recreational flyers should avoid flying over people.

Checking airspace

Before every flight:

1. Open an FAA-approved app or B4UFLY.
2. Confirm the airspace class at your location.
3. Check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
4. Request LAANC authorization if you’re in controlled airspace.
5. Check local rules for parks and public land.

Keeping records

• Save your TRUST certificate or Part 107 certificate on your phone and carry a copy.
• Keep your registration number marked on the drone.
• Part 107 pilots should log flights, maintenance and training.

When the rules are unclear

If you’re unsure whether a flight is allowed, assume it isn’t until you’ve checked the FAA’s guidance or asked the relevant authority. Rules change, so revisit them regularly, especially around Remote ID, operations over people and beyond-visual-line-of-sight flying.

Find your license and test center

Not sure which license you need? Use our free Drone License Finder: enter your ZIP code to see the steps for TRUST or Part 107 and open FAA-approved testing centers near you.

Outside the U.S.

Other countries have their own systems. In the EU, for example, rules are based on weight classes and operating categories set by EASA. Always check the aviation authority of the country you’re flying in.