FAA Regulatory Compliance Checklist for Commercial Drones

Pilot Requirements

Certification and Documentation

• [ ] Hold a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
• [ ] Carry Remote Pilot Certificate while operating
• [ ] Carry government-issued photo ID while operating
• [ ] Keep Remote Pilot Certificate current (renew every 24 months)
• [ ] Maintain record of completion of recurrent training or testing
• [ ] Be physically and mentally fit to operate the drone safely
• [ ] Ability to read, speak, write, and understand English

Operational Knowledge

• [ ] Understand all applicable regulations and operating requirements
• [ ] Familiar with airspace classification system
• [ ] Know procedures for obtaining airspace authorizations
• [ ] Understand NOTAM and TFR systems and how to check them
• [ ] Proficient in aeronautical decision-making and judgment
• [ ] Able to conduct proper pre-flight inspections and assessments

Aircraft Requirements

Registration and Identification

• [ ] Drone registered with the FAA if weighing 0.55 lbs (250g) or more
• [ ] Registration renewed every 3 years
• [ ] Registration number marked on exterior of aircraft
• [ ] Registration certificate available during operations (physical or digital)
• [ ] Remote ID compliance (broadcast capabilities or operations within FRIA)

Airworthiness

• [ ] Drone maintained in condition for safe operation
• [ ] No unapproved modifications affecting flight characteristics
• [ ] All required system components functional
• [ ] Anti-collision lighting for night operations visible for 3 statute miles
• [ ] Preflight inspection completed before each flight
• [ ] Maintenance logs kept up to date

Operational Requirements

Flight Parameters

• [ ] Maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL (or within 400 feet of a structure)
• [ ] Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots)
• [ ] Minimum weather visibility of 3 statute miles from control station
• [ ] Operations conducted within visual line of sight (VLOS)
• [ ] Operations conducted in Class G airspace or with required authorization
• [ ] No operations from moving vehicles (unless in sparsely populated areas)

Time and Location Restrictions

• [ ] Daylight operations only (unless waiver obtained or proper lighting used)
• [ ] Civil twilight operations conducted with anti-collision lighting
• [ ] No operations over people (unless covered by rule exceptions or waiver)
• [ ] No operations over moving vehicles (unless covered by rule exceptions or waiver)
• [ ] Respect TFRs, prohibited areas, and restricted airspace
• [ ] Yield right of way to all manned aircraft

Airspace Authorization

• [ ] LAANC authorization obtained for operations in controlled airspace
• [ ] DroneZone authorization obtained for operations outside LAANC coverage
• [ ] Airspace authorizations valid for planned time and location
• [ ] Authorized altitude limits verified and respected
• [ ] Special conditions of authorizations understood and followed

Waiver Requirements (If Applicable)

Waiver Management

• [ ] Waiver obtained for any operations outside standard Part 107 limitations
• [ ] Waiver current and valid for planned operation
• [ ] All conditions and limitations of waiver understood
• [ ] Safety mitigations specified in waiver implemented
• [ ] Copy of waiver available during operations
• [ ] Operate only during times and locations specified in waiver

Common Waivers

• [ ] Night operations (§107.29)
• [ ] Operations over people (§107.39)
• [ ] Operations from moving vehicles (§107.25)
• [ ] Beyond visual line of sight operations (§107.31)
• [ ] Operations of multiple drones by one pilot (§107.35)
• [ ] Operations in certain airspace (§107.41)

Safety Management

Risk Assessment

• [ ] Pre-flight site risk assessment completed
• [ ] Hazards identified and mitigated
• [ ] Weather conditions assessed and within limitations
• [ ] Emergency procedures reviewed and ready
• [ ] Communication plan established with crew members

Incident Reporting

• [ ] System for reporting accidents in place
• [ ] Report accidents resulting in serious injury or property damage >$500 within 10 days
• [ ] Document any incidents for internal review
• [ ] Maintain incident/accident reports for legal and insurance purposes

Privacy and Local Compliance

Data and Privacy

• [ ] Awareness of privacy concerns
• [ ] Compliance with all data collection laws
• [ ] Image/video capture permissions obtained if required
• [ ] Data management policies in place

Local Regulations

• [ ] State drone laws known and followed
• [ ] Local ordinances regarding drone operations verified
• [ ] Property owner permission obtained for takeoff/landing
• [ ] Awareness of sensitive areas and crowd management

Commercial Operation Specifics

Business Documentation

• [ ] Business license/registration (if required by state/locality)
• [ ] Drone liability insurance (recommended, required in some jurisdictions)
• [ ] Client contracts with clear deliverables and limitations
• [ ] Recordkeeping system for flights, maintenance, and incidents

Flight Documentation

• [ ] Flight logs maintained for all operations
• [ ] Pre-flight and post-flight checklists completed
• [ ] Maintenance records up to date
• [ ] Battery cycle tracking

Special Operations

Operations Over People Categories

• [ ] Category 1: Drone weighs <0.55 lbs with no exposed rotating parts
• [ ] Category 2: Drone will not cause injury equivalent to or greater than specified injury severity limit
• [ ] Category 3: Operations over people but not over open-air assemblies
• [ ] Category 4: Operations with FAA-approved declaration of compliance

Night Operations

• [ ] Anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
• [ ] Pilot trained on night operations and illusions
• [ ] Visual reference capabilities verified
• [ ] Special night operating procedures implemented

This checklist is designed to help commercial drone pilots maintain compliance with current FAA regulations. Regulations may change, so always check the latest requirements from the FAA before operations.