Part 107 Waivers
Which Part 107 operating rules can be waived, how the waiver process works, and what the FAA is looking for.
Part 107's operating rules are not all absolute. Under 14 CFR 107.200, the FAA may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing a deviation from certain rules if the applicant shows the operation can be conducted safely under the terms of the waiver.
What can be waived
14 CFR 107.205 lists the sections subject to waiver. They include, among others:
- visual line of sight (107.31) — i.e. beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations
- operation over people and moving vehicles (107.39)
- operating limitations such as altitude and visibility (107.51)
- operation of multiple aircraft by one remote pilot
Note that night operations no longer require a waiver — they are permitted by default with anti-collision lighting under the current operating rules.
The process
Applications are submitted through the FAA DroneZone portal. A strong application does not just ask for the deviation — it explains the operation in detail and describes the mitigations (procedures, equipment, training, containment) that keep it safe. The FAA reviews the safety case and, if satisfied, issues a waiver with specific terms and limitations you must then follow exactly.
Plan for lead time
Waiver review takes time — often 90 days or more for complex requests such as BVLOS. Build that into any project that depends on one.
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*Reference and training only — not for navigation or as legal advice. Always consult the current 14 CFR, the AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM and a certificated flight instructor.*