Eligibility

To qualify for a remote pilot certificate to fly small drones commercially, you must meet four basic requirements:

Age and language: You must be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English. The FAA may add operating limitations if medical reasons prevent meeting the English requirement.

Medical fitness: You cannot knowingly have any physical or mental condition that would make it unsafe to operate a drone.

Knowledge demonstration: You have two options:

• Pass the initial Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test, or
• If you already hold a pilot certificate (except student pilot) and are current with flight review requirements, complete an online training course instead of the full test

This regulation sets the baseline qualifications before you can apply for your remote pilot certificate. Note that additional provisions in §§107.57 and 107.59 may also apply to your eligibility.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*