Construction site. Civil engineer. Construction engineer using drone supervising construction work at construction site. Asian engineer working at job site of building
FAA Compliance

FAA Requirements for Commercial Drone Operators: What Clients Should Know

January 2026
8 min read
LNM1968 Team

Understanding FAA Part 107 certification and why compliance matters when working with commercial drone operators

At LNM1968 LLC, we combine high-quality imaging with safe and compliant drone operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the national standards for how drones can be used for business, and those rules are in place to protect the airspace, the public, and the clients we serve.

Here's a clear overview of what the FAA requires and how those standards shape the work we do every day.

What Counts as Commercial Drone Operation

Any drone flight performed for a business purpose is considered commercial. This includes aerial photography, real estate marketing, commercial inspections, construction progress updates, mapping, and visual documentation for small and large projects.

All commercial flights for drones under 55 pounds follow FAA Part 107, which governs licensing, airspace access, and safe flight operations.

Certification: How Commercial Pilots Earn FAA Approval

Every commercial drone operator must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. This certification ensures the pilot understands airspace classifications, weather, safety procedures, emergency response, and proper use of unmanned aircraft systems.

Training and FAA Testing

To qualify for certification, a pilot must:

Be at least 16 years old
Understand and speak English
Pass the FAA UAG knowledge test
Be physically and mentally capable

This test covers airspace rules, flight restrictions, weather impacts, flight planning, and FAA regulations. Only after passing the exam and applying through the FAA system can a pilot legally fly a drone for business.

Drone Registration and Remote ID

Commercial drones must be registered in the FAADroneZone system, and each aircraft must display its registration number. Most drones operated for business must also comply with Remote ID, which broadcasts identification and location information so the FAA can track aircraft in national airspace.

Operational Rules Commercial Pilots Must Follow

Certified remote pilots must follow strict safety guidelines during every flight. These include:

Maintaining visual line of sight
Yielding to all manned aircraft
Avoiding restricted or unauthorized airspace
Checking local airspace conditions before each flight
Avoiding unsafe or reckless flying
Following all local, state, and federal regulations

Certain operations—such as flying at night, flying over people, or operating near controlled airspace—are only allowed when specific FAA conditions are met. More advanced missions may require a Part 107 waiver.

Why FAA Compliance Matters for Our Clients

Working with a certified drone operator means your project is handled legally, safely, and professionally. FAA compliance provides:

Safer Flight Operations

Professional pilots follow strict safety protocols on every mission

Proper Authorization

Every mission meets federal requirements and airspace clearances

Higher Data Quality

Trained pilots deliver accurate, high-quality imagery and documentation

Full Accountability

Certified operators maintain complete responsibility throughout projects

Peace of Mind

Work meets all federal standards and legal requirements

This matters whether the project is a simple marketing shoot or a complex commercial documentation task.

Our Commitment at LNM1968 LLC

We meet all FAA requirements for commercial drone operations and follow best practices for aerial safety, planning, and execution. Our focus is on delivering clear, high-quality imagery while maintaining full compliance with federal regulations.

Whether you need aerial visuals, detailed commercial photography, inspection imagery, or real estate content, you can count on us to deliver results safely and professionally.

Schedule Your Aerial Project

If your business needs reliable, high-quality drone photography or commercial imaging, we're ready to help.