Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.
Do you need a medical certificate to fly a drone under Part 107?
No airman medical certificate is required. But no one may act as remote pilot in command, manipulate the controls, or serve as a visual observer or other direct participant if they know or have reason to know they have a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.17 · AC 107-2A, 5.6 Medical Condition
What the regulation says
§ 107.17 Medical condition.
No person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system or act as a remote pilot in command, visual observer, or direct participant in the operation of the small unmanned aircraft if he or she knows or has reason to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of the small unmanned aircraft system.
AC 107-2A, 5.6 Medical Condition
Though the person manipulating the controls of a small unmanned aircraft and VO are not required to obtain an airman medical certificate, they cannot participate in the operation of a small UAS if they know or have reason to know that they have a physical or mental condition that could interfere with the safe operation of the small UAS (ยง 107.17).
Sources: 14 CFR 107.17 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · AC 107-2A, 5.6 Medical Condition
Exam traps
- The rule covers everyone: the remote pilot in command, the person on the controls, visual observers and other direct participants.
- 'Knows or has reason to know' means you cannot ignore a condition you should have noticed.
- No medical certificate does not mean no fitness rule: 107.17 applies to every flight.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
What medical certificates are required to operate under 14 CFR Part 107?
- A No Medical Certificates are required.
- B A Class 3 Medical Certificate
- C A Class 2 Medical Certificate.
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Practice question 2
Who is responsible for determining whether a pilot is fit to fly for a particular flight, even though he or she holds a current medical certificate?
- A The FAA.
- B The pilot.
- C The medical examiner.
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