Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.
Who is responsible for a drone flight, and can you break a rule in an emergency?
The remote pilot in command must be designated before or during flight and is directly responsible for, and the final authority on, the operation. In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the remote pilot in command may deviate from any Part 107 rule to the extent necessary, and must send the Administrator a written report of the deviation on request.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.19 · 14 CFR 107.21
What the regulation says
§ 107.19 Remote pilot in command.
(a) A remote pilot in command must be designated before or during the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.
(b) The remote pilot in command is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small unmanned aircraft system.
Read all of § 107.19
(c) The remote pilot in command must ensure that the small unmanned aircraft will pose no undue hazard to other people, other aircraft, or other property in the event of a loss of control of the small unmanned aircraft for any reason.
(d) The remote pilot in command must ensure that the small UAS operation complies with all applicable regulations of this chapter.
(e) The remote pilot in command must have the ability to direct the small unmanned aircraft to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.
[Docket FAA-2015-0150, Amdt. 107-1, 81 FR 42209, June 28, 2016, as amended by Amdt. 107-8, 86 FR 4382, Jan. 15, 2021]
§ 107.21 In-flight emergency.
(a) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the remote pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent necessary to meet that emergency.
(b) Each remote pilot in command who deviates from a rule under paragraph (a) of this section must, upon request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the Administrator.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.19 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · 14 CFR 107.21 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21)
Exam traps
- The remote pilot in command is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small UAS.
- The remote pilot in command must ensure the aircraft poses no undue hazard to other people, aircraft or property in the event of a loss of control for any reason.
- A deviation in an emergency is allowed only to the extent necessary to meet that emergency.
- The written report of a deviation is required upon request of the Administrator.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
Who is ultimately responsible for preventing a hazardous situation before an accident occurs?
- A Person manipulating the controls.
- B Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).
- C Visual observer.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).(14 CFR Part 107.19 states that “the remote pilot in command is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small unmanned aircraft system.” This includes preventing accidents from happening.)
FAA sources: 14 CFR 107.19(b) · 14 CFR 107.19(c)
Practice question 2
To avoid a possible collision with a manned airplane, you estimate that your small UA climbed to an altitude greater than 600 feet AGL. To whom must you report the deviation?
- A The National Transportation Safety Board.
- B Upon request of the Federal Aviation Administration.
- C Air Traffic Control.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Upon request of the Federal Aviation Administration.(Deviations from the regulation should only be reported upon request from the Administrator, as highlighted is 107.21.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.21(b)
When must the remote pilot in command be designated?
Before or during the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.
Source: 14 CFR 107.19(a)
Who ensures the operation follows the regulations?
The remote pilot in command must ensure the small UAS operation complies with all applicable regulations of the chapter, and must be able to direct the aircraft to ensure compliance.
Source: 14 CFR 107.19(d)-(e)