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 permission to fly a drone in controlled airspace?
Yes. You need prior authorization from Air Traffic Control to fly in Class B, Class C or Class D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. Near any airport, heliport or seaplane base, you must not interfere with operations and traffic patterns.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.41 · 14 CFR 107.43
What the regulation says
§ 107.41 Operation in certain airspace.
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC).
§ 107.43 Operation in the vicinity of airports.
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.41 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · 14 CFR 107.43 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21)
Exam traps
- 107.41 lists Class B, C and D, and only the Class E surface area designated for an airport. Class G is not on the list.
- Not all Class E needs authorization: only within the lateral boundaries of an airport's Class E surface area.
- Authorization must come before the flight ('prior authorization').
- Outside controlled airspace, 107.43 still applies: never interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
According to 14 CFR Part 107, how may a remote pilot operate an unmanned aircraft in Class C airspace?
- A The remote pilot must contact the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility after launching the unmanned aircraft.
- B The remote pilot must monitor the Air Traffic Control (ATC) frequency from launch to recovery.
- C The remote pilot must have prior authorization from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility having jurisdiction over that airspace.
Show the answer
Answer: C. The remote pilot must have prior authorization from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility having jurisdiction over that airspace.(Operating in controlled airspace is discussed in 14 CFR Part 107.41. The regulation states that approval must be received from ATC. This is currently accomplished either via a LAANC request or via the FAA DroneZone website.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.41
Practice question 2
According to 14 CFR Part 107, the remote pilot in command (PIC) of a small unmanned aircraft planning to operate within Class C airspace
- A is required to receive ATC authorization.
- B must use a visual observer.
- C is required to file a flight plan.
Show the answer
Answer: A. is required to receive ATC authorization.(Operating in controlled airspace is discussed in 14 CFR Part 107.41. The regulation states that approval must be received from ATC. This is currently accomplished either via a LAANC request or via the FAA DroneZone website.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.41
Practice question 3
When operating near an airport located in uncontrolled airspace, you should
- A request approval from the airport manager to fly in the airspace.
- B be sure to not interfere with airport operations.
- C submit a LAANC request.
Show the answer
Answer: B. be sure to not interfere with airport operations.(Approval is not required in uncontrolled airspace. You only need to make sure you do not interfere with airport operation. Refer to “Airport Operations > Operation near and at airports”.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.43
Can the airspace rule be waived?
Yes. 107.41 is on the list of Part 107 rules a certificate of waiver may authorize a deviation from.
Source: 14 CFR 107.205(h)