Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.
What must a remote pilot in command do before a drone flight?
Before flight the remote pilot in command must assess the operating environment (local weather, airspace and flight restrictions, people and property on the surface, other ground hazards), brief everyone directly participating, confirm control links work and there is enough power, and ensure any attached or carried object is secure and does not adversely affect controllability.
Source: 14 CFR 107.49
What the regulation says
§ 107.49 Preflight familiarization, inspection, and actions for aircraft operation.
Prior to flight, the remote pilot in command must:
(a) Assess the operating environment, considering risks to persons and property in the immediate vicinity both on the surface and in the air. This assessment must include: (1) Local weather conditions; (2) Local airspace and any flight restrictions; (3) The location of persons and property on the surface; and (4) Other ground hazards.
Read all of § 107.49
(b) Ensure that all persons directly participating in the small unmanned aircraft operation are informed about the operating conditions, emergency procedures, contingency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and potential hazards;
(c) Ensure that all control links between ground control station and the small unmanned aircraft are working properly;
(d) If the small unmanned aircraft is powered, ensure that there is enough available power for the small unmanned aircraft system to operate for the intended operational time;
(e) Ensure that any object attached or carried by the small unmanned aircraft is secure and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft; and
(f) If the operation will be conducted over human beings under subpart D of this part, ensure that the aircraft meets the requirements of § 107.110, § 107.120(a), § 107.130(a), or § 107.140, as applicable.
[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]
Source: 14 CFR 107.49 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21)
Exam traps
- The assessment must cover local weather, local airspace and flight restrictions, the location of persons and property on the surface, and other ground hazards.
- The remote pilot in command must inform everyone directly participating about operating conditions, emergency and contingency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and potential hazards.
- If the aircraft is powered, the pilot must ensure there is enough power for the intended operational time.
- Any object attached or carried must be secure and must not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
When using a small unmanned aircraft in a commercial operation, who is responsible for informing the participants about emergency procedures?
- A The FAA Inspector-in-Charge.
- B The lead visual observer.
- C The Remote Pilot in Command.
Show the answer
Answer: C. The Remote Pilot in Command.(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 briefing for emergency situations.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.49(b)
Practice question 2
Before each flight, the Remote PIC must ensure that
- A Objects carried on the sUAS are secure.
- B The site supervisor has approved the flight.
- C ATC has granted clearance.
Show the answer
Answer: A. Objects carried on the sUAS are secure.(14 CFR 107.19(c) states that “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 aircraft for any reason. Note that receiving clearance from ATC is only required in controlled airspace, so this answer would not be appropriate all the time.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.49(e)
Does 107.49 apply to flights over people?
Yes. If the operation will be conducted over human beings under subpart D, the pilot must ensure the aircraft meets the requirements of 107.110, 107.120(a), 107.130(a), or 107.140, as applicable.
Source: 14 CFR 107.49(f)