Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.
What are the Part 107 weather minimums for visibility and cloud clearance?
At least 3 statute miles of flight visibility, as observed from the control station, and the drone must stay at least 500 feet below any cloud and at least 2,000 feet horizontally from it. Part 107 sets these minimums once, for every airspace class.
Flight visibility here means the average slant distance from the control station at which prominent unlighted objects may be seen and identified by day, and prominent lighted objects by night.
Source: 14 CFR 107.51(c)-(d)
What the regulation says
§ 107.51 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.
A remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small unmanned aircraft system must comply with all of the following operating limitations when operating a small unmanned aircraft system:
(a) The groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots (100 miles per hour).
Read all of § 107.51
(b) The altitude of the small unmanned aircraft cannot be higher than 400 feet above ground level, unless the small unmanned aircraft: (1) Is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and (2) Does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.
(c) The minimum flight visibility, as observed from the location of the control station must be no less than 3 statute miles. For purposes of this section, flight visibility means the average slant distance from the control station at which prominent unlighted objects may be seen and identified by day and prominent lighted objects may be seen and identified by night.
(d) The minimum distance of the small unmanned aircraft from clouds must be no less than: (1) 500 feet below the cloud; and (2) 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud.
Source: 14 CFR 107.51 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21)
Exam traps
- Visibility is measured from the control station, where you stand, not at the drone.
- Part 107 has no 'feet above the cloud' minimum. Answers listing 1,000 feet above and 1 mile horizontally come from the manned-aircraft VFR rule, 14 CFR 91.155.
- The minimums do not change with the airspace class: the same 3 miles, 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally apply everywhere.
- Speed and altitude sit in the same section: 87 knots (100 mph) groundspeed and 400 feet above ground level.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
During your preflight briefing, you realize that the visibility in your area is reported as 4 statute miles. Can you legally fly your mission?
- A No, the required visibility is 5 statute miles.
- B Yes, as long as you remain 500 feet below clouds and 2000 feet horizontally away from them.
- C Yes, as long as I remain clear of clouds.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Yes, as long as you remain 500 feet below clouds and 2000 feet horizontally away from them.(According to 107.51, the minimum visibility is 3 statute miles and you must remain 500 feet below clouds, and 2000 feet horizontally from them.)
FAA sources: 14 CFR 107.51(c) · 14 CFR 107.51(d)
Practice question 2
You have determined that the lowest layer of clouds in your area is at 700 feet above the ground. What is the maximum altitude you will be able to fly at if you are operating below the clouds.
- A No higher than 200 feet.
- B No higher than 400 feet.
- C No higher than 300 feet.
Show the answer
Answer: A. No higher than 200 feet.(According to 107.51, the minimum visibility is 3 statute miles and you must remain 500 feet below clouds, and 2000 feet horizontally from them.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.51(d)
Can you fly a drone in or just under a cloud?
No. The drone must stay at least 500 feet below a cloud and at least 2,000 feet horizontally from it, so flying in a cloud, or closer than that, breaks 107.51.
Source: 14 CFR 107.51(d)