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 rules for flying in a FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA)?
Under 89.115(b), an aircraft without Remote ID equipment may fly only if both it and the person controlling it stay inside the boundaries of an FAA-recognized identification area for the whole flight, and that person can see the aircraft at all times. Only recognized community-based organizations and educational institutions may apply to establish a FRIA.
A FRIA is in effect for 48 calendar months from FAA approval. A renewal request is due no later than 120 days before it expires, and changes to application information must reach the FAA within 10 calendar days.
Sources: 14 CFR 89.115(b) · 14 CFR 89.205 · 14 CFR 89.225
What the regulation says
14 CFR 89.115(b)(1)
The unmanned aircraft and the person manipulating the flight controls of the unmanned aircraft system remain within the boundaries of an FAA-recognized identification area throughout the operation; and
14 CFR 89.205
Only the following persons are eligible to apply for the establishment of an FAA-recognized identification area under this subpart:
Sources: 14 CFR 89.115(b)(1) · 14 CFR 89.205
Exam traps
- Both the aircraft and the person manipulating the flight controls must remain within the FRIA boundaries throughout the operation.
- The person manipulating the flight controls must be able to see the aircraft at all times during a FRIA flight.
- Only a recognized community-based organization or an educational institution is eligible to apply for a FRIA.
- A FRIA lasts 48 calendar months from approval, and a renewal request must be submitted no later than 120 days before it expires.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
Who is eligible to apply for an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)?
- A City and county governments.
- B FAA-recognized community-based organizations and educational institutions.
- C Any certificated remote pilot.
Show the answer
Answer: B. FAA-recognized community-based organizations and educational institutions.14 CFR 89.205: only a community-based organization recognized by the Administrator or an educational institution (primary, secondary, trade school, college, university) may apply. A FRIA lasts 48 calendar months (89.225).
FAA sources: 14 CFR 89.205 · 14 CFR 89.225
Practice question 2
You fly under Part 107 with an older drone that has no Remote ID and no broadcast module. Where may you fly it?
- A Anywhere in Class G airspace below 400 feet AGL.
- B Anywhere, as long as it weighs 0.55 lb or less.
- C Only inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area, keeping it within visual line of sight.
Show the answer
Answer: C. Only inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area, keeping it within visual line of sight.14 CFR 89.115(b): a drone without Remote ID equipment may be flown only within a FRIA, with the person at the controls able to see it at all times.
FAA sources: 14 CFR 89.115(b) · 14 CFR 89.105 · 14 CFR 89.101(a) · 14 CFR 48.15
Practice question 3
Which of the following is permissible with authorization from the Administrator, if the sole purpose of the mission is aeronautical research.
- A Flying in a prohibited area.
- B Flying without Remote ID.
- C Flying in class B airspace without ADSB-Out.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Flying without Remote ID.14 CFR 89.120 lets the Administrator authorize operations without Remote ID when the operation is solely for aeronautical research or to show compliance with regulations; 89.105 also allows other Administrator authorizations. A drone without Remote ID may also be flown inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (89.115(b)). Research authorization does not open prohibited areas, and Part 107 actually prohibits ADS-B Out transmission unless authorized (107.53).
FAA sources: 14 CFR 89.105 · 14 CFR 89.120 · 14 CFR 89.115(b) (FRIA)
How long does a FRIA last?
A FRIA stays in effect for 48 calendar months after the FAA approves the request, unless renewed. A renewal request is due no later than 120 days before expiration.
Source: 14 CFR 89.225
What must a FRIA request include?
The eligible person and the individual making the request, a declaration of authority, a point of contact, the physical address and location, any letter of agreement for the site, and the intended purpose of the area.
Source: 14 CFR 89.210