14 CFR 107.12

Who needs a remote pilot certificate?

Part 107.12 says who may touch the controls and who may be in command. Here is the rule, the exam traps and practice questions, with the FAA source under each answer.

Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.

Who needs a remote pilot certificate under Part 107?

Anyone who acts as remote pilot in command needs a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and must meet the 24-calendar-month recency requirement of 107.65. A person without one may manipulate the controls only under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command who can immediately take direct control.

Source: 14 CFR 107.12(a)-(b)

What the regulation says

§ 107.12 Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system unless: (1) That person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of § 107.65; or (2) That person is under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may act as a remote pilot in command unless that person has a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating issued pursuant to Subpart C of this part and satisfies the requirements of § 107.65.

Read all of § 107.12

(c) The Administrator may, consistent with international standards, authorize an airman to operate a civil foreign-registered small unmanned aircraft without an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.

Source: 14 CFR 107.12 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21)

Exam traps

  • Only the remote pilot in command must hold the certificate: a person manipulating the controls may fly without one if under direct supervision.
  • Direct supervision requires that the remote pilot in command can immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.
  • Holding the certificate is not enough: 107.12 also requires that the person satisfies the recency requirements of 107.65.
  • The Administrator may authorize an airman to operate a civil foreign-registered small unmanned aircraft without an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate.

Try it: practice questions

Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.

Practice question 1

Which crewmember must hold a remote pilot certificate with an sUAS rating?

  1. A Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).
  2. B Person manipulating the controls.
  3. C Visual observer.
Show the answer
Answer: A. Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).

(According to 14 CFR Part 107.12, the Remote Pilot in command must hold a Remote Pilot certificate.)

FAA source: 14 CFR 107.12(b)

Practice question 2

Which crewmember is required to be under the direct supervision of the Remote PIC when operating an sUAS?

  1. A Person manipulating the controls.
  2. B Visual observer.
  3. C Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC).
Show the answer
Answer: A. Person manipulating the controls.

(14 CFR Part 107.12(b) states that in order to operate a UAS under Part 107, one must be under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft. This means the person manipulating the controls, if they are not certificated, would have to be under the supervision of a rPIC.)

FAA source: 14 CFR 107.12(a)(2)

Practice question 3

A person without a Part 107 remote pilot certificate may operate an sUAS for commercial operations:

  1. A Only when visual observers participate in the operation.
  2. B Alone, if operating during daylight hours.
  3. C Under the direct supervision of a Remote PIC.
Show the answer
Answer: C. Under the direct supervision of a Remote PIC.

(14 CFR Part 107.12(b) states that in order to operate a UAS under Part 107, one must be under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.)

FAA source: 14 CFR 107.12(a)(2)

Can someone without a certificate fly a drone for your business?

Yes, but only under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command who can immediately take direct control of the flight. That person may manipulate the controls; the remote pilot in command must hold the certificate.

Source: 14 CFR 107.12(a)(2)

Can a foreign-registered drone be flown without an FAA certificate?

Only if the Administrator authorizes it. 107.12(c) lets the Administrator, consistent with international standards, authorize an airman to operate a civil foreign-registered small unmanned aircraft without an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate.

Source: 14 CFR 107.12(c)

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