Part 107 Altitude Limit: 400 ft AGL
Under Part 107, drones may not exceed 400 feet above ground level (AGL) from the surface directly below the drone. The one exception: if flying within 400 ft of a structure (a building, tower, or similar), you may fly up to 400 ft above the highest point of that structure. This allows inspection of tall radio towers, wind turbines, and skyscrapers without a waiver.
All Airspace Classes - Part 107 Quick Reference
| Class | Location / Description | Typical Dimensions | Authorization for Part 107? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | High-altitude IFR routes nationwide | 18,000 ft MSL to FL600 | Drones generally prohibited here |
| Class B | Surrounds the 30 busiest U.S. airports (e.g., LAX, ORD, ATL) | Surface to ~10,000 ft MSL; upside-down wedding cake shape | Yes - LAANC or FAA DroneZone required |
| Class C | Surrounds busy airports with radar (e.g., RDU, BNA, ABQ) | ~5 NM inner ring (SFC to ~4,000 ft AGL); ~10 NM outer ring (1,200 to 4,000 ft AGL) | Yes - LAANC or FAA DroneZone required |
| Class D | Surrounds airports with a control tower | ~4 NM radius, SFC to ~2,500 ft AGL (exact dimensions on chart) | Yes - LAANC or FAA DroneZone required |
| Class E (surface) | Some non-towered airports with instrument approaches; magenta dashed ring on sectional | SFC to base of Class A (18,000 ft MSL) in designated areas | Yes - authorization required |
| Class E (above 700 ft AGL) | Most of the U.S. above the transition altitude; magenta shading on sectional | 700 ft AGL to 18,000 ft MSL | No - Part 107 below 400 ft AGL generally allowed |
| Class E (above 1,200 ft AGL) | En route airspace; blue shading on sectional | 1,200 ft AGL to 18,000 ft MSL | No - Part 107 below 400 ft AGL generally allowed |
| Class G | Uncontrolled airspace; below Class E everywhere else | Typically SFC to 700 or 1,200 ft AGL | No authorization needed |
LAANC: How to Get Real-Time Airspace Authorization
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's system for near-instant drone authorization in controlled airspace. It works by dividing airspace around airports into grid squares, each with an FAA-published altitude ceiling. If your requested altitude is within the approved ceiling for that grid square, you typically get instant approval.
How to use LAANC:
- Download an FAA-approved UAS service supplier app: Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk), AirMap, Skydio, or others on the FAA's approved list.
- Enter your planned flight location and altitude.
- Submit a LAANC authorization request.
- If within the pre-approved ceiling, receive instant authorization. If above the ceiling (or in a zero-ceiling area), you must submit a manual FAA DroneZone request and wait for manual review.
LAANC authorizations are typically valid for a defined time window. Always re-check before flying if conditions or timing change. LAANC is available in most Class B, C, D, and some Class E surface areas nationwide, but not all locations participate.
Special-Use Airspace (SUA)
Special-use airspace appears on sectional charts and restricts or limits flight operations. For the Part 107 exam, know the differences:
| SUA Type | Symbol on Chart | What It Means for Drones |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited Area (P-) | Blue hatched boundary | Flight is always prohibited - no exceptions (e.g., P-40 Camp David, P-56 over DC) |
| Restricted Area (R-) | Blue hatched boundary | Flight restricted during active hours - check NOTAMs; may fly when inactive |
| Warning Area (W-) | Blue hatched boundary (offshore) | Located over international waters; hazardous activities may occur - fly with caution |
| Military Operations Area (MOA) | Magenta hatched boundary | Military maneuvering; check NOTAMs and ATC before entering - not prohibited for civilians |
| Alert Area (A-) | Magenta hatched boundary | High volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity; proceed with caution |
| Controlled Firing Area (CFA) | Not charted | Firing ceases when aircraft are spotted; generally no impact on drone pilots |
| National Security Area (NSA) | Magenta boundary | Voluntary avoidance requested; check FAA guidance for specific NSAs |
Military Training Routes (MTRs) and Other Charted Cautions
Military Training Routes (MTRs) appear on sectional charts as thin lines labeled with IR (IFR) or VR (VFR) designations and a number. Military aircraft may fly these routes at high speeds and low altitudes. They are not prohibited for civilian drones, but awareness is critical.
- IR routes: Flown under IFR at any altitude, including below 1,500 ft AGL
- VR routes: Flown under VFR, often below 1,500 ft AGL
- 4-digit route numbers (e.g., IR1234): One or more segments below 1,500 ft AGL
- 3-digit route numbers (e.g., VR123): Entire route above 1,500 ft AGL
Other charted cautions include parachute jump areas (flagged symbol on chart), glider activity areas, hang glider areas, and ultralight activity areas - all relevant for small UAS collision avoidance.
TFRs and NOTAMs - Check Before Every Flight
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
TFRs are issued by the FAA to temporarily block flight activity for events such as:
- Presidential or VIP movement (no-fly zones around Air Force One)
- Major sporting events (NFL, MLB, NASCAR stadiums)
- Wildfires and disaster areas (aviation safety)
- National security operations
- Space launch and recovery operations
Check for active TFRs at tfr.faa.gov or in an FAA-approved UAS app before every flight. Violating a TFR is a federal violation and can result in civil penalties or certificate revocation.
NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions)
NOTAMs are time-sensitive notices about changes that affect flight operations: temporary airspace restrictions, airport closures, inoperative lighting, construction hazards, and more. Before any Part 107 flight, check NOTAMs for your operation area. NOTAMs are available through the FAA's NOTAM system at notams.aim.faa.gov or through UAS apps.
How to Read Sectional Chart Questions on the Exam
Part 107 exam questions may give you a sectional chart excerpt (from the testing supplement booklet) and ask you to determine airspace class, ceiling, floor, obstacle height, or authorization requirement. Use this approach:
- Find the airport or point of interest on the figure.
- Identify the airspace class from the color and line type of the boundary around that area.
- Read the floor and ceiling numbers from the airspace notation - e.g., 40/SFC means the Class B shelf goes from the surface to 4,000 ft MSL.
- Check for nearby symbols that affect the operation: obstacles, prohibited/restricted areas, MOAs, MTRs, parachute areas.
- Look up CTAF, tower frequency, or airport data in the chart supplement if asked. For traffic patterns, CTAF, ATIS, runway markings, and beacons, use the Airport Operations Guide.
- State your conclusion out loud before choosing: "This is Class D airspace because there is a dashed blue circle, so LAANC authorization is required."
Practice this process with the FAA Testing Supplement CT-8080-2H figures before exam day.
Key Sectional Chart Symbols for Part 107
| Symbol / Feature | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Solid blue circle | Class B airspace boundary |
| Solid magenta circle | Class C airspace boundary |
| Dashed blue circle | Class D airspace boundary |
| Dashed magenta circle | Class E surface area (instrument approaches at non-towered airports) |
| Magenta shading (fading outward) | Class E starting at 700 ft AGL |
| Blue shading | Class E starting at 1,200 ft AGL |
| Obstacle symbol with height | Known obstacle; top number = MSL, bottom number (in parentheses) = AGL height |
| High-intensity lighting "HL" | Obstacle has high-intensity strobe lighting |
| Group obstruction | Cluster of obstacles (e.g., trees or buildings) shown as a single symbol |
| Magenta flag symbol | Parachute jump area |
| CT - 123.4 | Control Tower frequency |
| CTAF symbol + frequency | Common Traffic Advisory Frequency at non-towered airports |
| Underlined frequency | No voice - do not call on this frequency |
| Dashed/shaded blue lines labeled R- | Restricted area |
| Magenta shaded area with MOA label | Military Operations Area |
Airspace FAQ
How high can I fly a drone under Part 107?
400 ft AGL. Exception: within 400 ft of a structure, you may fly up to 400 ft above the structure's highest point.
Do I need authorization to fly near an airport?
Yes, if the airport is in Class B, C, D, or Class E surface airspace. Use LAANC or FAA DroneZone to get authorization before flying. Also review airport operations so you can anticipate traffic patterns, CTAF use, and runway environments near the airport.
What is LAANC?
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's real-time authorization system for drone flights in controlled airspace. It is available through FAA-approved UAS apps and often provides instant approval up to pre-defined altitude ceilings.
What airspace does NOT require authorization for drones?
Class G airspace and Class E airspace above 700 ft AGL (where Part 107 flights below 400 ft AGL are generally allowed without prior authorization). Always check TFRs and NOTAMs even in uncontrolled airspace.
What is the difference between MSL and AGL?
MSL (Mean Sea Level) is altitude measured from sea level - used for airspace ceiling and floor altitudes on sectional charts. AGL (Above Ground Level) is altitude measured from the ground directly below the aircraft - used for the Part 107 400 ft altitude limit and obstacle heights in parentheses on sectional charts.
Can I fly over a National Park under Part 107?
Not without special permission. Most National Parks prohibit drone takeoffs, landings, and operations within park boundaries under National Park Service regulations - even if the airspace above is uncontrolled. Always check NPS rules for the specific park and, if needed, apply for a Special Use Permit.
More Part 107 Study Resources
Disclaimer: Launch107 is an independent study resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Airspace rules, TFRs, and authorization requirements change. Always verify current airspace rules and check for active TFRs and NOTAMs before every flight at FAA.gov/uas.