Regulatory Privileges, Limitations, and Flight Operations
What the certificate allows
A remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating lets you operate an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kg) at takeoff, including everything onboard or attached. To qualify you must be at least 16, read, write, and speak English, be physically and mentally fit, and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test (Part 61 certificate holders complete the FAASTeam online course instead). Currency comes from recurrent training every 24 calendar months; the certificate itself does not expire, but you cannot exercise privileges without meeting the recurrent requirement. Your certificate and the aircraft registration (valid 3 years, required at 0.55 lb / 250 g and above) must be available for inspection by the FAA, NTSB, or law enforcement.
Standing limits
Altitude 400 ft AGL (or 400 ft above a structure while within 400 ft of it), groundspeed 87 knots / 100 mph, 3 statute miles visibility, 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds, and visual line of sight at all times. Yield to every manned aircraft, never operate carelessly or recklessly, do not carry hazardous material, and do not drop objects that create undue hazard. Rules such as VLOS, over-people, and airport-area operations can be waived under §107.200 for a defined operation.
Traps and a worked example
Questions love conversions: 100 mph equals 87 knots, and the accident-report deadline is 10 calendar days for serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage of $500 or more (other than the aircraft). Address changes are due in 30 days.
Worked example: a pilot flies at 95 mph groundspeed and files a $700 damage report 14 days after the event - two violations, since 87 knots is the cap and the report was late.
Rule of thumb: 16 – 24 – 55 – 3 – 10 (age, recurrent months, weight limit, visibility miles, accident-report days).