FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsEasy
A remote pilot needs to inspect a 500-foot-tall radio tower and wants to fly the sUAS at 550 feet AGL while remaining within 300 feet laterally of the structure. Is this operation permitted under 14 CFR Part 107?
- ANo, unless the remote pilot first obtains a Part 107 waiver for the flight
- BNo, because sUAS may never exceed 400 feet AGL under any circumstance
- CYes, because the sUAS remains within 400 feet of the structure and does not exceed 400 feet above the structure's uppermost point
- DYes, but only if the tower is located in Class G airspace with no altitude limit
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, because the sUAS remains within 400 feet of the structure and does not exceed 400 feet above the structure's uppermost point
Section 107.51 allows a sUAS to exceed 400 feet AGL if it remains within a 400-foot radius of a structure and does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit. Here the tower is 500 feet, so the maximum allowed altitude is 900 feet AGL, and 550 feet at 300 feet lateral distance meets both conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. No waiver is needed because the operation already complies with the regulation.
- B. Incorrect; the 400-foot rule has a specific structure exception.
- D. Airspace class does not change the structure-based altitude exception.
Structure Altitude Exception (107.51)
A sUAS may fly higher than 400 feet AGL if it stays within 400 feet laterally of a structure and does not exceed 400 feet above that structure's highest point.
- Base altitude limit is 400 feet AGL
- Exception applies only within 400 ft lateral of the structure
- Max altitude = structure height + 400 feet
Memory trick: 'Tower plus 400' lets you climb above the standard 400.