FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsMedium
A remote pilot is flying a small UAS over open farmland with no nearby structures. Under Part 107, what is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft may be operated above ground level, absent a waiver?
- A400 feet AGL
- B250 feet AGL
- C1,000 feet AGL
- D500 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 400 feet AGL
Under 14 CFR 107.51, small UAS operations are limited to 400 feet above ground level unless flown within 400 feet of a structure, in which case the aircraft may fly higher, or a waiver is obtained.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 250 feet is not the regulatory limit; it is lower than the actual permitted altitude.
- C. 1,000 feet is far above the Part 107 limit and would require a waiver.
- D. 500 feet exceeds the standard limit unless near a qualifying structure.
Maximum Altitude (Part 107.51)
Small UAS operations are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level unless flying near a taller structure or holding a waiver.
- 400 ft AGL is the default ceiling
- Exception exists within 400 ft laterally of a structure
- Waivers can authorize higher altitudes
Memory trick: '400 is the fence' — Part 107 caps altitude at 400 feet.