FAA PART 107 CERTIFIED
why Licensed Pilots
Hiring a drone pilot might seem straightforward — but the difference between a licensed and unlicensed operator can expose your business to federal fines, invalidated insurance, and legal liability you never anticipated. Elev8 operations are authorized under the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, so you don't have to think twice.
What faa part 107 means for your business
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the federal standard for commercial drone operations in the United States. Obtaining it requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test covering airspace classification, weather, flight operations, and emergency procedures — and maintaining currency with ongoing regulations. When you commission work from Elev8, you're working with an operator who has demonstrated that knowledge and operates within a defined legal framework — one that protects both of you.
THE REAL COST OF HIRING AN UNLICENSED PILOT
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Using an unlicensed drone pilot might seem like a way to save money on a project. In practice, it can end up costing significantly more — in ways that aren't always obvious until something goes wrong.
Fines and Legal Liability
Commercial drone operations without a Part 107 certificate are a violation of federal law. The FAA can issue civil penalties of up to $75,000 per violation — and the companies that commissioned that work can also be held liable, even if they were unaware the pilot was unlicensed. Ignorance of the operator's status is not a legal defense.
Safety Risks
Part 107 certification ensures a pilot understands airspace rules, how to operate safely near people and structures, and how to respond to in-flight emergencies. An unlicensed operator may lack that knowledge entirely — increasing the risk of incidents that damage property, injure bystanders, or create serious liability for everyone involved.
Insurance Invalidation
Most commercial liability insurance policies include clauses that void coverage if the drone operation was conducted illegally. In the event of property damage, a collision, or personal injury, an unlicensed pilot means your insurance may not pay out. That exposure falls directly on your organization.
WHAT A LICENSED PILOT BRINGS TO EVERY FLIGHT
WHAT CERTIFICATION COVERS
FAA Part 107 certification represents a demonstrated understanding of the rules, risks, and responsibilities that make commercial drone operations safe and legal.
✓ Aeronautical Knowledge Test
Pilots must pass an FAA-approved exam covering airspace, weather, regulations, and flight operations before receiving certification
✓ TSA Vetting
All applicants undergo Transportation Security Administration vetting as part of the certification process.
✓ Recurrent Training
Pilots must complete recurrent online training every 24 months to maintain currency with updated FAA regulations and procedures.
✓ Airspace Authorization
Licensed pilots can apply for controlled airspace authorization through the FAA’s LAANC system - unlicensed operators cannot.
✓ Certificate Available on Request
Part 107 pilots must be able to present their certificate to FAA or law enforcement on request. Elev8 provides certificate documentation with every engagement.
FAA Part 107 - Key Requirements
At Elev8 we’ve passed the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge exam and operate under the full framework of the part 107 regulations. That means every flight we conduct is planned, executed, and documented to federal standards - giving you a clear, defensible record of compliant operations.
Beyond the legal baseline, we carry specialist liability insurance covering our drone operations - something unlicensed pilots almost universally lack. When you hire Elev8, you’re covered.
✓ Airspace authorization and compliance - including controlled airspace operations via LAANC
✓ Pre-flight planning and risk assessment for every site
✓ Knowledge of weather minimums, visibility requirements, and flight limitations
✓ Safe operation near people, structures, and restricted areas
✓ Emergency procedures and incident reporting obligations
✓ Specialist drone liability insurance covering every flight
Elev8’s Commitment to Operational Safety & Compliance
FAQ
fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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FAA Part 107 certificates can be verified through he FAA’s Airmen Inquiry tool at https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/
If a pilot you’re considering can’t or won’t provide their certificate number for verification, that’s a clear signal to walk away.
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Yes. The FAA holds both operators and the companies that commission commercial drone work responsible for ensuring operations are conducted legally. Not knowing your pilot's certification status is not considered a valid defense. This is why verifying credentials before any engagement is so important — and why Elev8 makes that process straightforward.
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The legal requirement for Part 107 certification applies to all commercial drone operations regardless of perceived complexity. A short, low-altitude flight over a quiet site carries the same legal requirements as a complex multi-site operation. The risk of an incident may seem low — but the consequences of operating without a license if something goes wrong are the same either way.
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Specialist drone liability insurance typically covers third-party property damage and bodily injury caused by the drone during a flight. It protects both the pilot and the commissioning company in the event of an incident. Crucially, most policies require the pilot to be operating legally under Part 107 — meaning an unlicensed flight can void coverage entirely, even if the policy technically exists.
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LAANC — the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — is the FAA's system for granting real-time airspace authorization for drone flights in controlled airspace, such as near airports. Part 107 certified pilots can apply for LAANC authorization. If your project is near an airport or in controlled airspace and your pilot can't access LAANC, the flight either can't legally happen or will be conducted illegally.
SEE MORE. KNOW MORE.
DO MORE.
Every Elev8 engagement comes with full Part 107 Compliance, documented credentials, and specialist liability coverage - so you can focus on your project, not your exposure.