FAA Part 107 and Drone Security Operations: What Properties Need to Know

AI Summary: FAA Part 107 is the federal framework governing commercial drone operations. DSP handles all certification, airspace authorization, and regulatory compliance - property owners don't need any permits. This article explains what Part 107 requires, what DSP manages, and what properties need to understand about operating drone security on their premises. FAA Part 107 and Drone Security Operations: What Properties Need to Know

When property managers and operations leaders evaluate drone security for the first time, regulatory questions often surface quickly. Is this legal? Do I need a permit? What happens if there's a controlled airspace issue? Who's responsible if something goes wrong?

These are reasonable questions, and the answers are straightforward once you understand how FAA regulations apply to commercial drone security and what responsibilities fall to the service provider versus the property owner.

The short version: DSP handles all of it. The longer version is worth understanding.

What FAA Part 107 Is

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 107 - universally called "Part 107" - is the FAA's regulatory framework for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operated commercially in the United States. It went into effect in 2016 and governs any drone operation where the pilot or operator receives compensation or the flight serves a commercial purpose.

Drone security patrol is definitionally a commercial operation. It is conducted under a service contract, in exchange for payment, for a commercial client. Part 107 applies in full.

What Part 107 Requires

Pilot Certification

Every pilot operating a drone commercially under Part 107 must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. This requires passing an FAA aeronautical knowledge test administered at an FAA-approved testing center, a TSA security background check, and recurrent knowledge testing every 24 months.

All DSP drone pilots hold current FAA Remote Pilot Certificates. This is a non-negotiable operational requirement, not a differentiator - it's the floor for legal commercial operation.

Drone Registration

All commercial drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA and display their registration number. DSP's drone fleet is registered, and registration markings are maintained per FAA requirements.

Operational Rules

Part 107 establishes the basic operational envelope for commercial drone flight. The rules most relevant to security patrol operations:

Altitude limit: Maximum 400 feet above ground level (AGL), or within 400 feet of a structure - whichever is higher. Security patrol typically operates between 50 and 200 feet AGL. Line of sight: Standard Part 107 requires the pilot to maintain visual line of sight with the drone. For autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, an FAA waiver is required. Airspace: Operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E near airports) require authorization before flight. Class G airspace (most rural and suburban areas away from airports) does not require prior authorization. Nighttime: Night operations are permitted provided the drone has anti-collision lighting visible from 3 statute miles. People: Flight over people not directly involved in the operation requires either a Part 107 waiver or use of a Category 1-4 drone meeting specific FAA safety standards.

What DSP Manages on the Client's Behalf

The regulatory burden of drone security operations falls entirely on DSP as the licensed, certificated service provider. Property owners bear none of it. Specifically:

Pilot Certification and Currency

DSP maintains current Remote Pilot Certificates for all operating pilots and manages the 24-month recurrent knowledge requirement internally. Properties don't track this - it's DSP's operational obligation.

Airspace Authorization

During site assessment and deployment setup, DSP evaluates the airspace classification for the property and surrounding area. For properties within controlled airspace, DSP obtains LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization through the FAA's digital authorization system. LAANC approvals are property-specific and time-bounded - DSP manages ongoing authorization as part of the service.

Waivers (Where Required)

Certain operations - particularly autonomous BVLOS patrol or operations over populated areas - may require FAA waivers beyond the standard Part 107 rules. DSP identifies waiver requirements during site assessment and pursues necessary waivers as part of deployment setup. This process can take time, which is a reason early engagement matters for properties in complex airspace environments.

Fleet Compliance

DSP maintains registered, airworthy drones that meet all applicable FAA standards and, where operations over people are required, drones certified to the appropriate FAA safety category.

What the Property Owner Is Responsible For

Property owners and managers have one primary regulatory responsibility related to drone security: granting DSP explicit written authorization to conduct flight operations on the property. This authorization establishes that DSP is operating at the property owner's direction, which has implications for both airspace authority and liability.

Beyond that authorization, property owners don't interact with the FAA regulatory layer. No permits, no certifications, no airspace filings. That's all DSP.

Common Scenarios and How They're Handled

"Our property is two miles from a regional airport."

This likely puts the property in Class D or Class E controlled airspace. DSP will obtain LAANC authorization during deployment setup. Operations can proceed normally once authorization is granted - typically within days for Class E and often within minutes for LAANC-eligible airspace via the automated digital system.

"We want the drone to fly at night across the full property perimeter."

Night operations are permitted under Part 107 with anti-collision lighting. DSP's drones are equipped for legal night operations. No waiver is required for standard night patrol.

"We have a large property and want truly autonomous patrol without a pilot watching."

Fully autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations require an FAA waiver. DSP evaluates BVLOS waiver requirements during site assessment. For properties where this applies, DSP pursues the appropriate authorization as part of deployment setup.

"We're in a rural area far from any airport."

Most rural properties are in Class G uncontrolled airspace. Standard Part 107 operations apply with no additional airspace authorization required. Deployment is straightforward from a regulatory standpoint.

The Bottom Line for Property Managers

FAA Part 107 is real, it applies, and it matters - but it's DSP's problem to manage, not yours. What you need to know as a property owner or manager is that your DSP service is fully compliant with federal aviation regulations, that your pilots are certified, that your airspace is authorized, and that the regulatory infrastructure is in place before the first patrol flight.

The only thing you sign is the property access authorization. Everything else is handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FAA Part 107 and does it apply to drone security patrols?

FAA Part 107 is the federal regulatory framework governing commercial UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) operations in the United States. It applies to any drone operation conducted for commercial purposes, including security patrol. DSP's drone pilots are FAA Part 107 certified, and all operations are conducted in compliance with federal regulations.

Does the property owner need any FAA certification or permits for DSP drone security?

No. The property owner does not need FAA certification or permits. All regulatory compliance - pilot certification, airspace authorization, operational waivers where required - is handled by DSP as the service provider. The property simply authorizes DSP to operate on its premises.

Are there altitude limits for drone security patrols?

Under FAA Part 107, commercial drones are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level (AGL) unless operating within a controlled airspace authorization. For most security patrol applications, operations occur well below this ceiling - typically 50 to 200 feet AGL - which is sufficient for property-level surveillance and detection.

Can DSP operate drones at night?

Yes. Under FAA rules, nighttime drone operations are permitted for Part 107 certified pilots, provided the drone has anti-collision lighting visible from at least 3 statute miles. DSP's drones meet this requirement, making full 24/7 and overnight patrol operations legally compliant.

What happens if DSP's drone needs to fly near an airport?

Properties near airports or controlled airspace require LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization before flight. DSP manages this authorization process as part of deployment setup, ensuring all operations are pre-approved before the first patrol flight.

Questions about whether drone security is feasible at your specific property? DSP evaluates airspace, regulatory requirements, and operational parameters during the site assessment at no cost. Contact DSP to schedule yours.