The 2025 Guide to
Going Beyond Part 107
Introduction — Part 107 is a Launchpad,
Not a Career Plan
When the FAA introduced Part 107 in 2016, it opened the door for commercial drone operations. Instead of costly flight school or the old Section 333 exemptions, you could study, pass a 60‑question knowledge exam, and start flying commercially.
Fast forward to 2025: the industry has evolved. There are now more certificated remote pilots than registered commercial drones. Part 107 is still essential, but it’s no longer a differentiator — it’s the baseline. Building a career today means going beyond the written test to prove your skills, readiness, and professionalism.
This guide will:
- Clarify what Part 107 covers (and doesn’t) in 2025, including night operations and Remote ID
- Explain why employers value hands-on proficiency, safety literacy, and BVLOS-ready operations
- Show how to earn standards-based credentials that signal you’re “mission-ready,” not just “exam-ready”
Part 107 in Three Minutes (Refresher + Reality Check)
Requirements & Format: You must be at least 16 years old, pass TSA security vetting, and successfully complete a 60 question multiple-choice knowledge test on aeronautical subjects. Recurrent training is required every 24 months and is offered online for free.
Operational Limits
• Fly within visual line of sight (VLOS)
• Daylight or civil twilight operations (night operations are allowed with anti collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles)
• Maximum weight: 55 lbs
• Maximum altitude: 400 ft AGL (unless operating with a waiver)
Why it was a game-changer — and why it’s not enough: Part 107 was designed for basic VLOS operations under predictable conditions. It wasn’t built for today’s realities like autonomous workflows, detect-and-avoid systems, or BVLOS corridor inspections. Employers now see “107-only” as incomplete — they want proof you can execute real-world missions safely and efficiently
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The Oversupply Problem
(and What It Means for Pay)
By mid‑2025:
- ~460,375 certificated remote pilots
- ~433,407 registered commercial drones
- ~822,000 total drones in the U.S.
In plain language: there are more pilots than commercial aircraft. Employers face a large pool of candidates who’ve passed the same test but have vastly different skill levels. Entry-level wages tend to stagnate where the work is basic, while roles requiring BVLOS operations, complex data deliverables, or program leadership command higher pay.
Example: A utility company may pay significantly more for a pilot who can conduct a BVLOS power line inspection with proper risk assessments than for one who can only fly standard daylight VLOS missions.
Four Gaps Part 107 Doesn’t Cover (and How to Close Them)
“I can spot a 107‑only pilot in 10 minutes — no structured risk analysis, no real checklist discipline.” — Program Manager, Fortune 500 utility
1. Hands-On Flight Proficiency
Part 107 doesn’t require a practical flight test. A pilot might ace airspace questions but struggle to manage a lost‑link contingency or execute a precision landing in gusty winds. Many employers now include “stick checks” during hiring — tasks like capturing a specific nadir image set or landing within a marked zone.
2. Safety Literacy (Human Factors + Risk Management + SMS)
Human error remains aviation’s leading risk. While Part 107 touches on weather and rules, it doesn’t build full competence in crew resource management, risk-based decision-making, or Safety Management Systems (SMS). Enterprise programs increasingly screen for this knowledge.
3. Mission Planning & Data Management
Successful missions require more than good flying. Pilots must plan routes, assess hazards, manage data, and ensure compliance with airspace and regulatory requirements — all skills taught in USI’s Safety Level 3 and VSO Ground courses.
4. Advanced Operational Readiness (BVLOS, Waivers, & Emerging Tech)
BVLOS operations require FAA waivers or compliance with upcoming Part 108 rules. Mastery of detect-and-avoid systems, communications protocols, and redundancy planning sets professionals apart.
Building a Career Beyond Part 107
To stand out, layer your Part 107 certificate with industry-recognized training that proves you’re operationally ready:
Safety Level Certifications
- Build progressive competencies in UAS systems, maintenance, risk management, and advanced operations.
Specialized Endorsements
- BVLOS readiness, thermal imaging, mapping, and sector-specific applications.
SMS & Human Factors
- Required by many enterprise programs and covered in USI’s Advanced Safety courses.
SEO Tip for Readers:
- Search terms like “commercial drone pilot training”, “BVLOS certification”, and “UAS safety management” are common employer keywords — adding these skills to your resume can help you be found.
Final Thoughts
Part 107 is your entry ticket — not the whole journey. In a competitive field, success comes from combining regulatory compliance with real-world skills, safety leadership, and technical versatility. The industry rewards those who can demonstrate they are ready for complex, high-value missions.
Next Step: Explore USI’s full training pathway to see how you can progress from Part 107 to advanced, standards-based certifications that position you as a leader in the UAS workforce.
Certification exams are processing on Mondays, at which time your certification will be issued to the email associated with your USI account. You will receive an email that prompts you to create an account and accept your badge.
Once you earn your USI certification, you’ll get a notice on USI’s platform prompting you to request your digital certification. Fill out the request form, and you’ll receive an email to accept your badge. Please white-list Learn@FlyUSI.org for timely delivery.
The Value of Industry Certification
Industry certifications validate an individual's expertise and skills in a specific field, ensuring they meet recognized standards of competence. They enhance employability, demonstrate commitment to professional development, and can lead to career advancement opportunities. For employers, certifications provide assurance of an employee's qualifications and adherence to industry best practices.
Showcase Your Certifications with USI Digital Badges
Highlight your USI certification achievements with digital badges. Share your credentials online and connect with a global directory of certified drone professionals to enhance your professional visibility. Digital badges provide credibility with easy validation of your certifications.
Stand Out with USI Digital Credentials
USI and digital badge provider Accredible have partnered to provide our certification holders with a digital badge of their USI industry credential. Digital badges can be used in email signatures, personal web sites, social media sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter, on electronic copies of resumes, and can even be downloaded into printable certificates. Digital badges help USI certification holders convey to employers, potential employers and interested parties that you possess the skills, expertise, and dedication required to earn and maintain a professional USI certification.