What kind of flying requires a license

Whether you need a license depends entirely on what you're flying and how you're using it. If you want to fly a manned aircraft — a small plane, helicopter, or glider — you must hold a pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you want to operate a drone for commercial purposes, you need an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. Flying for personal recreation has different rules depending on the aircraft type.

The core rule is straightforward: if you're being paid to fly anything, or if you're flying a manned aircraft of any kind, you need a certificate. If you're flying a small recreational drone in your backyard just for fun, you don't. The gray area in between — where many people get confused — is what this guide covers.

Key Takeaways

  • Manned aircraft (planes, helicopters, gliders) always require an FAA pilot certificate, regardless of whether you're paid or flying recreationally.
  • Commercial drone operation requires an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, which involves passing a written test and meeting age and medical requirements.
  • Recreational drone flying under 55 pounds in your own airspace does not require a certificate, but you must register the drone and follow FAA rules.
  • Ultralight aircraft and powered parachutes have their own category with minimal licensing requirements, though you still cannot carry passengers for pay without a certificate.
  • The FAA defines "commercial" broadly — it includes any flight where you receive compensation, even indirectly, such as using footage for business purposes.

Pilot certificates for manned aircraft

If you want to fly a traditional airplane, helicopter, or glider, you must obtain a pilot certificate from the FAA. This is not optional, whether you fly for work, for pleasure, or to transport friends. The certificate proves you have passed written and practical tests and meet medical standards.

The process starts with a medical certificate from an FAA-approved aviation medical examiner. You then complete flight training with a certified flight instructor, log the required flight hours (typically 60 to 70 hours for a private pilot certificate), and pass a written exam and a practical flying test called a checkride. The entire process usually takes several months to a year, depending on how often you fly and how quickly you progress.

Different pilot certificates exist for different purposes. A private pilot certificate lets you fly for personal use but not for compensation. A commercial pilot certificate allows you to be paid to fly. An airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate is required to be a captain at an airline. Each level requires more training and flight hours than the one before.

Remote pilot certificates for commercial drone operation

If you operate a drone (also called an unmanned aircraft system or UAS) for any commercial purpose, you need an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. Commercial means you are paid for the flight or the footage, or you use the drone for business purposes — even if you don't charge separately for the drone work itself. A real estate agent filming a property listing, a contractor inspecting a roof, or a photographer selling drone images all need Part 107 certificates.

To obtain a Part 107 certificate, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test administered by the FAA, and pass a practical test with an FAA inspector. The written test covers airspace rules, weather, drone performance, and safety. You do not need to log flight hours beforehand, and there is no medical certificate requirement. Most people study for two to four weeks and take the test at an FAA-approved testing center.

Once you hold a Part 107 certificate, you can operate drones under 55 pounds in most U.S. airspace, though you must follow strict rules: you cannot fly higher than 400 feet, you must keep the drone in sight at all times, you cannot fly over people, and you must follow local airspace restrictions. The certificate is valid for two years and then requires renewal.

Recreational drone flying without a certificate

If you fly a drone purely for recreation — not for any business purpose, not for compensation, and not to create content you will sell or use commercially — you do not need a Part 107 certificate. You do, however, need to register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds. Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years.

Even without a certificate, recreational drone operators must follow FAA rules. You must keep the drone in sight, stay below 400 feet, avoid flying over people or moving vehicles, and respect airspace restrictions around airports and other sensitive areas. You also cannot fly at night without special authorization. The FAA publishes these rules in a document called Part 101, and they are enforced — violations can result in fines.

The line between recreational and commercial is strict and the FAA interprets it broadly. If you post drone footage on social media and monetize the channel through ads, that is commercial use. If you film your friend's wedding and they pay you, that is commercial use. If you inspect your own roof with a drone, that is recreational use. When in doubt, assume the FAA will consider it commercial and obtain a Part 107 certificate.

Ultralight and powered parachute aircraft

Ultralight aircraft and powered parachutes occupy a special category with relaxed licensing rules. An ultralight is a very light aircraft (under 254 pounds empty weight) that flies slowly and carries only one person. A powered parachute is a parachute with an engine and wheels. Neither requires a pilot certificate to fly recreationally.

However, the exemption applies only to solo flight. If you want to carry a passenger, you must hold a pilot certificate. If you want to be paid to fly an ultralight or powered parachute, you also need a certificate. So while the barrier to entry is lower than for traditional aircraft, the moment you want to use it commercially or carry someone else, you are back to needing an FAA certificate.

Medical requirements and age limits

Manned aircraft pilots must hold a medical certificate appropriate to the type of flying they do. A private pilot needs at least a third-class medical certificate, which requires an exam by an FAA-approved aviation medical examiner. The exam checks vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and mental health history. Most people pass, but certain conditions — such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease, or a history of certain psychiatric hospitalizations — can disqualify you.

Drone pilots operating under Part 107 do not need a medical certificate. You must be at least 16 years old to take the Part 107 test, though some states allow younger people to hold a certificate if a parent or guardian supervises. Manned aircraft pilots must be at least 17 years old to hold a private pilot certificate, though you can begin training earlier.

State and local rules beyond FAA requirements

The FAA sets the federal baseline, but states and local governments can impose additional restrictions. Some states require drone operators to hold state-issued permits on top of the FAA Part 107 certificate. Local governments sometimes restrict where drones can fly or require noise permits for ultralight aircraft. Before you begin flying, check with your state aviation authority and your local city or county government to understand what applies to your situation.

National parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands often prohibit drone flight entirely or require special authorization. Private property owners can also prohibit aircraft from flying over their land. These restrictions exist on top of FAA rules, not instead of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a small plane without a license if I stay in my own airspace?

No. The FAA requires a pilot certificate for any manned aircraft, regardless of where you fly or whether you own the land below. Airspace is federal jurisdiction, not private property. Flying without a certificate is a federal violation.

Do I need a license to fly a drone in my backyard?

You do not need a Part 107 certificate if you are flying purely for recreation. You do need to register the drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds, and you must follow FAA rules such as staying below 400 feet and keeping the drone in sight. If you plan to sell the footage or use it for any business purpose, you need Part 107.

What happens if I fly commercially without a Part 107 certificate?

The FAA can fine you up to $27,500 for operating a drone commercially without a certificate. Enforcement has increased in recent years. If you are paid for drone work in any form, obtain the certificate first.

How long does it take to get a pilot certificate for a plane?

A private pilot certificate typically takes three to six months if you fly several times per week, or six months to a year if you fly less frequently. You need to complete 60 to 70 flight hours, pass a written test, and pass a practical checkride. The timeline depends on your training pace and how quickly you progress.

Can I get a Part 107 certificate if I have a medical condition?

Yes. Part 107 drone pilots do not need a medical certificate. You only need to be at least 16 years old, pass the written knowledge test, and pass a practical test. Medical conditions do not disqualify you from operating drones commercially.