FAA Part 108 – Training and Certification for Professional Drone Pilots

Ever wondered what’s next after passing your Part 107 exam? As drone operations get more complex, with heavier equipment, BVLOS flights, and crowded skies, the FAA has introduced Part 108. This is a new framework designed specifically for professional drone pilots.

Part 108 is not just a set of new rules; it’s a step up in professionalism. It is reshaping how commercial drone operations are certified, trained, and managed. This regulation replaces outdated aviation rules with a system designed for modern, high-stakes drone missions. To fully understand Part 108, you must complete the training, earn advanced certifications, and run safer, more efficient drone operations under its guidance.

Whether you’re looking to expand your services or simply fly with confidence, Part 108 training helps you operate at the next level.

In this guide, we’ll break down what FAA Part 108 is, how the training and certification process works, and how you can prepare to stay compliant and competitive.

What is FAA Part 108?

FAA Part 108 is the Federal Aviation Administration’s new framework for regulating professional drone operations that go beyond the basic rules of Part 107.

While Part 107 opened the door for commercial drone use, Part 108 raises the bar. It accounts for more advanced, complex, and high-risk drone operations, especially those involving multiple drones, heavy payloads, or flights in controlled airspace.

At its core, Part 108 is built to make professional flying safer and more organized. It frames clear rules for both pilots and the companies they fly for, emphasizing accountability, structured training, and risk management.

Unlike Part 107, which only certified individual remote pilots, Part 108 recognizes that many drone operations now involve teams, multiple aircraft, and more complex missions. That’s why it introduces roles like Operations Supervisor and Flight Coordinator.

These roles are similar to those of a flight crew in manned aviation but are designed specifically for drone operations.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Part 108 and Part 107 (the rules most commercial pilots are already familiar with):

Part 108 Training and Certification

Flying drones professionally isn’t just about knowing how to take off and land. It’s about flying safely, smartly, and within the rules. That’s exactly what Part 108 training is designed for.

Unlike Part 107, which is primarily a one-time knowledge test, Part 108 gives you structured training. It combines hands-on skills, theory, and practical experience in operating within an organization.

How Authorization Works (Two-Tier System)

Part 108 uses a two-step process to ensure both the company and its pilots are ready for advanced drone operations.

1. Operator Permits

If you want to run more advanced operations, you need a Part 108 permit. To get one, you must show the FAA that you have:

• Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• A working Safety Management System (SMS)
• Plans to identify risks and prevent accidents

2. Pilot Certificates

As a pilot, you need to complete Part 108 training and earn a certificate that proves you can:

• Fly drones safely under Part 108 rules.
• Understand airspace rules and restrictions.
• Follow emergency and contingency procedures.

Key takeaway: Permits handle organizational readiness, while certificates ensure individual pilot competency.

Once your organization and pilots have the proper permits and certificates, these approvals define which missions you can legally fly and under what conditions. In other words, they directly determine the scope, limits, and complexity of the operations you’re allowed to conduct.

Types of Operations Allowed (Permitted vs. Certificated Operations)

Once your organization and pilots are approved, you can fly drones under two categories: Permitted Operations and Certificated Operations. Understanding the difference helps pilots and organizations plan missions safely, especially for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights.

[Note: Part 108 operations are currently a proposed rule and not yet final. Some details may change before the FAA issues the final regulations.]

1. Permitted Operations (Subpart D)

These operations are designed for lower-risk, more controlled missions like

• Package delivery with drones under 55 lbs
• Aerial surveying
• Agricultural work
• Demonstrations or civic interest projects
• Training flights

Each operation has specific limits on weight, fleet size, and destinations to keep operations safe and manageable.

For example, if you’re delivering small packages in a city, a permit ensures you follow population density rules and avoid flying in restricted airspace.

2. Certificated Operations (Subpart E)

The certified operations cover high-risk or complex missions. You can

• Fly heavier drones (up to 110 lbs for deliveries)
• Manage larger fleets
• Carry hazardous materials with extra authorization

Certification ensures both the organization and pilots have the proper training, procedures, and risk management systems in place.

For example, if you’re running multiple drones over a busy facility, a certificate ensures everyone knows their role and can operate safely.

In short, permitted operations are for running simpler, low-risk missions safely. On the contrary, certificated operations give you more freedom but demand more preparation and responsibility. Understanding the difference is crucial if you want to scale your operations or fly in more challenging environments.

What You’ll Learn in Part 108 Training

A solid Part 108 training program covers:

• Rules and Regulations: Understand FAA rules, airspace classes, and requirements for compliance
• Operational Skills: Learn to plan missions, check your drone, and manage payloads
• Risk Management & Safety: Use a Safety Management System (SMS) to identify hazards and prevent accidents
• Team Roles: If you’re an Operations Supervisor or Flight Coordinator, you’ll learn how to oversee missions and keep everyone coordinated

Why This Training Matters

Proper Part 108 training isn’t just about compliance. It provides you with tools to handle emergencies, operate in high-risk environments, and scale operations professionally.

For example, imagine you’re running a drone inspection company. You have multiple heavy-lift drones flying over an industrial site. Without Part 108 training, you may miss critical risk factors, which can lead to accidents or regulatory penalties. With proper training, you’ll learn how to plan each mission and communicate roles clearly with your team.

For a deeper dive, check out DroneU’s podcast on Part 108 for expert insights on rules, training, and flying professionally.

Now that you understand how Part 108 training works, let’s unpack what the FAA expects from you and your team.

Key Requirements for Drone Operators

FAA Part 108 doesn’t just regulate pilots; it sets clear rules for the organizations and operators managing drone missions. Here’s what you need to follow:

1. Operational Requirements

To meet Part 108 standards, you must follow strict operational rules that go beyond Part 107. These include:

• Flight Planning: You need to plan each mission carefully. Check airspace restrictions, monitor the weather, and think through any potential hazards.
• Authorized Airspace: Part 108 allows you to fly in more complex airspace, including controlled areas, but only if you have proper authorization.
• Operational Limits: Pay attention to weight restrictions, altitude ceilings, and line-of-sight rules. These are in place to keep you and everyone around you safe.

2. Airworthiness Standards

Every drone you fly under Part 108 must meet airworthiness standards, meaning it’s safe to fly and won’t put people or property at risk. As such, you need:

• Routine maintenance checks and inspections.
• Documentation of any repairs or upgrades.
• Ensuring all drones are safe for commercial operations, especially for high-risk tasks such as industrial inspections or drone deliveries.

3. Defined Team Roles

Part 108 introduces formal roles to professionalize drone operations:

• Operations Supervisor: Oversees the entire mission, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, as well as crew coordination.
• Flight Coordinator: Manages flight logistics, monitors environmental conditions, and communicates with team members or air traffic control if needed.

Following these rules ensures that your operations run safely, consistently, and professionally while demonstrating to your clients that they can trust you.

Conclusion

FAA Part 108 marks a significant step forward for professional drone pilots. It goes beyond Part 107 and provides a structured, accountable framework for handling advanced drone operations. Learn the rules, complete your Part 108 training, and earn your certifications so you can fly safely, efficiently, and in full compliance.

Following Part 108 isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it helps you build credibility, expand your operational capabilities, and succeed in every mission. Whether you’re inspecting industrial sites, filming high-quality cinematography, or managing multiple drones, Part 108 equips you with the knowledge, skills, and operational oversight to handle complex missions confidently.

If you haven’t started your Part 108 training yet, now is the time. Earn your certification and fly with confidence, professionalism, and complete control over every mission.

Check out all DroneU’s courses to get started today and take your drone operations to the next level.

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