Part 107 Waiver Guide 2026: How to Apply in the FAA Aviation Safety Hub

If you’ve applied for a Part 107 waiver before, the process has changed. The FAA has moved Part 107 operational waiver applications out of FAADroneZone and into a system called the Aviation Safety Hub (AVS Hub). Airspace authorizations did not move. This guide explains what a waiver is, which rules can be waived, and how to submit a strong application in the new system, screen by screen.

What Changed: DroneZone vs. Aviation Safety Hub

The FAA’s Part 107 waivers page spells out the split:

• New operational waiver applications go through the Aviation Safety Hub.
• Waivers submitted earlier in FAADroneZone need no action and are still being processed there.
• Airspace authorizations stay in FAADroneZone (or LAANC) until further notice.

The FAA’s September 2026 order for processing drone requests, JO 7200.23E, confirms that all operational waivers are submitted through the AVS Hub.

Waiver vs. authorization: know which one you need

This trips up a lot of pilots. If you want to fly in Class B, C, D or surface-area Class E airspace, you need an airspace authorization through LAANC or DroneZone. If you want to break one of Part 107’s operating rules, such as flying beyond line of sight or above 400 feet, you need a waiver through the AVS Hub. Some operations need both. For example, a BVLOS inspection inside Class D needs a 107.31 waiver plus an authorization, and the FAA can tie the two together.

What a Part 107 Waiver Is

A waiver is an official FAA document approving specific operations outside a Part 107 limitation. You earn one by showing the FAA you can still fly safely using other methods. Sections the FAA order lists as waivable include:

• 107.25: operating from a moving vehicle or aircraft
• 107.29: daylight operation
• 107.31: visual line of sight
• 107.33: visual observer requirements
• 107.35: one pilot operating multiple drones
• 107.37(a): right of way
• 107.39: operations over people
• 107.51(a)–(d): speed, altitude, visibility and cloud clearance
• 107.145: operations over moving vehicles

You probably don’t need a night waiver

Routine night flying no longer needs a waiver. Under 14 CFR 107.29, Part 107 pilots can fly at night with anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles and current knowledge or training. If your waiver involves twilight or night for another reason, the FAA says you must explain how you’ll manage the extra risk, or you may be limited to daylight. See How to Fly at Night Without a Waiver.

Step by Step: Applying in the Aviation Safety Hub

The FAA’s Aviation Safety Hub External User Guide lays out the process.

1. Create an account and start

Sign in or register using the option in the upper right of the portal. From the home page, choose Request a Waiver and then Part 107 Operational Waiver, or click Apply Now on the Part 107 waivers card. Read the Application Overview, then click Begin Application to create a draft. You can use Save for Later at any point.

2. Operator Information

Choose whether you’re applying as an individual or for an organization linked to your account. Confirm the Responsible Party’s name, phone, mailing address and email. Then pick your operator type: Public Safety Organization, Drone Light Show Operator, Agricultural Operator or Other. You’ll also say whether you’re an FAA Industry Partner.

3. Proposed Operation

This is where most of the detail goes:

• Each drone you’ll use: type, make, model and quantity. If you choose Remote ID as the type, you select make and model from a list.
• Start and end dates. The FAA recommends a start date at least 90 days out, and the end date can be no more than 48 months after the start.
• Location: a description plus latitude and longitude, and an optional area-of-operation map.
• Any related pending or approved waivers or authorizations, with reference numbers.
• Operational questions on time of day, lighting, transporting property, hazardous materials, crossing state lines, moving vehicles, population density, line of sight, observers, multiple aircraft, right of way, speed, altitude, structures, visibility, cloud distance and flights over people or vehicles.

4. Requested Waivers

Select the specific sections you want waived. Only ask for what you need. Extra sections invite extra questions.

5. Supporting documents and safety case

For each waived section, explain the hazards and how you’ll mitigate them. Attach procedures, training records, maps and equipment specs.

6. Submit and respond

After you submit, the FAA aims to decide within 90 days. If it needs more information, you’ll get an AVS Hub status email and must log in to answer. If you don’t respond within 30 days, the application is canceled and you have to start over.

Example: A Strong vs. Weak 107.31 Request

Weak: “We want to fly BVLOS for inspections around the state. We will be careful and use an experienced pilot.”

Strong: “Pipeline inspection along a 12-mile corridor (map attached), below 200 feet AGL, in Class G airspace over sparsely populated land. The pilot monitors an ADS-B In receiver and holds the aircraft or descends if crewed traffic comes within 2 miles. Lost link triggers a programmed return along the corridor. Crew completes the attached training syllabus. Flights run in daylight with at least 3 statute miles visibility.”

The strong version tells the FAA exactly where, how high, how you’ll see traffic, what happens when something fails and who is trained. That’s what reviewers look for.

Common Reasons Waivers Get Sent Back

• A vague location. “Anywhere in Texas” doesn’t let the FAA judge the risk.
• Missing mitigations. Naming a risk without a solution invites a request for information.
• Inconsistent details. Your map, coordinates, altitudes and narrative should all match.
• Too much at once. Asking for many sections with little justification slows review.
• Missed deadlines. Missing the 30-day reply window cancels the application.

After Approval

• Register before you fly. You don’t need to register drones to apply, but you must register before any operation.
• Carry the waiver. Keep it available during operations and brief your crew on its conditions.
• Plan for airspace. In controlled airspace, you still need an authorization.
• Follow every condition. Breaking a waiver condition can count as violating the rule that was waived.

A waiver builds on solid Part 107 knowledge. If you aren’t certified yet, start with the Drone U Part 107 course. Public safety teams should also read our DFR BVLOS waiver and Part 108 guide, and everyone benefits from our airspace classes guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I apply for a Part 107 waiver now?

In the FAA’s Aviation Safety Hub. FAADroneZone still handles airspace authorizations and waivers that were already submitted there.

How long does a Part 107 waiver take?

The FAA aims to decide within 90 days and recommends a start date at least 90 days after you apply.

How long can a waiver last?

Your requested end date can be up to 48 months after the start date.

Do I need a waiver to fly at night?

Not for routine night operations. Part 107 allows night flight with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles and current training.

What happens if I miss an FAA request for information?

If you don’t respond within 30 days, the FAA cancels the application and you have to resubmit.

Is a waiver the same as LAANC?

No. LAANC and DroneZone authorizations grant access to controlled airspace. A waiver lets you deviate from a Part 107 operating rule.

Can I apply for a waiver for my company?

Yes. In the Aviation Safety Hub you can apply as an individual or on behalf of an organization tied to your account, and name a Responsible Party.

Get Certified With Drone U

Whether you are flying for work, for public safety or for the love of it, it starts with knowing the rules. The Drone U Part 107 course covers every topic on the FAA knowledge test, including airspace, sectional charts, weather, regulations and operations, with lessons from working commercial pilots and practice questions built around how the FAA actually tests. Start the Part 107 course today.

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