StudyWhat is the maximum operational altitude under Part 107?
- ✅A:400 feet AGL or within 400 feet of a structure's highest point
- ❌B:500 feet AGL in all circumstances
- ❌C:400 feet MSL maximum
Explanations
- A: Correct. Under Part 107, the maximum operational altitude is 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or within 400 feet of a structure's highest point. This rule is designed to maintain safety and avoid collision, damage, and injury. It also helps to prevent potential regulatory violations, fines, and legal issues. For businesses, adhering to this rule is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.
- B: Incorrect. Under Part 107, the maximum operational altitude is not 500 feet AGL in all circumstances. Operating at this altitude could lead to safety risks such as collision, damage, and injury, and could also result in regulatory violations, fines, and legal issues. Businesses must be aware of this to ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- C: Incorrect. The maximum operational altitude under Part 107 is not 400 feet mean sea level (MSL). The limit is based on AGL, not MSL, and allows for operation within 400 feet of a structure. Misunderstanding this could lead to safety risks and regulatory violations, impacting business operations and profitability.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding the maximum operational altitude under Part 107 is crucial for any commercial drone operation. It affects the range of services you can offer, the types of clients you can serve, and the locations where you can operate. Adhering to this limit is also essential for maintaining safety, avoiding regulatory violations, and ensuring operational efficiency.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Operating above the maximum altitude can lead to safety risks such as collision with other aircraft or obstacles, damage to property, and injury to people on the ground. It can also result in regulatory violations, fines, and legal issues, which can impact your business reputation and profitability.
Consider This Scenario
A real estate company hires a drone operator to capture aerial images of a high-rise building for marketing purposes. The operator must understand the maximum operational altitude under Part 107 to ensure they can safely and legally complete the task. They calculate the height of the building and ensure their drone stays within 400 feet of the structure's highest point, maintaining safety and compliance throughout the operation.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that drone operators understand the maximum operational altitude under Part 107 and the reasons for this limit. This includes understanding the difference between AGL and MSL altitude, and how to operate near structures.
Business Success Strategy
Ensure you and your team understand the maximum operational altitude and how to calculate it in different scenarios. Develop standard procedures for operating near structures and regularly review these to maintain safety and compliance. Use this knowledge to communicate confidently with clients about what you can and cannot do under Part 107.
Memory Aid
Remember the "400 rule" - 400 feet AGL or within 400 feet of a structure. This simple rule can help you quickly recall the maximum operational altitude under Part 107.
Enhanced References
FAA Part 107.51(b), Advisory Circular 107-2A, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Section 1-1-5
Related Concepts
- AGL vs MSL altitude
- Structure proximity operations
- Altitude measurement methods
ACS Code: UA.I.B.K11
Difficulty: basic