FAA Part 107 and Section 333 Crew Certification Matrix
We have received quite a few questions from folks around Crew Certification requirements around Part 107 so we decided to share a matrix below to summarize the key guidance from FAA in this regard.
Crew certifications depend on the specific type of FAA approval needed. The RPIC Certification is a requirement for all Part 107 operations. Section 333 Operations as well as Public COAs require some type of manned aircraft pilot certification in order to be compliant. The table below offers a general summary of the requirements. Consult the specific FAA approval to verify your compliance with the exact rule set that applies.
| POSITION | FAA PART 107 | 333 COA | PUBLIC COA |
| RPIC | Certified RPIC | N/A | N/A |
| PIC | N/A | Sport Pilot or Higher | Class II Medical or
Higher |
| Visual Observer | VO is optional. No cert/med required | VO is required
No cert/med required |
Part 91 trained, Class II
Medical or Higher |
Certain Public COAs require that the PIC only have passed the FAA written exam in the past 24 months.
More details and the summary of Part 107 rule can be found at https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf
