11–5–3 Pilot Certification for 14 CFR Part 135, Part 137, and Large Civil UAS

a. Currently, FAA regulations require a commercial pilot certificate for 14 CFR part 135 Remote PICs.

b. Pilot certification for 14 CFR part 137. For civil UAS agricultural aircraft operations, the 14 CFR section 137.19(b) and (c) requirement (that the pilot hold a private or commercial pilot certificate) is exempted; only a 14 CFR part 107 pilot certificate is required. This policy pertains to all UAS regardless of weight. However, all civil pilots conducting agricultural aircraft operations must satisfactorily pass the knowledge and skill test of 14 CFR section 137.19(e) and 14 CFR section 137.41(b) or (c).

c. Pilot certification for other large civil UAS. Requirements for future large civil UAS operations will be addressed in future rulemaking.