14 CFR 107.29 — Daylight Operation
Small UAS may only be operated during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.
Regulation Text
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system during night, except during civil twilight if the small unmanned aircraft has lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
Drones can fly during daylight and during civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) if equipped with anti-collision lights visible from 3 miles. Night operations beyond civil twilight require a waiver under Part 107.200. This was updated in 2021 to allow civil twilight operations with lighting — previously, any operation after sunset required a waiver. Anti-collision lighting is a simple requirement that dramatically increases the drone's visibility.
Tested On These Exams
Share this with a fellow pilot
Related Regulations
14 CFR 107.51 — Operating Limitations for Small Unmanned Aircraft
Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL, maximum speed 100 mph (87 knots), maximum weight 55 pounds, minimum visibility 3 statute miles.
§107.3114 CFR 107.31 — Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation
The remote PIC or visual observer must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times during flight.
§107.1214 CFR 107.12 — Requirement for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating
Requires a remote pilot certificate to operate small UAS for commercial purposes. Must pass knowledge test or hold Part 61 pilot certificate with current flight review.
Pass your FAA exam in 30 days
Pilot Exam Crash Course
This regulation will be on your exam. Get 1,000+ practice questions with instant explanations. 94% of students pass on their first attempt.
3 days FREE, then $7.49/mo. Cancel anytime. 2,200+ questions.
Or subscribe for full access
All Exams, All Regulations — $7.49/mo
1,000+ questions covering all FARs. Cancel after you pass.
Cancel anytime. No commitment.