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Eligibility of an already-built aircraft for Category 2

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 2 of 13 on Regulations / General. ACS element UA.I.A.K8 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA small unmanned aircraft was produced before its manufacturer sought Category 2 eligibility. Under § 107.120(a), how can such an already-built aircraft become eligible for Category 2 operations?

  1. AIt cannot; only aircraft designed from the start for Category 2 qualify
  2. BBy the remote pilot affixing a Category 2 label before each flight
  3. CBy being modified to meet the Category 2 requirements
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. By being modified to meet the Category 2 requirements

  • A — incorrect § 107.120(a) lists "designed, produced, or modified" as alternative paths, so original design is not the only route to eligibility.
  • B — incorrect A label alone does not create eligibility; § 107.115 also requires that the aircraft meet § 107.120(a) and be listed on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance. § 107.135 only allows the remote pilot to replace a label that is damaged, destroyed, or missing.
  • C — correct § 107.120(a) makes an aircraft eligible for Category 2 if it is designed, produced, or modified so that it meets the injury, laceration, and safety-defect requirements; modification of an existing aircraft is expressly included.

BACKGROUND

§ 107.120(a) states that, to be eligible for Category 2 operations, a small unmanned aircraft must be designed, produced, or modified such that it will not cause injury equivalent to or greater than that from 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy transferred by a rigid object on impact, does not contain exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin, and does not contain any safety defects. The word "modified" means an aircraft that already exists can be brought into eligibility by changes that satisfy those three requirements. The applicant then submits a declaration of compliance under § 107.160, which identifies the aircraft by serial number or range of serial numbers, and must label the aircraft and provide operating instructions under § 107.120(b). § 107.165(a)(2)(ii) recognizes this path by setting a retention period for a person who designs or modifies a small unmanned aircraft.

STUDY TIP

Remember the three verbs in § 107.120(a), designed, produced, or modified; eligibility follows from meeting the performance requirements and being covered by an accepted declaration of compliance, not from when the aircraft was built.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.120(a) allows eligibility by design, production, or modification.
  • The aircraft must meet the 11 foot-pound injury limit, have no lacerating exposed rotating parts, and have no safety defects.
  • A declaration of compliance and label are still required; a label alone does not confer eligibility.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.120(a)
  • 14 CFR 107.160(a)(5)
  • 14 CFR 107.165(a)(2)(ii)
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MORE ON REGULATIONS / GENERAL

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.