Part 107 Recurrent Training (2026): FAA Compliance Guide

The Clock is Ticking: Is Your Part 107 Certificate Still Valid?

Imagine this: You're lined up for a lucrative aerial photography gig, your DJI Air 3 is prepped, and the client is waiting. Then, the dreaded thought hits you – is my Part 107 certificate still current? Don't let uncertainty ground your opportunities. In 2026, staying on top of your FAA Recurrent Training is more crucial than ever for maintaining Drone Compliance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Part 107 Recurrent Training: What's New in 2026?

The FAA Regulations surrounding Part 107 are constantly evolving. Staying informed about these changes is paramount for every Remote Pilot. The good news? The core requirements for recurrent training haven't drastically changed. You still need to complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain your Remote Pilot Certificate. However, the FAA is placing increased emphasis on airspace knowledge, emergency procedures, and adherence to updated rules regarding operations over people and at night.

Pilot Mike from Austin discovered this the hard way. He hadn't reviewed the latest NOTAMs and unknowingly flew his UAS near a temporary flight restriction (TFR). The result? A warning letter from the FAA and a mandatory remedial training course. Avoid Mike's mistake by prioritizing continuous learning and staying updated on all FAA notices.

Prerequisites and Materials for Part 107 Recurrent Training

Before you dive into the recurrent training, make sure you have the following:

• A valid Remote Pilot Certificate issued under Part 107.
• Access to a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection.
• Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is essential for logging into the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website.
• Approximately 2-3 hours of dedicated time to complete the online course.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Recurrent Training

1. Access the FAASTeam Website: Go to the official FAA Safety Team website.

   Expected outcome: You should be on the FAASTeam homepage.

2. Log In or Create an Account: If you already have an account, log in using your FTN and password. If not, create a new account following the on-screen instructions.

   Expected outcome: You are logged into your FAASTeam account.

3. Search for the Recurrent Training Course: Use the search function and enter "Part 107 Recurrent Training" or the course number (usually ALC-XXX, check the FAA website for the most current course number). Ensure it is the correct course for renewing your certificate.

   Expected outcome: You see the correct Part 107 recurrent training course listed in the search results.

4. Enroll in the Course: Click on the course and enroll. You may need to agree to the terms and conditions before proceeding.

   Expected outcome: You are officially enrolled in the Part 107 recurrent training course.

5. Complete the Course Modules: Work through each module carefully. Pay close attention to the information on airspace, regulations, and emergency procedures. The course includes videos, interactive elements, and knowledge checks.

   Expected outcome: You have completed all the required modules of the recurrent training course.

6. Pass the Final Exam: After completing the modules, you'll need to pass a final exam. The passing score is typically 80%. If you fail, you can retake the exam.

   Expected outcome: You have successfully passed the final exam.

7. Print or Save Your Completion Certificate: Once you've passed the exam, you'll receive a completion certificate. Print a copy for your records and save a digital version.

   Expected outcome: You have a physical or digital copy of your Part 107 recurrent training completion certificate.

8. Maintain Your Records: Keep your completion certificate readily accessible. You may need to present it to the FAA or law enforcement officials upon request.

   Expected outcome: Your training records are organized and easily accessible.

Pro Tip: Consider setting a calendar reminder a few months before your certificate expires. This gives you ample time to complete the training without rushing and potentially overlooking important details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Recurrent Training

Many Drone Pilot make easily avoidable mistakes during their Part 107 Recurrent Training. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Rushing Through the Material: Take your time and thoroughly review each module. Don't just skim through the content.
• Failing to Review NOTAMs: NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) provide critical information about temporary flight restrictions and other important airspace updates. Always check NOTAMs before each flight.
• Ignoring Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures, such as lost link protocols and how to respond to equipment malfunctions.
• Using Outdated Study Materials: Ensure that you are using the most up-to-date study materials and resources. FAA Regulations are subject to change.

Staying Current: Beyond Recurrent Training

Completing your recurrent training is essential, but it's not the only thing you should do to stay current with FAA Regulations. Consider these additional steps:

• Subscribe to FAA Updates: Sign up for email updates from the FAA to receive notifications about new regulations, policy changes, and safety alerts.
• Join Drone Pilot Communities: Engage with other drone pilots in online forums and local groups. This is a great way to share knowledge, ask questions, and stay informed about industry trends.
• Attend Drone Conferences and Workshops: Participate in drone conferences and workshops to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals.
• Utilize Flight Planning Apps: Take advantage of advanced flight planning apps which incorporate real-time airspace information, weather data, and NOTAMs. See our article on Drone Flight Planning 2026: Mastering LAANC Grid Navigation.

The FAA is also investing heavily in Autonomy Hubs to further drone innovation. Stay tuned for updates on these Autonomy Hubs & US Drone Leadership: 2026 Regulations as they develop.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Operating a drone commercially without a valid Part 107 certificate can have serious consequences. The FAA can impose hefty fines, suspend or revoke your Remote Pilot Certificate, and even pursue criminal charges in egregious cases. Don't risk your livelihood by neglecting your recurrent training requirements. Maintaining Drone Compliance is not just a legal obligation; it's a matter of safety and professionalism.

Recurrent Training Checklist: Are You Ready to Fly?

Before each commercial drone flight, run through this quick checklist to ensure you're compliant with Part 107:

• My Remote Pilot Certificate is current and valid.
• I have completed my Part 107 Recurrent Training within the past 24 calendar months.
• I have checked NOTAMs and TFRs for my intended flight area.
• My drone is registered with the FAA (if applicable). See our article on Remote ID Compliance (2026): US Drone Pilot Guide.
• I have obtained any necessary waivers or authorizations from the FAA. For advanced operations, consult our guide on Part 107 Waivers (2026): Mastering Complex Drone Ops.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about FAA Regulations, you can confidently operate your drone commercially and avoid costly penalties. Fly safe!