What is Section 107.29 (night operations)?
14 CFR § 107.29 governs Part 107 night operations. As of April 2021, night flight is permitted without a waiver if the pilot has completed updated training and the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting visible from 3 statute miles.
Pre-2021, night drone flight required an individual § 107.29 waiver. The 2021 rule update made night operations routine for Part 107 pilots who:
• Have completed the updated Part 107 knowledge test or recurrent training that covers night operations (post-April 2021 testing). • Equip the drone with anti-collision lighting that's visible from at least 3 statute miles and flashes at a rate sufficient to avoid collisions.
'Night' is defined as the period from end of evening civil twilight to the beginning of morning civil twilight. Civil twilight is the period when the sun is between 0° and 6° below the horizon — about 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset.
Recreational night flight under 49 USC 44809 is also permitted with similar lighting requirements per CBO safety guidelines.
What this means for pilots
If you got your Part 107 before April 2021 and haven't done recurrent training that covers night ops, you cannot fly at night without a waiver. Take the recurrent training (free, online, ~2 hours) to unlock night operations. Buy quality strobe lights that meet the 3-mile visibility requirement; cheap ones often don't.
FAQ
What counts as anti-collision lighting?
Bright, flashing lights visible from at least 3 statute miles. Most consumer drone strobes (Lume Cube, Firehouse) meet the requirement; verify the manufacturer's specs.
Can I fly at night recreationally?
Yes, under 49 USC 44809 with anti-collision lighting and per CBO safety guidelines. Same lighting standard applies.
What's civil twilight?
The period when the sun is 0–6° below the horizon — roughly 30 minutes before sunrise / after sunset. Sometimes called 'twilight'.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.