Every Part 107 remote pilot certificate has an expiration date. The certificate itself does not disappear -- it is permanent. But your authorization to exercise Part 107 privileges lapses if you do not complete recurrent training within 24 calendar months of your most recent training or test.
This catches a lot of pilots off guard. Here is what you need to know.
When Recurrent Training Is Due
Your recurrent training is due within 24 calendar months of:
- The date you passed the initial Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test, or
- The date you completed your most recent recurrent training
The "calendar months" language matters. If you passed your initial test on April 15, 2024, your recurrent training is due by April 30, 2026 -- the end of the 24th calendar month, not exactly 24 months from the day you tested.
Check your certificate documentation for your initial test date. The FAA IACRA system also shows your current currency status.
What Changed in 2021: The Online Training Option
Before April 2021, Part 107 recurrent training required passing an in-person knowledge test at a PSI testing center -- the same format as the initial exam, 40 questions, $175 fee.
The FAA amended the rules in April 2021 as part of the same package that removed the night operations waiver requirement. Recurrent training can now be completed online through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) WINGS program at no cost.
The online course covers regulatory updates, airspace rule changes, and operational best practices. It takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. Upon finishing, your currency is updated in the FAA system automatically.
You still have the option to take the in-person knowledge test if you prefer. Both methods satisfy the recurrent requirement.
How to Complete Online Recurrent Training
- Go to faasafety.gov and create or log in to your account
- Search for "Part 107 small UAS recurrent training"
- Complete the online course modules
- Your certificate currency is updated automatically in the FAA system
Keep a record of your completion certificate. Some clients and site operators ask for proof of current training. The FAASTeam system allows you to download a completion document.
What Is Covered
The online recurrent training covers:
- Updates to 14 CFR Part 107 since the previous training cycle
- Changes to airspace rules and LAANC procedures
- Remote ID requirements and compliance
- Operations over people category updates (107.110-107.140)
- Night operations rules (no waiver required since 2021)
- Current safety guidance and incident data from the FAA
The FAA updates the course content when significant regulatory changes occur. The 2021 version introduced night operations and operations over people content that was not in the original 2016 exam. Future updates may cover counter-UAS rules, urban air mobility airspace, or other emerging regulatory areas.
What Happens if You Lapse
If your recurrent training lapses -- if 24 calendar months pass without completing recurrent training -- you are not legally authorized to exercise Part 107 remote pilot privileges. You cannot fly commercially until you restore currency.
Restoring currency requires completing the recurrent training (online or in-person test). There is no penalty for lapsing beyond the loss of operating privileges during the lapse period. The FAA does not revoke certificates for recurrent training lapses -- the certificate remains, only the currency lapses.
Lapsing and flying commercially anyway is a different matter. Operating without currency is a violation of 14 CFR 107.65 and can result in certificate suspension or civil penalties.
Tracking Your Currency
The FAA does not send reminders when your recurrent training is due. You are responsible for tracking your own currency.
Practical approaches:
- Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your due date
- Note your due date in the same place you keep your certificate copy
- Check your currency status at iacra.faa.gov at the start of each year
If you fly commercially for a client or employer, they may also track your currency as part of their operational documentation. Many Part 107 operators require proof of current training before authorizing flights.
Recreational Pilots: Different Rules
The recurrent training requirement applies only to Part 107 certificate holders. Recreational pilots flying under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (44809) do not have a certificate with a currency requirement, but they must still pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before their first flight and carry proof of completion.
TRUST has no recurrent requirement -- once completed, it does not expire.
Flying commercially requires a current Part 107 certificate. Verify airspace, check TFRs, and run a preflight assessment before every commercial flight at uas-skycheck.app.