← Standards & Specs
The Toolbox — Standards
Drone & Rocketry
FAA Part 107 UAS regulations and NAR/Tripoli model rocketry standards.
Drone / UAS — FAA Regulations
| Specification | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Part 107 remote pilot certificate — minimum age | 16 years |
| Part 107 exam passing score | 70% |
| Part 107 recurrency | Certificate doesn't expire, but you must complete the free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months |
| Maximum altitude (Part 107) | 400 feet AGL (above ground level) |
| Maximum airspeed (Part 107) | 100 mph (87 knots) |
| Maximum takeoff weight (Part 107) | 55 lbs (24.9 kg) |
| Visual line of sight requirement | Must maintain unaided visual contact with drone |
| Night operations | Allowed since 2021 with updated training and anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles |
| Remote ID requirement | Required for every drone that must be registered — rule effective September 2023, enforced from March 2024 |
| FAA registration threshold | Recreational: 0.55 lb (250 g) or heavier. Part 107: every drone, regardless of weight |
| FAA registration fee | $5 — valid for 3 years |
| LAANC authorization | Automated airspace access in controlled airspace |
| FPV legal operation | Requires visual observer if goggles worn by pilot |
| 5.8 GHz analog FPV video | Most analog VTXs aren't Part 15 certified — US pilots need an amateur (Technician) license |
Model Rocketry — NAR / Tripoli Standards
| Specification | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Model rocketry (low power) | 1/4A through D motors — no certification required |
| Mid Power Rocketry (MPR) | E, F and G motors — no certification, but age and weight limits apply |
| High Power Rocketry Level 1 | H and I motors — certification flight required, age 18+ |
| High Power Rocketry Level 2 | J, K, and L motors — written exam + certification flight required |
| High Power Rocketry Level 3 | M motors and above — peer review + certification flight required |
| FAA airspace authorization | High-power (Class 2) rockets need FAA authorization under 14 CFR 101.25 — usually a club waiver or Form 7711-2 |
| Motor total impulse — H class | 160.01 – 320 N·s (HPR starts here) |
| Motor total impulse — M class | 5,120 – 10,240 N·s |
| 62.5 g propellant limit | Model rocket motor limit (NFPA 1122). APCP hasn't required an ATF license since a 2009 court ruling |
| Recovery system requirement | Dual deploy recommended for HPR |
| Minimum safe spectator distance | Set by total installed impulse in the NAR/Tripoli (NFPA 1127) distance table — check the current table |
| Igniter resistance (typical) | 1 – 2 ohms — verify continuity before launch |
| Common altimeter deployment voltage | 9V – 12V for ejection charges |