Part 107 Night Operations
Updated October 27, 2026
Since April 2021, Part 107 remote pilots can fly at night without a waiver, as long as they meet two conditions. Night flying also brings its own risks, such as night vision illusions. Here’s what to know, followed by free practice questions.
The rules (§ 107.29)
To fly at night:
- You must have completed an initial knowledge test or training (or recurrent training, as applicable) after April 6, 2021, which covers night operations.
- The drone must have lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.
You may reduce the lights’ brightness if that’s safer, but you may never turn them off.
Civil twilight
During civil twilight, the same anti-collision lighting is required. Except in Alaska, civil twilight is the 30 minutes before official sunrise and the 30 minutes after official sunset.
Night flying risks
- It’s harder to judge distance and the drone’s orientation in the dark.
- Staring at a single light against a dark background can make it seem to move (autokinesis). Keep your eyes moving and scan.
- Your eyes need about 30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness, and a bright light (including a phone screen) can undo it.
- Visit the site in daylight first, to note obstacles like wires and poles.
Free night operations practice questions
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For night operations, the drone's anti-collision lights must be visible for at least:Answer: CSection 107.29 requires lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.
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Outside Alaska, the evening civil twilight period ends:Answer: AExcept in Alaska, civil twilight is the 30 minutes before official sunrise and the 30 minutes after official sunset.
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Which is required before a remote pilot may fly at night under Part 107?Answer: DSince the 2021 rule change, night flight needs no waiver if the pilot's initial test or training was completed after April 6, 2021 and the drone has the required lighting.
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May a remote pilot turn off the anti-collision lights at night if they are too bright?Answer: BThe pilot may reduce the intensity of the lights for safety but may never extinguish them during night or civil twilight operations.
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What is the best way to avoid the illusion that a light at night is moving when it isn't?Answer: BStaring at a single light in the dark can make it appear to move, called autokinesis. Moving your eyes and scanning helps prevent it.
Pass the FAA Part 107 drone test on your first try
- All 308 questions across regulations, airspace, weather, loading and operations
- An explanation for every answer, with the rule or FAA source behind it
- Questions on the real test's figures: the FAA's sectional charts, METARs, TAFs and load factor chart, zoomable on any screen