Why these seven parts matter
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the rule-book for U.S. civil aviation. Parts 3, 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, and 107 form a core compliance stack that touches almost every certificate holder—from drone pilots to aircraft owners and A&Ps. Understanding how the parts interlock keeps paperwork current, privileges valid and, most importantly, flights legal and safe.
Part 3 – General Requirements
What’s new? Subpart C (published Oct 8 2024) requires anyone without a U.S. address who applies for a certificate under Parts 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 to appoint a U.S. “agent for service” by April 2, 2025, and anyone who already holds such a certificate to do so by July 7, 2025. Failing to comply renders the underlying certificate or registration ineffective.
Why it matters
- Ensures the FAA has a domestic point of contact for enforcement and safety notifications.
- Non-compliance can ground an aircraft or suspend airman privileges overnight.
Part 47 – Aircraft Registration
Covers everything from who may register (§47.3), proof of ownership, registration numbers, to renewal and cancellation (§47.40–47.47). If you own, buy, or sell a U.S.-registered aircraft, this is your checklist.
- Tip: Mark the renewal date on your calendar; an expired registration invalidates the airworthiness certificate.
Part 61 – Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors & Ground Instructors
The “driver’s-license” part for pilots. It defines certificate levels, ratings, currency, flight reviews (§61.56) and medical requirements cross-referenced in Part 67 (§61.23).
- Navigation update: the eCFR table of contents for Part 61 now includes a direct link to § 61.8 (‘Inapplicability of unmanned-aircraft operations’), reinforcing that drone operations are governed by Part 107.
- Keep an eye on SFAR 73 — recently amended (Aug 22 2024) and now set to expire on Aug 22 2029 — if you fly or instruct in Robinson R-22 or R-44 helicopters.
Part 63 – Flight Crewmembers Other Than Pilots
Applies mainly to flight engineers and flight navigators—roles still required in certain heavy jets and vintage airliners. It spells out eligibility, training, testing and certificate duration (§63.31-63.61).
Part 65 – Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers
- Home for air-traffic-control-tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, mechanics, repairmen, and parachute riggers. Newly certificated A&P mechanics enter here, and—after three years as an A&P plus two years of active work—may pursue an Inspection Authorization (IA) under §§ 65.91-65.95.
- Mechanic students: § 65.80 lets qualified Part 147 AMT-school students sit the oral-and-practical tests before they’ve logged the full on-the-job experience, so track your progress and keep your logbook current.
Part 67 – Medical Standards & Certification
Divides requirements into First-, Second- and Third-Class medical certificates (§67.101-67.315). Also details the Special Issuance process (§67.401) for pilots with otherwise disqualifying conditions.
- Quick mnemonic:
- First Class – airline captains.
- Second Class – commercial pilots.
- Third Class – private & recreational.
Part 107 – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
Part 107 is the rulebook for any drone under 55 lb flown for compensation, public-safety, or other non-recreational work.
- Paperwork first. A Remote Pilot Certificate is required—unless the person at the controls is under the direct supervision of a Remote Pilot-in-Command (§ 107.12). Register the aircraft online and mark it with the FAA registration number (§ 107.13). Since 16 Mar 2024 every operational sUAS must also transmit Remote ID unless you fly inside a FRIA.
- Core limits. Stay at or below 400 ft AGL and 100 mph, keep visual line-of-sight (or use a visual observer), and fit night anti-collision lights visible for 3 SM (§§ 107.51, 107.29).
- People & waivers. Operations over people must comply with Category 1–4 criteria in Subpart D; anything more ambitious—BVLOS, higher altitudes, moving vehicles—needs an FAA Part 107 waiver (§ 107.200).
2025 watch-list: the FAA is accepting more “Means of Compliance” for Category 2–3 drones and is expected to propose low-altitude corridor rules later in the year.
Compliance Quick-Start Checklist
(covers 14 CFR Parts 3, 47, 61, 63, 65, 67 & 107)
- Know your role.
- Pilots → Part 61
- Flight engineers / navigators → Part 63
- Mechanics, dispatchers & tower operators → Part 65
- Drone remote-pilots → Part 107
- Secure your certificates.
Check the eligibility, tests, currency and renewal rules in the Part that matches your role.
- Clear the medical hurdle.
Use Part 67 to see whether you need a 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-Class medical—or only the self-assessment allowed for Part 107 drone pilots.
- Verify your machine’s papers.
Aircraft and drones must be registered under Part 47; confirm the registration is current and matches the serial number.
- Designate a U.S. Agent if you have a foreign address.
Part 3, Subpart C now obliges all non-U.S. certificate-holders to appoint a stateside “Agent for Service” by 7 July 2025 (new applicants by 2 April 2025).
Tip: Valiair offers an all-in-one agent service — $75 per year, instant address, digital mail-forwarding, and no hidden fees—widely used by international aviators.
- Respect the operating limits.
- Drones: altitude, speed, VLOS, anti-collision lights, Categories 1-4, plus waivers for BVLOS or other exceptions (Part 107).
- Manned aircraft: follow the operating sections in your subpart (e.g., § 91.103 for pre-flight action).
- Set reminders and stay current.
Log due dates for registrations, medicals, flight reviews, IA renewals, etc., and subscribe to eCFR/FAA e-mail alerts so regulatory changes—especially in fast-moving Part 107—never catch you napping.
Fly, fix, or dispatch—confident you’re legal.
