Part 107 knowledge recency (recurrent training)14 CFR 107.65 Aeronautical knowledge recency
To exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command with a small UAS rating, you must have passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test or completed recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months. Holders of a part 61 pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) who meet the 61.56 flight review requirements may instead complete training covering the areas in 107.74.
By the ATIS Alerts team · Updated October 15, 2026 · Regulation text current as of October 14, 2026. A study aid based on the official regulation text, not legal advice or an FAA interpretation.
At a glance
- One of the options in (a) through (c) must be accomplished within the previous 24 calendar months, in a manner acceptable to the Administrator (opening text).
- Passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge in 107.73 (a).
- Completed recurrent training covering the areas of knowledge in 107.73 (b).
- For holders of a part 61 pilot certificate other than a student pilot certificate who meet the 61.56 flight review requirements: completed training covering the areas of knowledge in 107.74 (c).
- A recurrent knowledge test passed, or the (c) training completed, before April 6, 2021 within the previous 24 calendar months counts as compliance with (b) or (c) (d).
In plain English
Section 107.65 is the currency rule for remote pilots. A person may not exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command with a small UAS rating unless, within the previous 24 calendar months and in a manner acceptable to the Administrator, they have accomplished one of the three items in (a) through (c).
The first two options cover the areas of knowledge in 107.73: passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test (a) or completing recurrent training (b). The third option is for a person who holds a pilot certificate issued under part 61, other than a student pilot certificate, and who meets the flight review requirements in 61.56. That person may complete training covering the areas of knowledge in 107.74 (c).
Paragraph (d) is a transition provision. A person who passed a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test in a manner acceptable to the Administrator, or satisfied the (c) training requirement, before April 6, 2021 and within the previous 24 calendar months is considered in compliance with (b) or (c), as applicable. The same date appears in the night rule: 107.29(a)(1) requires an initial knowledge test or training under 107.65 completed after April 6, 2021.
Common mistakes
- Letting the 24 calendar months lapse. Without one of the items in (a) through (c) within that window, the privileges may not be exercised.
- Assuming a part 61 certificate alone is enough. The (c) option also requires meeting the 61.56 flight review requirements and completing training covering the areas in 107.74.
- Assuming a student pilot certificate qualifies for the (c) option. It is excluded.
The official text
14 CFR 107.65 as published on the eCFR, current as of October 14, 2026.
A person may not exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command with small UAS rating unless that person has accomplished one of the following in a manner acceptable to the Administrator within the previous 24 calendar months:
(a) Passed an initial aeronautical knowledge test covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73;
(b) Completed recurrent training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.73; or
(c) If a person holds a pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under part 61 of this chapter and meets the flight review requirements specified in § 61.56, completed training covering the areas of knowledge specified in § 107.74.
(d) A person who has passed a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test in a manner acceptable to the Administrator or who has satisfied the training requirement of paragraph (c) of this section prior to April 6, 2021 within the previous 24 calendar months is considered to be in compliance with the requirement of paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, as applicable.
Test yourself
Practice questions from our free FAA written test prep that cite 14 CFR 107.65.
Part 107 Drone
To maintain currency, a certificated remote pilot must, within the preceding 24 calendar months:
- A. complete the free online FAA recurrent training course.
- B. pass a recurrent knowledge test at a PSI testing center.
- C. log at least 10 hours of flight time as remote pilot in command.
- D. renew the certificate through FAADroneZone for a fee.
Show answer
A. complete the free online FAA recurrent training course. The recurrent knowledge TEST was replaced by free online recurrent training completed through the FAA Safety Team site. It takes a couple of hours, costs nothing, and satisfies the 24-calendar-month recency requirement. Much study material still describes the old paid test.
More Part 107 Drone practice →
Questions pilots ask
How often does a Part 107 remote pilot need recurrent training?
One of the items in 107.65 must be accomplished within the previous 24 calendar months: passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test (a), completing recurrent training (b), or, for eligible part 61 pilots, completing training covering the areas in 107.74 (c).
Is there a different Part 107 recurrent option for manned aircraft pilots?
A person who holds a part 61 pilot certificate, other than a student pilot certificate, and meets the flight review requirements in 61.56 may complete training covering the areas of knowledge in 107.74 (107.65(c)).
What happens if my Part 107 recurrent training is out of date?
Under 107.65, a person may not exercise the privileges of a remote pilot in command with a small UAS rating unless one of the items in (a) through (c) has been accomplished within the previous 24 calendar months.