---
title: "How does 14 CFR 107.3 define a small unmanned aircraft system, and what is the maximum weight limit? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/drones/14-cfr-107-3-define-small-unmanned-aircraft-system-maximum-weight-limit-answer
jurisdiction: "US Federal · FAA 14 CFR Part 107"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# How does 14 CFR 107.3 define a small unmanned aircraft system, and what is the maximum weight limit? Answer in under 100 words.

For operations under FAA 14 CFR Part 107 (in effect since August 29, 2016), § 107.3 defines a "small unmanned aircraft system" as an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lbs including payload, together with its associated elements—such as the control station and data link—that are required for safe operation. The maximum weight limit is therefore just under 55 pounds, payload included.

## Details / How it works

§ 107.3 provides the formal definition of a small unmanned aircraft system: a small unmanned aircraft **weighing less than 55 lbs including payload** plus its associated elements (control station, data link, etc.) capable of safe operation in the National Airspace System. This definition is the foundation referenced throughout Part 107—for example, § 107.12 prohibits manipulating flight controls of any sUAS as defined in § 107.3 without a remote pilot certificate.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum aircraft weight | Less than **55 lbs** (including payload) |
| Effective date of framework rule | **August 29, 2016** |

## Exceptions & edge cases

Aircraft at or above 55 lbs fall outside the § 107.3 "small" category and are not governed by these Part 107 small-UAS provisions; foreign-registered civil aircraft may operate without an FAA-issued remote pilot certificate where authorized by international reciprocity under § 107.12(c).

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR 107.3 — Definitions · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.3 · as of 2026-08-26
- [2] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR 107.12 — Requirement for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.12 · as of 2026-08-26