A remote pilot is hired for a twilight-to-night real estate photo shoot. Their drone has a built-in strobe that the manufacturer rates for 1.8-statute-mile visibility in dark conditions. Is this aircraft equipped for legal night operations under Part 107?

Why →Under 14 CFR § 107.29(a)(2), night operations require the small UAS to be equipped with anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. This requirement applies to the aircraft's lighting, separate from the 3 SM weather visibility minimum. A strobe rated at 1.8 SM does not satisfy the lighting requirement. The pilot must add or replace it with a unit rated to at least 3 SM.

The trap →The 3 SM aircraft lighting requirement and the 3 SM weather visibility minimum are separate requirements that both apply independently. A built-in strobe is not automatically compliant just because it strobes. It must meet the distance specification. Marketing language like 'highly visible' is not a regulatory rating.

Field note →The FAA does not rate or certify anti-collision strobes; compliance is the operator's responsibility. Check the manufacturer's specification sheet for a stated night visibility distance of at least 3 statute miles, and confirm the light is working before every night flight.