Under Part 107, what is the maximum altitude for standard sUAS operations without a waiver?
Why →
Under 14 CFR § 107.51(a), the maximum altitude is 400 feet AGL, or. When operating within 400 feet of a structure. 400 feet above the highest point of that structure. This exception allows inspection of tall towers, buildings, and bridges without a waiver for each flight.The trap →
The 400-foot limit is AGL (above ground level), not MSL. MSL altitude would vary with terrain and is not the regulatory measure. The structure exception is important: near a 200-foot tower, the effective ceiling is 600 feet AGL.SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.51(a)CHECKED APR 21ACS V.A.K1EASY