A remote pilot reviews the following METAR before a real estate shoot: KXYZ 141555Z 18012KT 2SM -RA OVC007 22/20 A2982. Can the pilot legally conduct the operation under standard Part 107?
AYes: visibility is 2 statute miles and clouds are at 700 feet, so the 500-foot cloud clearance rule is satisfied.
BNo: Part 107 requires a minimum of 3 statute miles of flight visibility, and this METAR shows only 2 SM.✓ Correct answer
CYes: light rain (-RA) is not a weather phenomenon that prohibits drone flight under Part 107.
Why →Under 14 CFR § 107.51, sUAS operations require a minimum of 3 statute miles of flight visibility. This METAR shows 2 SM. Below the Part 107 minimum. The operation is not legal at any altitude. The OVC007 ceiling (700 feet AGL) would also restrict effective operating altitude to 200 feet AGL to maintain the required 500-foot cloud separation.
The trap →2 SM feels like reasonable visibility for a low-altitude drone, but the regulatory minimum is 3 SM regardless of planned altitude. The OVC007 ceiling also means a pilot at 400 feet AGL would be only 300 feet below clouds, violating the 500-foot clearance requirement. Both conditions independently prohibit the flight.
SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.51, Operating Limitations for Small Unmanned AircraftCHECKED JUL 16ACS III.A.K1MEDreport an issue