Regulation Text
§ 61.8 Inapplicability of unmanned aircraft operations.
Research Notes
Part 107 vs. Part 61 Separation
Section 61.8 draws a bright line: Part 107 (small unmanned aircraft system) operations exist in a completely separate regulatory world from Part 61. Flight hours, training, and experience accumulated while operating drones under Part 107 cannot be applied to manned aircraft certification requirements under Part 61.
This section was added as drone operations under Part 107 became common, to prevent any argument that "pilot time" logged while operating a commercial UAS could satisfy manned aircraft experience requirements. The FAA's position: the skills and experience are simply not transferable in a regulatory sense.
Reference: 14 CFR Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.