UAV regulatory thresholds indicate COA applicability for which weight?

UAV regulatory thresholds indicate COA applicability for which weight?

• A. Over 55 pounds
• B. Over 25 pounds
• C. Over 100 pounds
• D. Over 5 pounds

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that regulatory oversight switches from Part 107 to needing a Certification of Authorization (COA) once the drone’s weight goes beyond a certain point. In the U.S., a small unmanned aircraft is defined as weighing 55 pounds or less, which allows operations under Part 107. When the aircraft weighs more than 55 pounds, Part 107 doesn’t apply, and a COA (along with other approvals) is required for the operation. So the weight threshold where COA applicability kicks in is anything over 55 pounds. Why the other options don’t fit: 25 pounds stays under the 55-pound limit, so Part 107 rules apply rather than a COA. 100 pounds is over the threshold, but the key point is the boundary itself—COA is triggered once you exceed 55 pounds, not at a higher number. 5 pounds is well under the limit and also would fall under Part 107 with no COA needed due to size.

The main idea is that regulatory oversight switches from Part 107 to needing a Certification of Authorization (COA) once the drone’s weight goes beyond a certain point. In the U.S., a small unmanned aircraft is defined as weighing 55 pounds or less, which allows operations under Part 107. When the aircraft weighs more than 55 pounds, Part 107 doesn’t apply, and a COA (along with other approvals) is required for the operation. So the weight threshold where COA applicability kicks in is anything over 55 pounds.

Why the other options don’t fit: 25 pounds stays under the 55-pound limit, so Part 107 rules apply rather than a COA. 100 pounds is over the threshold, but the key point is the boundary itself—COA is triggered once you exceed 55 pounds, not at a higher number. 5 pounds is well under the limit and also would fall under Part 107 with no COA needed due to size.