FAA Part 107 ↔ EASA UAS: Cross-Border Drone Operations
An FAA Part 107 certificate is not valid in the European Union, and an EASA UAS authorization is not valid in the United States. This guide explains how remote pilots operate legally on both sides of the Atlantic.
Issued / Governed By
FAA (United States) & EASA (European Union)
Time to Earn
A few days to a few weeks depending on category and national aviation authority processing
Estimated Cost
FAA Part 107: ~$175 exam. EASA Open category: free A1/A3 training; A2 CofC fees vary by NAA (typically €30-€250)
Who needs this credential?
Commercial drone pilots, aerial survey and inspection operators, cinematography crews, and AAM/UAS companies deploying teams across the US and EU.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 16 (FAA Part 107) / 16 for Open category EASA operations (operator registration may differ by state)
- Register as a UAS operator with the relevant national aviation authority (NAA) in the EU
- Hold the credential native to the region you already operate in
How to get certified
- 1
Identify the operating region and category
Determine whether the operation falls under the US (14 CFR Part 107) or the EU (Reg. (EU) 2019/947 — Open, Specific, or Certified category). The required credential depends entirely on where you fly.
- 2
US pilot flying in the EU
Register as a UAS operator with an EASA member state NAA, complete the A1/A3 online training and exam, and obtain the A2 Certificate of Competency for operations closer to people. Higher-risk operations require a Specific category operational authorisation (often supported by a SORA risk assessment).
- 3
EU operator flying in the US
Obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA aeronautical knowledge test at an approved testing center. EASA training does not exempt you from the Part 107 exam.
- 4
Maintain currency in each region
FAA Part 107 requires recurrent training every 24 months. EASA A2 Certificates of Competency are valid for 5 years. Keep both current if you operate in both jurisdictions.
Why there is no automatic recognition
The FAA and EASA regulate drones under separate legal frameworks. There is currently no bilateral agreement that automatically recognizes a remote-pilot credential from one region in the other, so operators must satisfy each authority independently.
- FAA: 14 CFR Part 107 governs small UAS commercial operations in US airspace.
- EASA: Reg. (EU) 2019/947 defines the Open, Specific, and Certified categories across all member states.
- Operator registration is separate from personal competency — both are usually required in the EU.
Open category sub-categories (EU)
The EU Open category is split by proximity to people and drone class, which determines the training you need.
- A1: fly over (but not crowds of) people — A1/A3 online training.
- A2: fly close to people — requires the A2 Certificate of Competency.
- A3: fly far from people and built-up areas — A1/A3 online training.
Documentation to carry
When operating cross-border, carry proof of your operator registration, the relevant proof of competency (Part 107 card, A1/A3 certificate, or A2 CofC), and any operational authorisation for Specific category flights.
Related career roles
Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you begin.
EASA Civil Drones