External Load and Towing Operations
Unlike manned rotorcraft, which have their own dedicated external-load regulation (14 CFR Part 133), Part 107 has no separate numbered rule specifically for external loads or towing. Instead, this is governed as part of the preflight-inspection duty in 14 CFR 107.49(e). This lesson explains exactly what that duty requires and how it applies to both carried loads and towed objects.
No dedicated external-load regulation ? it's a preflight duty instead
Manned rotorcraft external-load operations (think helicopter logging or construction lift work) are governed by their own dedicated regulation, 14 CFR Part 133 ? which explicitly excludes aircraft operating under Part 107. Small unmanned aircraft instead handle external loads and towed objects through 14 CFR 107.49(e), part of the broader preflight familiarization and inspection duty covered in Module 10. Before every flight, the remote pilot in command must ensure that any object attached to or carried by the aircraft is secure and does not adversely affect the aircraft's flight characteristics or controllability.
How towing fits within the same provision
A towed object ? a banner, a line, a piece of equipment trailing behind the aircraft ? is, for regulatory purposes, an object attached to the aircraft, and falls under the same 107.49(e) duty. The remote pilot must confirm the towline or attachment mechanism is secure and that the towed object's aerodynamic drag, weight distribution, or movement doesn't compromise the aircraft's controllability, exactly as with any other externally carried load.
The 55-pound ceiling still applies to the whole assembly
Adding an external load or towed object doesn't create a separate weight allowance ? the aircraft, as defined back in Lesson A, must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff including everything on board or otherwise attached to it. A load or towed item that pushes the total assembly to 55 pounds or more takes the whole operation outside the standard small-UAS framework entirely, regardless of how securely it's attached.
Other rules that layer on top
- Careless or reckless operation (107.23): An external load or tow that creates genuine danger to people or property, even if technically "secured," can independently trigger a 107.23(a) violation.
- Hazardous object dropping (107.23(b)): If a carried or towed object detaches unexpectedly and creates an undue hazard, this separate prohibition applies regardless of whether the preflight check was properly performed.
- Operations over people (Subpart D): If a load-carrying or towing operation will fly over people, the aircraft-eligibility requirements for the relevant category (Module 13) apply independently of the load itself.
Real-world scenario: a banner-tow flight at an outdoor event
An operator is hired to tow a lightweight advertising banner behind a drone at an outdoor festival. Before launch, the pilot inspects the tow attachment point, confirms the line and banner are securely fastened, and performs a short test hover to observe whether the banner's drag or movement destabilizes the aircraft's handling ? satisfying 107.49(e). The pilot also confirms the combined weight of the aircraft and banner assembly stays well under 55 pounds, and separately checks whether the flight path will cross over festival attendees, which would trigger the Subpart D operations-over-people requirements covered in Module 13 independent of the towing setup itself.
Both carried external loads and towed objects fall under the same 107.49(e) preflight duty.
View Larger| Consideration | Requirement | Applies to | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure attachment | Object must be secure before flight | Carried loads and towed objects alike | 14 CFR 107.49(e) |
| Flight characteristics | Must not adversely affect controllability | Carried loads and towed objects alike | 14 CFR 107.49(e) |
| Total weight | Aircraft + load/tow assembly under 55 lb | The whole aircraft system | 14 CFR 107.3 (definitions) |
| Manned-aviation external-load rule | Does not apply to Part 107 aircraft | Rotorcraft only | 14 CFR Part 133 |
| Mistake | Why it happens | Correct understanding | Regulation / source |
|---|---|---|---|
| "There's a specific numbered Part 107 rule just for external loads, like Part 133 has for helicopters." | Assuming every operational category has its own dedicated section | Part 107 handles this through the general preflight duty in 107.49(e), not a standalone external-load regulation. | 14 CFR 107.49(e) |
| "Towing isn't addressed by Part 107 at all." | Looking for a rule with the word "towing" in it specifically | A towed object is treated as an attached object under 107.49(e), covered by the same security and controllability duty. | 14 CFR 107.49(e) |
| "Adding a load gives the aircraft more weight allowance since it's a separate item." | Treating the load as separate from the aircraft's own weight limit | The 55-pound ceiling applies to the whole assembly, including everything attached. | 14 CFR 107.3 |
Does Part 107 have a dedicated external-load regulation like manned rotorcraft?
No. Part 133, which governs manned rotorcraft external-load operations, explicitly excludes aircraft operating under Part 107. External loads for small UAS are instead addressed through the general preflight duty in 107.49(e).
Is towing a banner or object behind a drone legal under Part 107?
Yes, provided the towed object is secure, does not adversely affect the aircraft's controllability, and the total assembly weight stays under 55 pounds ? the same requirements that apply to any carried external load.
Does carrying an external load require a waiver?
Not inherently, if the operation otherwise complies with standard Part 107 requirements. However, other independent rules ? such as operations over people if the flight path crosses over a crowd ? may still apply based on the specifics of the mission.
Test Your Knowledge
Answer the questions below to check your understanding. Every answer can be found in the lesson above.