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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/drone-max-speed-87-knots

What is the maximum groundspeed for a small drone under Part 107?

87 knots (100 mph) groundspeed.

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  1. 100 knots (115 mph)
  2. 87 knots (100 mph) ✔
  3. 55 knots (63 mph)

Why: Part 107 caps groundspeed at 87 knots, which is 100 miles per hour. Groundspeed is speed over the ground, so a tailwind counts toward it.

Huh, didn't know that: A knot is one nautical mile per hour, about 1.15 statute miles per hour.

The dad joke
My drone got pulled over for going 88 knots. The officer said, nice try, but that is not a tailwind excuse.
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References

Answer: 87 knots (100 mph). Part 107 caps groundspeed at 87 knots, which is 100 miles per hour. Groundspeed is speed over the ground, so a tailwind counts toward it.

  1. 14 CFR 107.51 Operating limitations (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.51
    The groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots (100 miles per hour).
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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