What is the maximum legal weight for a drone without requiring a special waiver?

The maximum legal weight for a drone, as stipulated by the FAA regulations under Part 107, is 55 pounds, including the weight of the drone itself and any payload. This limit ensures that drones operate safely and effectively within regulated airspace without requiring special waivers or additional certifications. If a drone exceeds this weight, it falls outside the standard operational parameters set by the FAA, necessitating more stringent requirements and possibly a different certification under Part 107 or another relevant rule. Therefore, a drone must maintain a weight of 55 pounds or less to operate under the typical guidelines established for commercial drone use.