Navigating the Process of Achieving a Drone License: Simplified Guidance for Obtaining a Part 107 Certificate
In the United States, a drone license, known as a Part 107 certificate or "Remote Pilot" license, is essential for commercial drone operation. The FAA defines commercial use for drones as any flight activities conducted for business, work, payment, or any professional purpose rather than for recreation or fun.
To obtain this license, aspiring drone pilots must pass a comprehensive 60-question multiple-choice exam, which tests airspace, weather, regulations, airport operations, crew resource management, aeronautical decision-making, and more. The exam can be taken at a testing center across the United States, and the FAA recommends 20 hours of studying to pass.
After passing the exam, applicants must submit their application through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system, undergo a background check, and receive a temporary certificate to fly commercially. It's important to note that each drone must be individually registered on the FAA DroneZone, costing $5 per drone.
The cost of the drone license is approximately $160, which is the test-fee cost. If a candidate fails the exam, they must pay $160 to retake it after a 14-day wait, and the test-fee is non-refundable. The physical drone license card is mailed after about a month.
The renewal exam consists of 40 questions and has a different scope compared to the initial exam. The drone license never expires, but it must be renewed every 24 months to stay current.
Commercial drone operators must follow numerous rules, such as maintaining line-of-sight, not flying 400 feet above the ground, yielding to manned airplanes and helicopters, not flying in restricted airspace without approval, and not operating a drone under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Drones should not be flown over people or moving vehicles, near power stations, government facilities, water treatment areas, and correctional facilities. It's crucial to check for local laws and ordinances regarding drone use.
The pay for drone pilots can vary greatly, but full-time jobs can earn anywhere from $35,000 - $80,000 per year, while one-time projects can pay $200-$300 per shoot. Industries using drones with licensed pilots include real estate agents, construction companies, roofing companies, insurance adjusters, first responders, utilities, and professional videographers and photographers.
Notably, commercial activities may also include emerging operations like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights or package delivery services, for which the FAA provides special certifications and waivers.
For those seeking guidance on drone licensing and aviation training, The Pilot Institute offers free answers to questions, and optional training courses like Part 107 Made Easy can speed up learning and come with a money-back guarantee that one will pass the exam.
In summary, the FAA's commercial use definition is broad, embracing nearly all drone operations connected to business or compensation, requiring proper FAA certification and adherence to safety rules.
- To obtain a Part 107 drone license in the USA, aspiring drone pilots must not only pass an extensive exam but also undergo a background check and register their drones on the FAA DroneZone.
- Private pilot candidates will find the cost of the Part 107 drone license exam to be approximately $160, with a renewal fee of a different scope every 24 months.
- The technology-driven field of drones offers diverse career opportunities for licensed pilots, including industries like real estate, construction, and professional videography, even extending to emerging sectors like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights and package delivery services.
