To fly a drone commercially you are required to hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. The FAA’s Part 107 Rules and Regulations spell out who is eligible to obtain a remote pilot certificate, and what is required in terms of aeronautical knowledge to obtain one.
Who is Eligible to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate
To operate the controls of a sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft System), or Drone, under FAA Part 107 you need:
- You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a remote pilot certificate
- Must be able to read, speak and write English
- Must not have a physical/mental health issue that would prevent sUAS safe operation
- Pass the initial remote pilot aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-Approved knowledge testing center.
What is Required to Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate
To operate the controls of a sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft System), or Drone, under FAA Part 107 you need:
- A remote pilot airman certificate with sUAS rating, or be under the direct supervision of a person who holds such a certificate
- Pass the initial remote pilot aeronautical knowledge test.
- The test costs $175
- The test must be taken at an FAA Approved Knowledge testing Center
- You must then submit a Remote Pilot application to the FAA via the IACRA website
- Every 24 months you must take a free re-currency course and quiz to maintain the currency of your Remote Pilot Certificate
Check out our Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep Course
- Developed and taught by a manned aircraft Certified Flight Instructor and Part 107 Remote pilot.
- A 7.5 hour online / live course where you interact with the instructor.
- The course has been taught since 2018 through the University of New Hampshire
- Covers all the rules and regulations and subject areas specified under Part 107