Becoming a Certified Remote Drone Pilot: A Step-by-Step Guide
This week we’re joined by Drone Launch Academy who does an in-depth guide on how to obtain your drone pilot’s license. Why is this so important? Because you’ll need a FAA Part-107 license to commercially fly your drone. Without it, you CANNOT do any jobs involving drone flight. Failing to follow the rules could involve hefty fines, confiscation of your drone, or potentially worse. Follow David and the Drone Launch Academy here or visit their website here: dronelaunchacademy.com.
Introduction to getting your Part-107 License
The commercial drone industry is rapidly expanding, becoming one of the fastest growing sectors globally. To participate in this booming market, especially for commercial purposes, obtaining a remote pilot certificate is essential.
The commercial drone industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world.
This guide will walk you through the process of acquiring this certification, broken down into nine manageable steps. From setting up necessary accounts on government websites to taking a comprehensive sixty-question test at a designated testing center, and completing various government forms, this video covers it all.
Join David Young, a licensed FAA advanced ground instructor and founder of Drone Launch Academy, as he guides you through each step of the certification process.
Eligibility Requirements for Remote Pilot Certification
To become a remote pilot in command and obtain your remote pilot certificate, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the FAA. Think of the remote pilot certificate as a commercial driver’s license for drones.
There are three requirements that the FAA has for you to become a commercial drone operator.
Three Main Eligibility Requirements
- Age Requirement: You must be at least sixteen years old. The rationale is similar to operating a car; if you’re deemed old enough to drive, you’re considered old enough to operate a drone safely.
- Language Proficiency: You need to read, write, understand, and speak English. This requirement can be challenging for non-native speakers, but it’s essential because English is the international language of civil aviation. Communication with the FAA and air traffic control is conducted in English, even in foreign countries.
- Mental and Physical Fitness: You must be mentally and physically fit to operate a drone safely. This requirement is somewhat subjective, but generally, if you have significant impairments, such as blindness or loss of hand function, it may be challenging to operate a drone safely. This aspect will be assessed during your application process.
Obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) is a crucial step in the process of becoming a certified remote drone pilot. This number acts like your student ID or social security number for all interactions with the FAA.
You can think of this like your student ID or social security number for everything that relates to the FAA.
Importance of the FAA Tracking Number
The FTN is essential for scheduling your Part 107 exam and for registering and obtaining your remote pilot certificate once you pass the test. It is a unique identifier that you will use throughout your certification process.
Steps to Create an Account on the IACRA Website
To obtain your FTN, you need to create an account on the IACRA website, which stands for Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating System. Here’s a quick guide:
- Visit the IACRA Homepage: Go to the IACRA website.
- Register: Click on the “Register” button at the top right corner.
- Select Applicant: Among the many checkboxes, select “Applicant.”
- Fill Out Personal Information: Enter your name, email, date of birth, and create a username and password. Leave the “Certificate Information” section blank if you don’t have one yet.
- Complete Registration: After filling out the necessary information, complete the registration.
- Record Your FTN: On the next screen, you will see your FAA Tracking Number along with your username.
Make sure you take a screenshot of this number, your FAA tracking number, or write it down somewhere.
Tips for Securing Your FTN
- Save Your FTN: Take a screenshot or write it down immediately. You will need this number for all future interactions with the FAA, including signing up for your test and obtaining your license.
- Keep It Safe: Store your FTN in a secure location to ensure you don’t lose it.
Studying for the Part 107 Exam
Preparing for the Part 107 exam, officially known as the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) exam, is a crucial step in obtaining your remote pilot certificate. This exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass, which means correctly answering at least 42 questions.
This test is technically called the unmanned aircraft general small UAG exam.
Key Topics to Focus On
- Sectional Charts and Airspace> The main types of questions that always trip people up are sectional chart and airspace questions.
- These questions often trip up test-takers. Sectional charts are aviation maps, and you need to know how to interpret them, understand the symbols, and determine where you can fly. These questions can make up about 40% to 50% of the test.
- Drone Regulations
- Familiarize yourself with 14 CFR Part 107, which covers drone laws, including speed limits, registration, accident reporting, and other specific rules.
- Weather and METAR Reports
- Understand how weather affects drone operations and learn to read METAR reports, which are aviation weather reports. Although not commonly used in daily drone operations, the FAA requires knowledge of them.
Additional Topics
- Weight and balance
- Physiology
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Radio communications
- Airport operations
- Maintenance procedures
Study Resources and Tips
To assist with your preparation, a seven-day study plan PDF is available, detailing specific topics to study each day. This plan can help you efficiently prepare and pass the exam within a week. The PDF includes registration instructions and a breakdown of study topics.
Registering and Scheduling the Part 107 Exam
Once you have completed your study preparations and feel ready to take the Part 107 exam, the next step is to register and schedule your test. Currently, all Part 107 exams are administered by a company called PSI, which has a direct relationship with the FAA to conduct these tests.
Right now, all the part one zero seven exams are administered by a company called PSI.
How to Register for the Exam with PSI
To begin the registration process, visit faa.psiexams.com. You will need to create an account using your FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which you obtained in a previous step, along with your first and last name. After agreeing to the user terms, you will be prompted to provide additional information such as your email address, date of birth, phone number, address, citizenship, and military status.
Once your PSI account is active, you will see a list of available tests. Look for the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small” test, abbreviated as UAG, which is the official name for the Part 107 exam. Confirm your selection, as refunds are not available once the exam is taken.
Details on Exam Fees and Scheduling
The fee for taking the Part 107 exam is $175, payable directly to PSI each time you take the test.
Their fee to take this test is a hundred and seventy five dollars every time you take it.
If you need to retake the exam, you must wait at least 14 days and bring your score report to the testing center. During registration, you will be asked about the number of attempts you have made, including the current one, and whether you need any test accommodations.
Tips for Choosing a Testing Center
After completing the registration, you can select a testing center and book a specific date and time for your exam. If you wish to view testing center locations without creating a PSI account, you can visit the main PSI FAA homepage and use the “Find a Testing Center” feature.
Once you have registered, scheduled your exam, and paid the fee, you are ready to proceed to the next step in obtaining your remote pilot certification.
Taking the Part 107 Exam
Taking the Part 107 exam is a crucial step in becoming a certified remote drone pilot. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for test day:
What to Expect on Test Day
The exam is typically held at airports or flight schools, which can sometimes be tricky to locate. It’s advisable to arrive a few minutes early to ensure you have enough time to check in and get settled before the test begins.
Items to Bring and Prohibited Items
The only thing you’re gonna need to bring with you on test day is your ID.
You must bring a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. Optionally, you can bring a magnifying glass to help read charts, as some test-takers have found them to be unclear. While a calculator is not necessary due to the simplicity of the math involved, you may bring one if you prefer. However, electronic devices like cell phones and tablets are not allowed.
Test Format and Time Management
The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 120 minutes to complete it, which is generally more than sufficient. Most people finish well before the time limit. You’ll receive a packet with test supplements, including maps and charts, as well as scratch paper and pencils for note-taking. Remember, all materials must be returned after the test.
You have a hundred and twenty minutes, so two hours to finish all the questions.
After completing the exam, you’ll immediately learn whether you passed or failed. You’ll also see which questions you missed, although the correct answers won’t be provided. This feedback can help identify areas for improvement if needed.
Taking the Part 107 Exam
Once you have completed your Part 107 exam, the testing center will provide you with a knowledge test report. This report includes your score, details about any questions you missed, and most importantly, your exam ID and FAA tracking number. These are essential for the next steps in obtaining your certification.
Once you finish your test and you hit submit, you will instantly find out if you passed or failed.
If you did not pass, retain this report as it is required for scheduling a retake.
Completing the IACRA Application
The next step involves filling out the FAA Form 8710-13 through the IACRA system. Log into the IACRA account you created earlier, start a new application, and update any required personal information. Select “Pilot” and then “Remote Pilot” to proceed. You will need to provide your exam ID and a form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
Common Issues and Solutions
Applicants may encounter issues such as difficulty logging in or missing information prompts. Ensure that your browser is up-to-date and that you have all necessary documents ready. If you face technical issues, contacting IACRA support can provide guidance.
TSA Background Check and Temporary Certificate
After submitting your application, the FAA will verify your information and forward it to the TSA for a background check.
The TSA is gonna do a quick background check to make sure you’re not a terrorist or a spy.
This process typically takes about 48 hours, though it may vary. During this time, ensure that your contact information is current in case the TSA needs to reach you. Once cleared, you can log back into IACRA to view and print your temporary airman certificate.
Temporary Airman Certificate
The temporary airman certificate is valid for 120 days and allows you to operate as a remote pilot in command. It serves as proof of your certification until the physical certificate arrives. Keep a printed copy with you during operations to ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
Maintaining Your Remote Pilot Certification
Maintaining your remote pilot certification is crucial for continuing to operate drones commercially. Here’s what you need to know:
Receiving Your Physical Certificate
Once you have passed the necessary steps, the FAA will mail you your physical remote pilot certificate. This card, which can take up to six weeks to arrive, serves as your official license. While waiting, your temporary paper certificate remains valid.
The FAA is going to mail you your physical remote pilot certificate in the mail.
Importance of Carrying Your Certificate
It is essential to carry your certificate whenever you are flying your drone. This document serves as proof of your certification and must be presented if requested by law enforcement or other authorities. You can keep it in your wallet or your drone case to ensure it’s always with you. Keeping your certificate safe is vital, as losing it could complicate your ability to prove your certification status.
Recurrent Training Requirements
To maintain a valid remote pilot certificate, you must complete recurrent training every two years. This training is now accessible online through the FAA’s website, making it more convenient and cost-effective.
Accessing the Training
To access the recurrent training, visit the FAA’s official website and navigate to the training section. The process is straightforward, and the training is free of charge. You will need to create an account or log in to access the materials.
Topics Covered
The recurrent training covers a variety of topics, including:
- Updates on drone laws and regulations
- Airspace classification and operating requirements
- Emergency procedures
- Weather effects on drone operations
Tips for Staying Updated
- Regularly Check FAA Updates: Keep an eye on the FAA’s website for any changes in regulations.
- Join Drone Pilot Communities: Engage with other drone pilots online to share insights and updates.
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from reputable drone organizations to receive the latest news.
Upon completion of the training, you will take a short quiz. Passing this quiz will renew your certification for another two years.
Every two years you have to do something called recurrent training.
Best Practices for Compliance
- Keep Your Certificate Safe: Store your physical certificate in a secure place, such as your wallet or drone case.
- Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on new regulations and best practices.
- Document Your Flights: Maintain a log of your drone operations to ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
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