The Part 107 drone license, formally known as the Remote Pilot Certificate, is a regulatory requirement for individuals who wish to operate drones for commercial purposes within the United States.

It is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and signifies that the holder has demonstrated the knowledge necessary to pilot drones safely and within the confines of federal regulations. To acquire this certification, an individual must satisfy a set of eligibility requirements, pass a comprehensive knowledge test, and follow specific operational guidelines designed to maintain the safety and integrity of the national airspace system.

Obtaining a Part 107 license involves a thorough understanding of various aspects of drone operation including airspace classification and use, operating rules, safety procedures, and the handling of waivers and special permissions. In addition to passing the initial knowledge test, certificated remote pilots must undergo recurrent training to ensure their knowledge remains current with evolving regulations and safety practices.

This system of certification and ongoing education helps to uphold the safety standards that protect both the pilots and the public while enabling the integration of drones into the commercial sector.

Key Takeaways

• The Remote Pilot Certificate is essential for commercial drone operations.
• Applicants must pass a knowledge test and comply with operational rules.
• Continuous learning and adherence to FAA rules are mandatory for certificate holders.

Eligibility and Requirements

To operate drones commercially in the United States, pilots must adhere to the eligibility and requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for obtaining a Part 107 drone license. These stringent criteria ensure that drone operations in the national airspace remain safe and compliant.

Age and English Proficiency

The FAA mandates that individuals must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Additionally, they need to be able to read, speak, write, and understand English to ensure effective communication during drone operations.

Aeronautical Knowledge Requirements

Candidates must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test, which assesses their understanding of various subjects such as airspace classification, flight restrictions, weather, drone loading and performance, and emergency procedures. The Become a Drone Pilot page on the FAA’s website provides more information on the test and how to prepare for it.

Physical and Mental Condition

Pilots must be of sound physical and mental health to ensure the safety of their drone operations. While there is no formal health certificate required, individuals must self-assess their mental and physical conditions to confirm that nothing impairs their ability to safely operate a drone.

Understanding Part 107

Part 107 sets the FAA’s guidelines for commercial drone operations in the United States. It encompasses specific regulations that pilots must adhere to and clarifies the differentiation between certification and licensure for drone pilots.

Scope of the Regulations

The Part 107 regulations apply to commercial drone operations and define the conditions under which pilots can operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Under these rules, drones must weigh less than 55 pounds for commercial use. Pilots must fly during daylight hours or twilight if the drone has anti-collision lighting. The drone must remain within the pilot’s visual line of sight and can not be flown over any individuals not directly participating in the operation, under a covered structure, or inside a covered stationary vehicle.

Certification vs. Licensure

To legally operate a drone for commercial purposes, individuals must obtain a Part 107 drone license. Technically known as a remote pilot certificate, this certification signifies a pilot’s understanding and compliance with the FAA’s rules.

To become certified, pilots must pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-authorized testing center. This process is required once and must be renewed every two years. Unlike traditional licensure, which may involve a practical test or ongoing training, certification focuses mainly on knowledge of safety, regulations, and airspace.

Preparation for the Knowledge Test

Proper preparation for the Part 107 Knowledge Test is critical for aspiring commercial drone pilots. It ensures they grasp the necessary regulations and safety practices required by the FAA.

Study Resources

Study Guides are essential tools for understanding the breadth of material covered in the Part 107 Knowledge Test. The FAA provides a comprehensive Remote Pilot Study Guide that candidates should thoroughly review. This study guide includes topics such as airspace classification, weather sources for pilots, drone loading, emergency procedures, and FAA regulations.

Practice Exams and Materials

Completing Practice Exams is a productive way to get familiar with the format and types of questions that will be encountered on the actual test. Candidates can access online sample questions and other materials to test their knowledge in advance. Resources like FAA Part 107 Test Questions Explained clarify what one can expect and offer explanations to enhance understanding.

Testing Center Procedures

Before taking the test, candidates must become familiar with the Testing Center Procedures. The test must be taken at an authorized FAA Testing Center. Applicants should be aware that the exam is two hours long and comprises 60 questions. They must arrive at the testing center with all required identification and have made an appointment beforehand to ensure a spot.

The Examination Process

The Part 107 test for aspiring drone pilots is a formal evaluation of a candidate’s understanding of aviation theory and regulations. It’s a crucial step in obtaining the much-needed Remote Pilot Certificate.

Knowledge Exam Format

The knowledge exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that candidates must complete within a 2-hour time frame. Each question has three answer choices, with only one correct answer.

Key Topics Covered

The test encompasses a broad range of topics including airspace classification, flight restrictions, emergency procedures, as well as radio communication procedures. There is a focus on weather understanding, aircraft performance, and operations at night for those seeking to fly during these hours.

Scoring and Passing Score

A passing score requires achieving 70% or above, which translates to correctly answering at least 42 out of the 60 questions. Test results are given immediately after completion, and those who do not pass the test can retake it after 14 days.

Drone Registration and Marking

Before piloting a drone under the Part 107 rule, individuals must complete the FAA’s registration process and visibly mark their drone with the registration number. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for legal operation.

FAA DroneZone Registration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that drones used for commercial purposes under Part 107 be registered through the FAA DroneZone. A singular registration is valid for three (3) years, comes with a fee of $5 per drone, and encompasses all drones within a pilot’s inventory. Registration must be renewed upon expiration.

Displaying Registration Number

Every registered drone must have its registration number displayed conspicuously. This number should be placed in a location where it is easily visible upon visual inspection, such as on the main body, propeller arms, or the top or side of the drone hull. The FAA guides how to properly mark a drone, ensuring that the registration number is both accessible and readable by regulatory standards.

Airspace Classification and Use

Understanding airspace classification and knowing how to gain proper authorization is crucial for Part 107 drone pilots. These elements ensure that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integrate safely into the National Airspace System.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace

Controlled Airspace is a generic term that covers the different classes of airspace (Class A, B, C, D, and E) and is subject to air traffic control service. In these areas, aircraft operations are managed by air traffic control to ensure safety among airborne traffic. Uncontrolled Airspace, notably Class G, does not require such oversight, and pilots can generally fly here with fewer restrictions.

For commercial drone operations under a Part 107 license, flying in Class G airspace necessitates no additional approval, while operating in controlled spaces requires more preparation and adherence to specific procedures.

Airspace Authorization and Notifications

When flying in controlled airspace, drone pilots must obtain airspace authorization. This process has been streamlined with the implementation of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), a system that provides access to controlled airspace near airports through near real-time processing of airspace authorizations below approved altitudes.

Notifications are important to inform air traffic control of a drone’s presence, and through LAANC, pilots can receive expedited approval to fly in airspace where this would otherwise be a time-consuming process. Airspace classifications determine how and where a drone can operate, significantly impacting the planning of commercial drone operations.

Operating Rules and Safety Procedures

To ensure safe and compliant drone operations under the FAA’s Part 107, pilots must adhere to strict operating rules and established safety procedures. These guidelines cover maintaining a visual line of sight, responding to emergencies, and managing resources effectively.

Visual Line of Sight

Under Part 107 regulations, drone pilots are required to keep the unmanned aircraft within direct visual observation at all times. This means the drone must be seen with the naked eye, or with the assistance of a visual observer, without the use of any vision-enhancing device, other than corrective lenses. The purpose of maintaining a visual line of sight is to ensure the pilot can manage the flight path of the drone and avoid collisions.

Emergency Procedures

In case of an emergency, pilots must have predefined emergency procedures in place. They need to be prepared to execute actions such as safe landings, immediate cessation of flight, and notification to appropriate authorities. Emergency procedures help to minimize potential hazards to other aircraft, people, and property on the ground.

Crew Resource Management

Part 107 emphasizes the importance of crew resource management, which includes effective communication and coordination between all members of the flight crew. This practice is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and contributing to overall safety during drone operations. It entails the proper use of all available resources — information, equipment, and personnel — to conduct safe flights.

Certification and Recurrent Training

The Part 107 regulations established by the FAA require individuals to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate to legally operate drones for commercial purposes. This certification process ensures that pilots understand airspace regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for maintaining the safety and security of the national airspace system.

Issuance of the Remote Pilot Certificate

To be eligible for a Remote Pilot Certificate, an applicant must demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by either passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center or by having an existing non-student Part 61 pilot certificate. After passing the knowledge test, the applicant will then apply for and receive their Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. The certificate signifies that they understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.

Periodic Recurrent Training

Remote pilots must undergo recurrent training every 24 months to ensure they retain the critical knowledge needed for safe operations and are updated on any changes in the regulatory environment. Recurrent training can be completed through an online training course provided by the FAA, such as the ALC-677: Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent Training. Once completed, remote pilots will maintain their certification and be eligible to continue flying drones for commercial purposes.

Waivers and Special Permissions

Under the Part 107 regulations, drone pilots can seek waivers and special permissions that allow them to operate outside the standard legal limitations, provided they can maintain safe flight operations.

Applying for Waivers

When a drone pilot requires operational flexibility that deviates from the restrictions of Part 107, they must go through a waiver process. To apply for a waiver, one must apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), demonstrating that the proposed drone operation can be conducted safely under a set of alternative measures. The FAA evaluates each request with a focus on safety and compliance.

Relevant information includes details of the proposed operation, the risk mitigation strategies in place, and the benefit of the operation to the public or the industry. The FAA’s Part 107 Waiver page provides more detail on the process and types of operations that typically require waivers.

Special Operations and Conditions

Special permissions may be required for operations that are critical and need to be performed under conditions not usually allowed under Part 107. Such operations might include flying at night or over groups of people. However, as of a rule update in 2021, routine night operations have been included under Part 107 with additional requirements, eliminating the need for a night waiver as explained in the FAA’s amendments to Part 107.

For these special operations, pilots must strictly adhere to any unique provisions set by the FAA, maintaining the integrity and safety of the airspace and the public.

Additional Resources and Support

When seeking to obtain a Part 107 drone license, prospective pilots have a wealth of resources at their disposal. From comprehensive online courses to direct assistance from the FAA, individuals can access the support needed to navigate the certification process effectively.

Online Courses and Training

Individuals can enhance their understanding and preparedness for the Part 107 certification through various online courses and training programs. The Pilot Institute offers a specialized course that covers all aspects pertinent to the certification. Their curriculum is designed with industry expertise to help pilots master the regulations and operating requirements for safe drone operation. Additional resources can be found online that are tailored to help drone enthusiasts turn their passion into a professional credential.

FAA Support and Contacts

For direct support and official information, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides multiple avenues of contact and assistance. Their website offers detailed insights into the steps required to become a drone pilot. A dedicated section for drone pilots under the Small UAS Rule outlines the procedures to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate.

Moreover, for inquiries and additional guidance, the FAA features contact information, ensuring that individuals can reach out for support during their certification journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, clarity on the Part 107 drone license process is provided through common questions related to eligibility, preparation, legality, operational permissions, and associated costs.

How can one obtain a Part 107 drone certification?

One can obtain a Part 107 certification by passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center. Comprehensive information on the process can be found on the FAA’s website, where potential applicants can learn about the steps involved.

What are the eligibility requirements for the FAA Part 107 drone license?

To be eligible for the Part 107 drone license, the applicant must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, and in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS. Candidates must also pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. More on the eligibility can be explored through the FAA’s UAS FAQ section.

Are there any specific test preparation methods for the Part 107 drone certification exam?

Preparation methods for the Part 107 exam include online courses and study guides specifically designed to cover all topics tested. Organizations like Pilot Institute provide tailored study materials to aid candidates in their preparation.

Can you legally earn income from a drone flying without a Part 107 license?

Earning income from drone operations without a Part 107 license is illegal. The Part 107 regulation is necessary for all commercial drone activities in the United States. Personal and recreational usage does not require this certification.

Which types of operations are permitted with a Part 107 drone license?

With a Part 107 license, pilots can fly drones commercially during daytime and at nighttime, over people, and moving vehicles, subject to certain conditions and provided they adhere to the stipulated safety rules. Detailed operational permissions can be found on the FAA drone regulations page.

What is the typical cost associated with acquiring a Part 107 drone license?

The typical cost for acquiring a Part 107 license includes the test fee, which as of the knowledge cutoff date is approximately $160. If additional training or materials are required, this cost may increase. Some schools such as Drone Launch Academy offer courses with varied pricing.