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It’s good for two years, after which you’ll need to pass the test again. Roughly one week after you complete these steps, you’ll receive your physical license in the mail. You’ll get an email once you pass this part of the process, and you’ll receive a temporary drone pilot license you can print. WaitĪfter you submit the application, the TSA will do a background check on you. You can find this under “Start New Application.” Select “Pilot,” and under Certifications, select “Remote Pilot,” then “Other Path Information,” and “Start Application.” 6. Apply for the licenseĪfter you pass the exam, go back to the IACRA website and complete FAA Form 8710-13 to get your remote pilot certificate. Don’t lose it, because you need it for the next step. You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport, to register for the exam.Īfter you pass the test, you’ll receive a 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID number. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have two hours to complete it. Schedule your examįind a local knowledge testing center and schedule your exam.
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You’ll need to score at least 70% to pass. There are online courses and study guides, including from the FAA itself. This test covers questions about drone laws, limitations and flight operation, airspace classifications, flight restrictions, weather, emergency procedures, and more. Next, you’ll have to pass an aeronautical knowledge test. You get this by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile. Once you’re ready to get your drone pilot’s license, the first thing you’ll need is an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
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Commercial drone pilots can find work in a variety of industries, including real estate photography, freelance videography, aerial surveys, and other situations where a helicopter would be too expensive or too dangerous. If you plan to use your drone for commercial use, even just part-time or freelance, you’ll need a license under FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Rule (Part 107). If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, however, you need to register it at faa.gov. Do I need a license?Īre you flying your drone for personal recreational purposes? No license necessary. Photo by Diana Măceşanu on Unsplash How to Get a Drone License: Your Step-by-Step Guide 1. This unique code will remain associated with you throughout your aviation career.įor information on this process, visit the FAA Drone Zone website. Be physically and mentally fit to fly a droneīefore signing up for the knowledge test, you also need to secure an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).Submit your application to the FAA after passing the Part 107 exam on how to fly a drone responsibly and safely.Be able to read, write, understand, and speak English.This includes being vetted by the FAA with several qualifications, as well as a $160, non-refundable Part 107 test that requires a 70% passing score, covering FAA rules and restrictions and knowledge on how to fly a drone.īefore you can apply for the Part 107 license though, you must meet these basic requirements: If you are flying a drone for any reason outside of recreational purposes, you will need a Part 107 license from the FAA. This registration costs only $5, is valid for three years, and you can use the same registration number on multiple drones. However, if you are recreationally flying a drone that weighs over 250 grams (for reference, a DJI Mavic 3 weighs 895g/31.5oz), you need to register your drone with the FAA. This test only takes around 15-30 minutes long and is completely free. If you are flying a drone recreationally, you need to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), with basic knowledge on how to fly a drone. Everyone needs drone certificate, regardless of flying a drone for recreational or commercial purposes. First, do I need a license to fly a drone? Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to get a drone license. You also have to be proficient in English, meet minimum physical and mental drone operator standards, and pass an FAA exam. It’s not hard to get a license, but you need to be at least 16 years old. If you plan on making money with a drone, however, you’ll need a drone license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Amateurs and professionals find deep enjoyment as drone pilots, flying their UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles) all over the world. From capturing photos and videos to racing and everyday fun, drones deliver entertainment and perspective you can’t get with another device.
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