How To Get Federal Aviation Administration License For Drone?

Flying drones has exploded in popularity, from hobbyists capturing stunning aerial filmmaking shots with gimbal cameras to professionals using DJI Mavic 3 for mapping and remote sensing. Whether you’re into FPV drones, racing drones, or micro drones for tech experiments, understanding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations is crucial. The “license” most drone pilots refer to is the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, required for commercial operations. Recreational flyers need a simpler TRUST certificate. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can legally launch your quadcopters or UAVs equipped with GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, and 4K cameras.

Navigating FAA rules keeps you safe, avoids fines up to $32,666 per violation, and unlocks advanced features like AI follow mode and autonomous flight paths. Let’s dive into the requirements, preparation, testing, and maintenance.

Understanding FAA Drone Regulations: Recreational vs. Commercial Use

The FAA categorizes drone operations into recreational and commercial. This distinction determines your licensing path.

Recreational Flying: The TRUST Certificate

If you’re flying for fun—like practicing cinematic shots or testing stabilization systems—you need The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). It’s free, online, and takes about 30 minutes. Key rules include:

• Fly below 400 feet.
• Keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS).
• Yield to manned aircraft.
• No flying over people without a waiver.

Complete TRUST via FAA-approved providers like KnowBeforeYouFly or AMA. Print your certificate and carry it. Pair it with apps for flight planning, and you’re set for casual FPV systems sessions.

Commercial Operations: Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

For paid work, such as thermal imaging inspections or real estate videography with optical zoom lenses, Part 107 is mandatory. It allows operations beyond recreational limits, like flying at night (with waiver) or over people. Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) require registration regardless. Popular models like DJI Mini 4 Pro under 250g skip registration for recreational use but need it for commercial.

Part 107 covers small UAS (under 55 lbs). Benefits include accessing controlled airspace near airports and using advanced navigation tech safely. Always check B4UFLY app for no-fly zones.

Eligibility Requirements for Part 107 Certification

Before applying, confirm you meet these basics:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Be physically/mentally fit to operate safely (self-certify; medical issues may need evaluation).
• No disqualifying crimes (felonies involving aircraft or drugs).

No flight experience is required, making it accessible for drone accessories enthusiasts upgrading to pro setups with batteries and controllers.

Register your drone first at FAADroneZone ($5 for 3 years). Mark it with your registration number—essential for propellers and frames on micro drones.

Preparing for the Part 107 Knowledge Test

The heart of certification is passing a 60-question multiple-choice exam (70% pass rate). You have 2 hours at an FAA-approved testing center like PSI. Topics include:

• Regulations: Airspace classes (A through G), waivers, NOTAMs.
• Weather: Effects on drone performance, microbursts, visibility.
• Loading/Performance: Weight shifts, battery life with sensors.
• Operations: Emergency procedures, crew resource management.
• Airport Operations: Proximity to runways, LAANC for authorizations.

Study smart with FAA resources:

1. Free Study Guide: Download the Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (AC 107-2B).
2. Sample Questions: Practice 150+ from FAA’s Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank.
3. Online Courses: Platforms like UAV Coach or Drone Pilot Ground School (many free trials).
4. Apps and Simulators: Use DJI Flight Simulator for hands-on autonomous flight practice.

Dedicate 20-40 hours. Focus on weak areas like weather (20% of test) and regulations (15-25%). Visualize scenarios: How does wind affect a GoPro Hero Camera-equipped quadcopter near a landmark?

Pro Tip: Join communities for racing drones events, where Part 107 knowledge prevents waivers for FPV racing.

Taking the Exam and Applying for Your Certificate

Scheduling and Taking the Test

1. Create an IACRA account (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application).
2. Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
3. Schedule via PSILearning (search centers near you).
4. Arrive with ID (government-issued photo). No personal items in the room.
5. Score instantly: 70%+ passes. Retake after 14 days if failed (pay again, ~$175).

The Application Process

Post-exam:

1. Log into IACRA, start “Remote Pilot Certificate” application.
2. Enter ATS (Airman Testing System) results.
3. Upload photo (passport-style).
4. FAA reviews (10 days average). They’ll email approval.
5. Print temporary certificate; permanent card mails in 6-8 weeks.

Carry digital/physical copy during flights. For teams, one pilot-in-command (PIC) suffices, but spotters help with VLOS.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Part 107 Certification

Your certificate expires every 24 months. Renewal is easier: complete free online recurrent training (ALC-677) via FAA Safety Team (FAASafety.gov). Covers updates like Remote ID (mandatory since 2023—broadcasts drone location).

Log training in IACRA for renewal. No re-exam needed if current.

Advanced Operations and Waivers

Master basics? Apply for waivers via DroneZone for:

• Night ops.
• Over people.
• Beyond VLOS with remote sensing.

Success rate: 90%+ with solid justifications. Tie into tech & innovation like mapping with LiDAR sensors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Flying unregistered drones.
• Ignoring Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) near events/landmarks.
• Poor pre-flight checks: Inspect cases, props, batteries.
• Weather misreads affecting obstacle avoidance.

Stay current with FAA webinars and apps for airspace.

Final Thoughts: Launch Your FAA-Certified Drone Career

Securing your FAA drone license opens doors to professional aerial filmmaking, inspections, and creative flight paths. From DJI Mini 4 Pro hobbyists to UAV pros, compliance ensures innovation thrives safely. Budget $200-300 total (test + courses). Start today—register, study, test, fly!