Flying drones has exploded in popularity, from hobbyists capturing stunning aerial filmmaking shots to professionals using DJI Mavic 3 for mapping and inspections. However, if you plan to fly commercially—think real estate photography, agricultural surveys, or infrastructure checks—you’ll need a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, commonly known as the FAA drone license. Officially called the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, this credential ensures you understand airspace rules, weather effects on UAVs, and safe operations around obstacles.
Don’t worry if you’re new to this; the process is straightforward but requires preparation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through eligibility, studying, testing, certification, and ongoing compliance. Whether you’re eyeing a DJI Mini 4 Pro for lightweight ops or a heavy-lift racing drone, getting certified opens doors to professional gigs while keeping skies safe.
Who Needs a Part 107 Certificate and Basic Eligibility
Before diving into applications, confirm if you actually need this license. Recreational flyers (fun flights, no compensation) follow different rules under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, like TRUST testing. But any paid work—selling footage, inspections, or even influencer sponsorships—demands Part 107.
Age and Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old. No college degree or flight hours required, unlike manned aviation. U.S. citizenship isn’t mandatory; legal residents qualify. If you’re under 16, stick to hobby flying with FPV drones under supervision.
Recreational vs. Commercial Distinctions
- Recreational: Fly for fun, no pay. Register drones over 0.55 lbs, pass free TRUST.
- Commercial: Any monetary gain. Full Part 107 exam, drone registration, remote ID compliance.
Pro tip: Many start recreational with a quadcopter like the DJI Avata 2, then upgrade for pro work.
Preparing for the Part 107 Knowledge Test
The heart of certification is passing a 60-question multiple-choice exam. It’s not trivia; expect real-world scenarios on regulations, aerodynamics, and emergency procedures.
What’s on the Exam?
The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards cover:
- Regulations: Airspace classes (A through G), LAANC authorizations, NOTAMs.
- Weather: Microbursts, density altitude’s impact on GPS-reliant flights.
- Operations: Preflight checks, obstacle avoidance with sensors, night ops.
- Tech: Battery life, gimbal cameras effects on weight, autonomous flight.
Questions mimic practical issues, like calculating takeoff weight for a thermal camera-equipped drone.
Study Resources and Tips
Aim for 20-40 hours of study. Free options:
- FAA’s Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (PDF).
- King Schools or Pilot Institute online courses ($150-300, 90%+ pass rates).
- Apps like Drone Pilot Ground School for flashcards.
Practice with mock exams. Focus weak areas: 70% passing score (42/60 correct), two-hour limit. Understand VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) vs. BVLOS.
Hands-on practice helps. Fly a micro drone simulator like DJI Flight Simulator to grasp stabilization systems.
Scheduling and Taking the Exam
Ready? Here’s the logistics.
Finding a Testing Center
Exams occur at PSI or CATS centers nationwide. Search FAA’s IACRA site for locations—no home testing yet.
- Cost: $175 per attempt.
- Schedule via PSI website; book 2-4 weeks ahead in busy areas.
- Bring: Photo ID (passport/driver’s license), EASA if applicable—no, wait, FAA only.
Exam Day Essentials
Arrive 30 minutes early. Scratch paper provided; no notes or phones. Computer-based, adaptive questions. Passing? Instant results; get your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).
Failed? Wait 14 days to retake. Common pitfalls: misreading airspace diagrams or underestimating wind on propellers.
Post-exam, celebrate with a 4K camera test flight (recreationally, of course).
Applying for Your Remote Pilot Certificate
Pass the test? Time to certify.
The Application Process via IACRA
- Create/login to IACRA account.
- Fill FAA Form 8710-13.
- Endorsement: Self-endorse if you prepped properly, or get from online course.
- Submit; get Airman Certificate Number instantly.
- TSA vetting (free, 2-4 weeks).
Digital certificate arrives via email; print for wallet. Valid two years.
Drone Registration and Remote ID
Separately:
- Register drones 0.55-55 lbs at FAADroneZone ($5, 3 years).
- Remote ID mandatory since 2023—broadcasts location/identity. Built into new DJI Air 3; modules for older models.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
Certification isn’t set-it-forget-it.
Recurrent Training and Renewal
Every 24 months, complete free online recurrent training at FAA site. No re-exam—covers updates like BVLOS waivers or AI follow mode.
Log flights in apps like AirMap or Kittyhawk for records.
Advanced Operations and Waivers
Master basics? Pursue waivers for night ops, >400ft altitude, or optical zoom beyond VLOS. Submit via DroneZone with safety cases.
Insurance recommended (Verifly for on-demand).
Beyond Certification: Thriving as a Drone Pilot
With your Part 107 in hand, explore cinematic shots using GoPro Hero 12 on a DJI Inspire 3. Join communities for gigs—real estate agents love mapping services.
Common mistakes: Ignoring NOTAMs, overloading with batteries, poor preflights. Always check B4UFLY app.
Safety first: Drones save lives in search-and-rescue with remote sensing. Stay current on innovations like enhanced navigation.
Getting your FAA drone license empowers safe, legal pro flying. Study smart, test confidently, and soon you’ll be soaring commercially. Questions? FAA’s helpline or forums await. Clear skies!