How To Get Drone Certified

Flying drones has exploded in popularity, from hobbyists capturing stunning aerial filmmaking shots to professionals using UAVs for mapping and inspections. But if you want to fly commercially or operate beyond basic recreational rules, you need to get drone certified. In the United States, this primarily means obtaining your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. This certification unlocks a world of opportunities, allowing you to use drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro for paid gigs while complying with airspace regulations.

Getting certified isn’t overly complicated, but it requires study, preparation, and passing a knowledge test. Whether you’re into FPV racing, equipping your quadcopter with a GoPro Hero Camera, or exploring AI Follow Mode, certification ensures safe and legal operations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, from eligibility to renewal.

Why Drone Certification Matters

Drone certification goes beyond bureaucracy—it’s about safety, legality, and professionalism. The FAA mandates it for any commercial drone operation, defined as flying for compensation or furtherance of a business. This includes real estate photography, agricultural surveying with thermal cameras, or delivering packages using advanced autonomous flight systems.

Without certification, you risk hefty fines up to $32,666 per violation, drone confiscation, or even criminal charges. Recreational flyers can operate under simpler rules like The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations, but they can’t monetize their flights. Certification also gives you privileges like flying quadcopters over people (with waivers), at night, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) under certain conditions.

Moreover, being certified boosts your credibility. Clients hiring for cinematic shots or remote sensing prefer certified pilots who understand obstacle avoidance and stabilization systems. It opens doors to industries like construction, where drones with optical zoom inspect sites safely.

Benefits for Different Drone Users

• Hobbyists Turning Pro: Start with micro drones and scale to racing drones.
• Filmmakers: Master gimbal cameras and flight paths.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Leverage sensors and GPS for innovative projects.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Before diving into study materials, confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and in physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone. No prior flight experience is required, making it accessible for newcomers excited about navigation tech.

Non-U.S. citizens can apply but may face additional scrutiny. There’s no medical certificate needed, unlike manned aviation, but you must self-certify your fitness on the application.

Your drone itself must comply: under 55 pounds, registered with the FAA for $5 (valid three years), and equipped with anti-collision lights for night ops. Popular models like the DJI Mini 4 Pro qualify easily, but always check specs for 4K cameras or propellers.

Registering Your Drone

1. Create an FAA account at FAADroneZone.
2. Provide drone details like make, model, and serial number.
3. Pay the fee and display the registration number on your drone (permanent marker works).

Recreational flyers register similarly but under different rules. Commercial ops require your Remote ID module or broadcast-equipped drone by September 2023 mandates.

Preparing for the Part 107 Exam

The cornerstone of certification is passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (UAG exam), a 60-question multiple-choice test. You have two hours, needing 70% to pass (42 correct). Tests cost around $175 and are proctored at over 700 centers nationwide or online via PSI.

Key Study Topics

The exam covers regulations, airspace, weather, drone performance, and emergency procedures. Expect questions on:

• Regulations: Part 107 rules, waivers, and NOTAMs.
• Airspace: Class B, C, D, E; LAANC authorizations via apps like AirMap.
• Weather: Density altitude, microbursts affecting sensors.
• Operations: Preflight inspections, battery management, lost link procedures.
• Human Factors: Physiology, decision-making for safe FPV systems.

Dedicate 20-40 hours studying. Official resources include the FAA’s Remote Pilot Study Guide and sample questions.

Recommended Study Resources

• FAA Materials: Free ACS (Airman Certification Standards) and knowledge test supplements.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Drone Pilot Ground School or King Schools offer video lessons and practice exams (80-90% pass rates).
• Apps and Books: Gold Seal Online Ground School app; “Remote Pilot Test Prep” by ASA.
• Practice Tests: Aim for 85%+ on mocks before testing.

Incorporate hands-on practice with your controller. Fly in safe areas, practicing creative techniques like orbits around landmarks.

Pro Tip: Focus on weak areas via analytics from practice apps. Understand concepts, not just memorize—e.g., how GPS drift impacts position hold.

Scheduling, Taking, and Passing the Exam

Ready? Create a PSI account at PSIAviation, find a center, and schedule. Bring two IDs (government-issued photo and secondary). No calculators or notes allowed; basic formulas provided.

The exam is computer-based, adaptive in difficulty. Post-test, get instant results and an airman knowledge test report. Passing? Your score is valid 24 months for certificate issuance.

What Happens After Passing

1. Apply for Certificate: Submit IACRA application online, endorsed by a flight instructor or self-endorsed post-2024 updates.
2. TSA Background Check: Automatic, takes 30 days.
3. Receive Temporary Certificate: Fly immediately; plastic card mails in 6-8 weeks.

Print your certificate and carry it during flights. Log into IACRA for updates.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification

Your Remote Pilot Certificate doesn’t expire, but knowledge recency does every 24 months. Renew by:

• Passing a free online FAA recurrent test (30 questions).
• Completing approved training like the FAA Wingman app course.
• Taking the full Part 107 exam again.

Track flights in a logbook (apps like DroneLogbook). Stay current on rules like Remote ID and BVLOS expansions.

Advanced Steps Post-Certification

• Waivers: Apply for night ops or over-people flights.
• Insurance: Get liability coverage for commercial work.
• Career Building: Join communities, specialize in mapping or inspections.

Upgrade gear: cases for travel, apps for planning.

Final Thoughts

Getting drone certified via Part 107 is straightforward with preparation, opening endless possibilities in drones, from micro drones to pro setups. Study smart, practice safely, and soon you’ll be capturing angles legally. Check FAA updates regularly—rules evolve with tech like AI autonomy.

Ready to fly? Start studying today. Safe skies!