Flying drones has exploded in popularity, from hobbyists capturing stunning aerial filmmaking shots to professionals using UAVs for mapping and inspections. However, to fly legally in the United States, especially for commercial purposes, you need a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, commonly known as the FAA drone license. This is officially the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, required for anyone operating a drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) for work or business.
This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step, from understanding regulations to acing the exam and beyond. Whether you’re eyeing a DJI Mini 4 Pro for cinematic shots or a racing drone for FPV thrills, getting certified ensures safe, legal flights. Let’s dive in.
Understanding FAA Drone Regulations and Categories
Before applying, grasp the basics of FAA rules. The FAA classifies drone operations into recreational and commercial categories, each with distinct requirements.
Recreational vs. Commercial Flying
Recreational pilots flying for fun—think backyard flips with a micro drone or casual FPV sessions—must complete the free TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) online. It’s quick, no exam fee, and valid indefinitely.
Commercial operations, however, demand the Part 107 certificate. This covers paid gigs like real estate photography with a gimbal camera, agricultural surveying using thermal imaging, or inspections powered by GPS and obstacle avoidance tech. Violating rules can lead to fines up to $32,666 per incident or criminal charges.
Key rules apply to all:
- Fly below 400 feet.
- Keep visual line of sight (VLOS).
- Yield to manned aircraft.
- No flying over people or moving vehicles without a waiver.
Recent updates emphasize Remote ID, a digital license plate for drones broadcasting location data, mandatory for most new models since 2023.
Why Get Certified Now?
With innovations like AI follow mode and autonomous flight, drone use is booming. Certification unlocks opportunities in industries hungry for remote sensing and mapping. Plus, it’s a prerequisite for FAA waivers, like night flying or beyond VLOS.
Eligibility Requirements for Part 107
To qualify for the FAA drone license, meet these criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Be physically/mentally fit to operate safely.
No prior flight experience needed, but a clean medical history helps. U.S. citizenship isn’t required; permanent residents and visa holders qualify.
If you’re under 16, stick to recreational TRUST until eligible. Military veterans with relevant experience can sometimes expedite via FAA’s credential pathways.
Prepare your documents: A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) for exam day. Create an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) via the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) portal—it’s free and takes minutes.
Preparing for the Part 107 Knowledge Test
The heart of certification is passing a 60-question multiple-choice exam. You have 2 hours; 70% passing score (42 correct). Topics span regulations, airspace, weather, drone performance, and emergency procedures.
Study Resources and Strategies
Start with official FAA materials:
- Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test Guide (free PDF).
- Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.
Supplement with online courses from providers like Drone Pilot Ground School or King Schools (around $150–$300, with pass guarantees). Practice exams mimic the real test—aim for 85%+ consistently.
Key topics breakdown:
- Regulations (35–45%): Airspace classes (A–G), NOTAMs, TFRs.
- Airspace and Weather (15–25%): Reading sectional charts, METARs/TAFs.
- Loading/Performance (10–15%): Battery life, wind effects on quadcopters.
- Operations (15–25%): Preflight inspections, stabilization systems, crew resource management.
Hands-on practice boosts retention. Fly a simulator with navigation features or your own DJI Avata for FPV familiarity. Apps like AirMap or B4UFLY help visualize airspace.
Pro Tip: Focus on charts. Download free FAA Legend Sample and practice identifying controlled airspace near landmarks.
Schedule 20–40 hours of study over 4–6 weeks. Track progress with flashcards for acronyms like VLOS, LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability).
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many fail on weather or physiology questions. Understand density altitude’s impact on drone lift, or hypoxia effects at altitude. Don’t cram—spaced repetition works best.
Taking the Exam and Getting Certified
Ready? Here’s the process.
Scheduling and Test Day
- Get your FTN from IACRA.
- Find a Knowledge Testing Center via PSI’s website (over 500 U.S. locations).
- Pay $175 fee (non-refundable).
- Schedule online—walk-ins rare.
Arrive 30 minutes early with two IDs. No personal items; they’ll provide scratch paper, calculators, plotters. Computer-based, adaptive questioning.
Pass? Print temporary certificate. Fail? Retake after 14 days (review weak areas).
Certification Issuance
Post-exam, FAA verifies (10–14 days). Endorsement arrives via mail; add to IACRA profile. Digital certificate downloadable anytime. Valid 24 months—recurrency via free online training.
Cost summary: $175 exam + $0–$300 prep = under $500 total.
Maintaining Your License and Advanced Operations
Certification isn’t set-it-and-forget-it.
Recurrency and Renewal
Every 24 months, complete free FAA Wingman recurrent training (2–3 hours online). Log it in IACRA—no re-exam needed.
Stay current with rule changes via FAA DroneZone and newsletters. Register drones over 0.55 lbs annually ($5, valid 3 years).
Expanding Your Capabilities
With Part 107, apply for waivers: night ops, over people, BVLOS. Success rate high with solid safety cases.
Join communities for tips on 4K cameras, optical zoom, or sensors. Experiment with propellers, batteries, and controllers for optimized setups.
Insurance? Get drone-specific liability (e.g., $750/year) for gigs.
Next Steps: Fly Smart, Fly Legal
Your Federal Aviation Administration drone license opens doors to pro-level flight paths, creative techniques, and tech innovations. Thousands certify yearly—join them.
Start today: FTN, study, test, fly. Safe skies await!