How To Get Drone Commercial License

Obtaining a commercial drone license opens up a world of professional opportunities in aerial filmmaking, mapping, inspections, and more. In the United States, this is achieved through the FAA’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which allows you to operate drones (also known as UAVs or quadcopters) for compensation. Whether you’re eyeing cinematic shots with a gimbal camera or using thermal imaging for remote sensing, this certification is essential for legal commercial operations. This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step, from eligibility to renewal, ensuring you’re fully prepared to fly professionally.

Understanding FAA Part 107 Requirements

Before diving into the application, grasp what the Part 107 certification entails. Issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, it regulates small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) weighing less than 55 pounds. Commercial operations without this certificate can result in hefty fines up to $32,666 per violation, so compliance is non-negotiable.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, you must meet these core criteria:

• Age: Be at least 16 years old.
• Language Proficiency: Read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Health Standards: Hold a medical certificate or self-certify your physical and mental fitness via the FAA’s online tool.
• U.S. Citizenship/Residency: Not strictly required, but non-citizens may face additional scrutiny.

No prior flight experience is needed, making it accessible for hobbyists transitioning to pros. If you’re into FPV flying or racing drones, this license elevates your skills legally.

Key Regulations to Know

Part 107 covers operational limits like:

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL), or 400 feet above structures within 400 feet.
• Visual line of sight (VLOS): Keep the drone within unaided visual sight.
• Daylight operations only unless waived.
• Yield to manned aircraft and avoid restricted airspace near airports.

Familiarize yourself with apps like B4UFLY for airspace checks. For advanced ops like autonomous flight or AI follow mode, waivers are possible post-certification.

Preparing for the Part 107 Knowledge Test

Passing the FAA aeronautical knowledge test is the gateway to your certificate. The 60-question, multiple-choice exam requires a 70% score (42 correct answers) and lasts 2 hours.

Recommended Study Resources

Build a solid foundation with these free and paid materials:

• FAA Resources: Download the free Part 107 Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Remote Pilot Study Guide from the FAA website.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Drone Pilot Ground School or King Schools offer video lessons on weather, airspace, and regulations (around $150–$300).
• Practice Exams: Take unlimited mocks on sites like Pilot Institute—aim for consistent 85%+ scores.
• Books and Apps: “Remote Pilot Test Prep” by ASA or apps like Sporty’s Study Buddy.

Dedicate 20–40 hours over 2–4 weeks. Focus on weak areas like sectional charts, drone performance (e.g., effects of wind on stabilization systems), and emergency procedures.

Core Topics to Master

The exam blueprint emphasizes:

1. Regulations (35–45%): Part 107 rules, registration, waivers.
2. Airspace (15–25%): Classes A–G, special use airspace.
3. Weather (11–16%): Effects of temperature, density altitude on battery life.
4. Loading/Performance (7–11%): Weight, balance, center of gravity.
5. Operations (13–19%): Physiology, airport operations.
6. Maintenance (9–14%): Preflight inspections, sensors.

Tie this to real-world tech: Understand how GPS fails in urban canyons or obstacle avoidance aids VLOS compliance.

Topic	Weight	Pro Tip
Regulations	35–45%	Memorize 107.19–107.65
Airspace	15–25%	Practice chart reading
Weather	11–16%	Know METAR/TAF basics
Operations	13–19%	Crew resource management

Scheduling and Taking the Exam

Once prepared, register for the test—it’s administered at over 700 PSI testing centers nationwide.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Create an IACRA account on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application site.
2. Apply for a Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) via IACRA—FAA verifies eligibility within 30 days.
3. Schedule via PSI’s website or phone (fee: $175, valid for 60 days).
4. Arrive 30 minutes early with two IDs (e.g., driver’s license, passport).

The computer-based test is not open-book, but you can use a calculator. No drones allowed in the center!

What to Expect on Test Day

• Format: All questions scenario-based, e.g., “Your DJI Mavic 3 loses GPS; what’s next?”
• Passing Score: 70%. Retakes allowed after 14 days (same fee).
• Results: Instant Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR)—bring this for certification.

Pro pilots report 80% first-time pass rates with proper prep. Post-exam, celebrate with a micro drone hobby flight!

Applying for Your Remote Pilot Certificate

Passing the test isn’t the end—apply for the certificate.

The Application Process

1. Log into IACRA with your test results.
2. Submit FAA Form 8710-13, uploading your AKTR.
3. FAA conducts TSA background check (10–45 days).
4. Receive temporary certificate via email; plastic card mails in 6–8 weeks.

Register your drone on FAA’s DroneZone ($5, valid 3 years). For commercial fleets, use models like DJI Mini 4 Pro under 250g for lighter regs.

Beyond Certification: Insurance and Operations

Secure liability insurance ($500–$1,500/year). Master tools like 4K cameras for filmmaking or optical zoom for inspections. Explore mapping with photogrammetry software.

Maintaining and Renewing Your License

Your Part 107 certificate expires every 24 months—stay current to avoid grounding.

Renewal Options

• Online Training: Free FAA recurrent course (aeronautical knowledge refresh).
• Retake Exam: Full knowledge test.
• Flight Review: With a certificated flight instructor (CFI).

Log 100g flights or complete seminars. Track hours with apps for propellers wear and batteries cycles.

Advanced Opportunities

With certification:

• Waivers: For BVLOS, night ops, over people—submit via DroneZone.
• Careers: Aerial filmmaking (cinematic shots), agriculture, real estate.
• Gear Upgrades: Pair with GoPro Hero for FPV or controllers for precision.

Join communities like Drone Pilots Forum. Invest in cases and apps for pro workflows.

In summary, securing your commercial drone license demands study, testing, and diligence, but rewards with lucrative gigs. From flight paths in filmmaking to remote sensing, the sky’s your limit. Start today—your first paid gig awaits!