In the rapidly evolving landscape of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), staying legally compliant is as critical as mastering the sticks. For commercial drone pilots, the Remote Pilot Certificate—often referred to as the Part 107 license in the United States—is the golden ticket that allows for professional operations. However, this certification is not a “set it and forget it” credential. It carries a currency requirement that must be maintained to ensure that pilots are up to date with the latest airspace regulations, safety protocols, and technological advancements.
If you have looked at your certificate and realized the 24-month window of currency has closed, or if you are approaching that deadline, you are technically grounded for commercial operations. Navigating the path back to legal flight requires a clear understanding of the current regulatory framework, the digital tools provided by aviation authorities, and the specific steps needed to restore your privileges.
Understanding the Implications of an Expired Remote Pilot Certificate
The first thing to understand about a drone license is that the physical certificate itself does not typically “expire” in the sense that it becomes void or deleted from the national registry. Instead, your “privileges” to exercise the authority granted by that certificate expire. In the eyes of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and similar global bodies like the EASA or CAA, an out-of-currency pilot is legally indistinguishable from an unlicensed one when conducting commercial work.
Legal and Financial Risks
Operating a drone for commercial purposes with an expired license exposes you to significant legal liabilities. The FAA has the authority to levy substantial fines against individuals and businesses operating outside of Part 107 regulations. These fines can reach thousands of dollars per violation. Furthermore, if an incident occurs—such as a crash resulting in property damage or personal injury—operating without a current license is often grounds for an insurance provider to deny a claim. Professional liability and hull insurance policies almost universally require the pilot in command (PIC) to be fully compliant with local aviation laws at the time of the accident.
The Knowledge Gap
The drone industry is currently in a state of high-velocity regulatory change. Within the last few years alone, we have seen the introduction of Remote ID requirements, new rules for flying over people, and expanded permissions for night operations. The recurrent training process is designed to bridge the gap between what you knew when you first passed your exam and the current state of the National Airspace System (NAS). If your license is expired, it is likely that your knowledge of these critical updates is also outdated, posing a safety risk to other aircraft and the public.
The Difference Between Hobbyist and Commercial Status
It is important to distinguish between recreational flying and commercial operations. If your Part 107 currency has lapsed, you may still be able to fly for purely recreational purposes, provided you have completed the The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and follow the safety guidelines of a community-based organization (CBO). However, the moment that flight serves a business purpose—whether it’s real estate photography, crop monitoring, or roof inspections—you must have current Part 107 credentials.
The Re-Certification Process: Navigating the FAA Part 107 Renewal
Fortunately for drone pilots in the United States, the FAA overhauled the renewal process in April 2021, making it significantly more accessible and cost-effective than the initial certification. Gone are the days of returning to a testing center and paying a fee to take a proctored exam every two years.
Step 1: The FAASTeam Online Training
The primary method for renewing your Part 107 currency is through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website. Pilots must complete the “Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Recurrent” online training course (ALC-677). This course is free of charge and can be taken from the comfort of your home.
The online training covers essential topics including:
- Official rules for operating over people and at night.
- Updated airspace classifications and operating requirements.
- The effects of weather on drone performance.
- Emergency procedures and crew resource management.
- The technicalities of Remote ID.
The course concludes with an exam. Unlike the initial Part 107 exam, this is a “test to proficiency” format, meaning you can review your incorrect answers and correct them until you achieve a passing score of 100%. This ensures that every pilot finishing the course has a complete grasp of the material.
Step 2: Documentation and Certification of Completion
Once you have passed the online recurrent training, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion. It is vital to download and print this certificate immediately. This document serves as your proof of currency. Unlike your initial license, which resulted in a new plastic card being mailed to you, the recurrent training does not trigger the issuance of a new card. You must carry your original Remote Pilot Certificate along with your current Certificate of Completion whenever you are operating a drone commercially.
Step 3: Updating the IACRA System
While the FAASTeam website tracks your training, it is a best practice to ensure your information is current in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. This is the official portal where your pilot records are stored. If your contact information or address has changed since your last renewal, updating it here ensures that you receive important regulatory notices and that your digital record remains accurate.
International Perspectives: License Renewal Outside the United States
Drone regulations are not universal, and if you are operating internationally, “what to do” depends entirely on your jurisdiction. The trend globally is moving toward a risk-based approach, similar to the FAA’s model, but the timelines and requirements vary.
The European Union (EASA)
Under EASA regulations, drone pilot competencies are generally divided into “Open” categories (A1, A2, and A3). These certificates are typically valid for five years. If your EASA certificate has expired, you generally need to complete the online training and exam again through the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the member state where you reside or operate. For the A2 “Close to People” category, a practical self-training and an additional theoretical exam are often required to regain currency.
The United Kingdom (CAA)
In the UK, pilots operate under a system of Flyer IDs and Operator IDs. The Flyer ID—which proves you have the required knowledge to fly—lasts for five years and is renewed by taking a free online test on the CAA website. However, commercial operators often require an Operational Authorisation (formerly a PfCO). These authorizations must be renewed annually, involving a review of the company’s operations manual and proof of ongoing pilot competency.
Canada (Transport Canada)
Transport Canada requires pilots to maintain “recency” every 24 months. To renew a lapsed status, pilots can complete one of several activities: attending a safety seminar, completing a flight review, or completing a Transport Canada-endorsed recurrent training program. Failure to do so renders your Pilot Certificate – Small UAS (Basic or Advanced) invalid for flight.
Best Practices for Maintaining Drone Pilot Currency and Proficiency
An expired license is often a symptom of a lack of organizational oversight. Whether you are a solo freelancer or part of a larger enterprise drone team, maintaining currency should be handled with the same rigor as aircraft maintenance.
Implementing a Tracking System
Digital logbooks and fleet management software are excellent tools for tracking license expiration dates. Many of these platforms allow you to upload your certificates and set automated alerts 90, 60, and 30 days before the 24-month window expires. This prevents the “sudden realization” that you are grounded the night before a major project.
Professional Development Beyond the Minimum
The FAA recurrent training is the legal minimum, but professional pilots should strive for more. If your license has expired and you are going through the renewal process, use it as an opportunity to sharpen your skills. Consider enrolling in advanced maneuvers courses, thermal imaging certification, or specialized mapping workshops. The more time you spend in structured learning, the less likely you are to allow your legal requirements to slip.
Re-Evaluating Your Equipment and Registration
When you renew your pilot currency, it is a logical time to audit your equipment. Ensure that all your drones are properly registered on the FAADroneZone (or your local equivalent). Registration for drones also expires every three years. If your pilot license has lapsed, there is a high probability that your drone registrations are also nearing their end. Aligning these renewal cycles can simplify your administrative workload.
The Role of the Pilot in Command
Ultimately, the responsibility for maintaining currency lies with the Pilot in Command. Before every flight, part of your pre-flight checklist should be a verification of your own credentials. Are you physically fit to fly? Are you mentally prepared? And critically, are you legally current? If the answer to any of these is “no,” the flight must be scrubbed.
By following the online recurrent training pathways and staying proactive about regulatory changes, you can ensure that your drone operations remain safe, legal, and professional. An expired license isn’t a permanent setback; it is an invitation to refresh your knowledge and re-commit to the standards of excellence required in the modern skies.