So, you’ve caught the drone bug. You’ve gone from tentative hovers in the backyard to capturing some seriously stunning aerial shots. But now, you’re thinking bigger. Maybe you want to start a side hustle shooting real estate, or perhaps you’re just a stickler for doing things by the book. Whatever your reason, you’ve realized it’s time to figure out How To Get Your Part 107 Drone License. And let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. It might sound intimidating, like something only seasoned aviators do, but it’s more achievable than you think. This guide is your co-pilot, here to walk you through every step of turning your passion into a profession—or at least, a fully legal and responsible one.
What Exactly is a Part 107 License and Why Do You Need It?
First things first, let’s clear the air. The “Part 107 license” is officially called a Remote Pilot Certificate. It’s issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and is your golden ticket to flying a drone commercially. The name comes from Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107.
Simply put, if you’re making a single dollar from your drone—whether that’s selling photos, inspecting roofs, or even creating monetized YouTube videos with your footage—you legally need this certificate. Flying for fun in your backyard? That’s recreational. Anything else is commercial, and the FAA takes that distinction very seriously. Having the license doesn’t just make you legal; it shows clients and the community that you’re a professional who understands the rules of the sky.
“Getting your Part 107 is the single most important step in elevating yourself from a hobbyist to a professional pilot. It’s not just about passing a test; it’s about committing to a standard of safety and knowledge that protects you, your clients, and everyone on the ground.” – Alex Carter, seasoned aerial cinematographer.
Are You Eligible? The FAA’s Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you dive into a mountain of study materials, let’s make sure you meet the basic requirements set by the FAA. Don’t worry, the list is pretty short and straightforward.
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
- Language: You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Physical and Mental Condition: You must be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone. There’s no formal medical exam, but it’s a self-certification of your fitness to fly.
If you can check all three of those boxes, congratulations—you’re cleared for takeoff on your journey to get certified.
How to Get Your Part 107 Drone License: The 5-Step Flight Plan
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. This is the core mission. I’ve broken down the process into five manageable steps. Follow this plan, and you’ll have that certificate in your hands before you know it.
Step 1: Hit the Books and Learn the Skies
This is the most critical part of the process. You have to pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test, which is a 60-question, multiple-choice exam. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass. The test covers a lot of ground, so you can’t just wing it.
What Do I Need to Study?
The FAA wants to ensure you know how to operate safely within the National Airspace System. Here are the key topics you’ll need to master:
- Regulations: Understanding the rules of Part 107 is paramount. This includes operational limitations like altitude ceilings (typically 400 feet AGL), flying over people, and flying from a moving vehicle.
- Airspace: This is a big one. You’ll need to learn how to read aeronautical charts (also known as sectional charts) and identify different classes of airspace (Class B, C, D, E, G) and their rules. It looks like a plate of spaghetti at first, but I promise it starts to make sense.
- Weather: You’ll learn how weather affects drone performance and how to read weather reports like METARs and TAFs. Understanding concepts like density altitude and wind shear is crucial.
- Drone Loading and Performance: This covers how weight and balance affect your drone’s flight characteristics and how to calculate its performance.
- Operations: This includes emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication procedures, and determining the performance of the drone.
There are tons of great online courses, both free and paid, as well as study guides and practice tests. The FAA also provides all its testing materials for free on its website, which is a fantastic starting point.
Step 2: Get Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Before you can even schedule your test, you need to register with the FAA. It’s a simple process.
- Go to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
- Register as a new user.
- Once your profile is set up, you’ll be issued an FTN.
Write this number down! You will need it to schedule your test and for all future correspondence with the FAA.
Step 3: Schedule Your Knowledge Test
With your FTN in hand, it’s time to book your exam. The FAA doesn’t administer the tests themselves; they are handled by certified testing centers.
- Find a local FAA-approved Airman Knowledge Testing Center. These are often located at local airports or flight schools. The FAA’s official testing vendor is PSI, and you can find a center through their website.
- Schedule your test. You can usually do this online or over the phone.
- Pay the testing fee. As of now, the fee is typically around $175, but this can vary by location. This fee is non-refundable, so make sure you’re ready before you book.
Step 4: Ace the Exam!
Test day is here. Take a deep breath. You’ve studied, you’ve prepared, and you’ve got this. Here are a few tips for success:
- Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t cram the night before.
- Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to find the center and check in.
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Your ID must include your photo, signature, date of birth, and physical address.
- Read each question carefully. The FAA is known for its tricky wording. Make sure you understand exactly what a question is asking before you select an answer.
- Don’t panic if you don’t know an answer. You can flag questions and come back to them later. Just answer everything you know first to build confidence.
You’ll get your results immediately after finishing the test. A passing grade is 70%, which means you can miss up to 18 questions.
Step 5: Complete Form 8710-13 and Get Vetted
You passed! Awesome, but you’re not quite done yet. There’s one last bit of paperwork.
- Log back into your IACRA account with your FTN.
- Start a new application and choose “Pilot.”
- Select “Remote Pilot” for the certificate you’re seeking.
- Follow the prompts to complete the application (Form 8710-13). You will need the Knowledge Test ID from your test report.
- Sign and submit the application electronically.
Once submitted, your application will undergo a TSA security background check. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Once you pass, the FAA will email you a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate. Your permanent plastic card will arrive in the mail a few weeks after that.
You’ve Got Your License! Now What?
Congratulations, you are now an FAA-certified drone pilot! This opens up a world of possibilities, but with great power comes great responsibility. Here are your next steps:
- Register Your Drone: If you plan to use it for commercial work, your drone must be registered with the FAA under Part 107.
- Keep Your Certificate Handy: You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate on you whenever you’re flying commercially.
- Stay Current: Your Part 107 certificate doesn’t expire, but your knowledge currency does. You must complete a free online recurrent training course on the FAA website every 24 calendar months to keep your privileges active.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does it cost to get a Part 107 license?
A: The primary cost is the exam fee, which is typically around $175. Study materials can range from free FAA resources to paid online courses that can cost several hundred dollars, so the total cost can vary.
Q: How long is the Part 107 license valid?
A: Your Remote Pilot Certificate itself never expires. However, to maintain your flying privileges, you must complete a free online recurrent training course every 24 months.
Q: How hard is the Part 107 exam?
A: The difficulty is subjective, but it is not a test you can pass without dedicated study. With proper preparation using a quality study guide or course, most people find it very manageable. The pass rate is quite high for those who prepare.
Q: Can I take the Part 107 test online?
A: No, the initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test must be taken in person at an FAA-approved testing center. However, the recurrent training every two years can be completed entirely online.
Q: Do I need a Part 107 license to fly for fun?
A: No. If you are flying purely for recreational purposes, you do not need a Part 107 license. However, you must still follow the FAA’s rules for recreational flyers, which include taking The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Your Journey to the Skies Starts Now
Learning how to get your Part 107 drone license is your first major step into the exciting world of professional drone operations. It’s a process that demands respect for the rules and a commitment to safety, but the rewards are immense. From capturing breathtaking cinematic footage to providing critical data for industries like construction and agriculture, your wings are ready to be earned. So, start studying, schedule that test, and get ready to join the growing community of certified pilots shaping the future of aviation. The sky is waiting.