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New FAA requirement to fly drones commercially. Must pass the FAA Part 107 Knowledge test to get your drone pilot license .
On August 29, 2016 the FAA released its new regulations for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) which are drones that weigh less than 55 lbs. This final Part 107 of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) addresses airspace restrictions, visual observer requirements and safety rules for the operation of small UAS for commercial purposes in the National Airspace System. These rules do not apply to recreational or hobby drone use.
To view a summary of Part 107, click through here.
Read the complete Small UAS Rule here.
Under these new regulations, operators of small UAVs will now be called “remote pilots” and a new “remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating” will be required by the FAA. Of course people will continue to use the term “drone pilot” since it has become so popular.
Anyone flying or operating a small UAS will be required to have this certificate or be directly supervised by someone who does (remote pilot in command).
Even though drone pilot training is not mandatory at this time, it will give you a leg-up on your competition and most likely increase your chances for lower insurance premiums. So, it is definitely something to consider.
In order to become a drone pilot, you must qualify for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and follow one of these 2 paths:
Steps For First Time Pilots:
This knowledge test will be 60 multiple choice questions covering UAS topics of regulations, airspace & requirements, weather, loading and performance and operations. There will be one correct answer allowed for each question.
The cost of the test is $150 and you will need a 70% grade to pass. You must also be at least 16 years old to take the test, have a picture ID with your birth date, signature and address (not a P.O. box) and be able to read, write and speak English.
If you fail the test, you must wait 14 days before you can take it again.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published a Study Guide to help prepare you to take the Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating Airman Knowledge Test.
To download your free copy of the Study Guide, click here.
2. After passing the Part 107 knowledge test, complete FAA Form 8710-13 (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) online using the FAA IACRA system.
3. A TSA security background check will be performed on all applicants and you will receive a confirmation email when it is completed. This email will give you instructions on how to print out your temporary remote pilot certificate.
4. Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate will be sent to you by mail.
This is a link to a free course from the FAA that can be used as a study resource to learn about 14 CFR part 107. This free course can be used by people without a part 61 pilot certificate or current flight review as a self-study resource.
or
Steps For Current Pilots:
To find an authorized FAA knowledge testing center location and to register for the knowledge test, click here: http://www.faa.gov/Authorized Testing Centers
For those interested in getting a UAV degree or looking for a training course in unmanned aircraft systems, which could help to make you more marketable in this industry, we are currently putting together a list of these educational facilities and universities by state. As of right now, there is no requirement for practical training in order to obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate.
As you may know, some insurance providers already require operators to undertake some type of formal drone pilot training and you can expect this training to become mandatory in the near future.
To help save you time in finding drone pilot training near you, look at our drone schools page. We are constantly adding and updating information, so check back soon if you don’t find what you are looking for in your state. There are also many online courses listed there as well.