New Mexico Drone Pilot Training and Part 107 Test Info

Find drone training New Mexico plus all the information that you need to get your Remote Pilot Certificate aka Drone License and fly drones commercially. The future is bright for the Unmanned Aircraft System industry as the demand for commercial drone pilots increases.

Drone with camera flying in blue sky of New Mexico.On June 21, 2016, the FAA released its long awaited Part 107 to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR). These rules allow small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) which are under 55 lbs to be flown commercially in the National Airspace System. On August 29, 2016 the new Part 107 rules became effective and you are now required to get a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS Rating in order to legally fly drones for commercial or business purposes. To get this certificate, you must PASS the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot aeronautical knowledge test.
Click here to find an FAA Part 107 test center location.
Please note: If you already have a Part 61 pilot certificate, you may only be required to take the online training course Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)ALC-451. All others can use this online course as a practice test.

To apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate aka drone license after passing the Part 107 knowledge test, click through to How Do I Become A Drone Pilot for your next steps.


Part 107 Knowledge Test Study Guide

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published a free Study Guide to help prepare you to take the Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating Airman Knowledge Test. To download your free copy, click here.


Drone Training in New Mexico:

Del Sol Aviation
Albuquerque, NM

Drone Remote Pilot Training Seminar for Small Unmanned Aircraft

This 2-day training seminar will get you ready to pass the Part 107 test. Includes all training materials, instruction, practice exams, instructor endorsement and UAS Drone Pilot License application.

Group discounts for 4 or more students and custom scheduling available.


New Mexico Junior College
Hobbs, NM

sUAS Training at NMJC

Basic Drone Operation – ($142)
This is a one day class that will take you from “no experience” beginner to safely flying and landing a drone. You will learn to launch, land, maneuver, take photographs and videos with the drone. The course includes using a flight simulator and hands-on flying instruction outdoors.

Drone Operation Part 107 – ($149)
This is also a one day class focused on preparing students to take the FAA Part 107 test. Topics include sectional maps, weather, airport operations, safety and other areas of importance. You need to pass this test in order to get your drone license and fly drones for commercial use.

Commercial use is considered to be any activity where the pilot receives any type of compensation.

Check website for class dates.


Looking for drone pilot training in a different state? Check out the map on our drone pilot schools page.



New Mexico has been involved in unmanned aircraft systems research and testing for many years. Back in 1999 the FAA approved the creation of the Unmanned Aerial Systems Technical Analysis and Applications Center at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

This center was created to “promote safe integration of UAS in the National Airspace System.”

Southern New Mexico is ideal for testing unmanned aerial systems because of its small population, low aviation traffic and ideal climate (usually sunny and clear).

Holloman Air Force Base located in Alamogordo has also been the site of drone testing and research.

Recently, the Romanian based aerospace manufacturer, ARCA Space Corporation relocated their North American headquarters to Las Cruces and they are estimated to create many new jobs in the area.

New Mexico has the potential for major growth in the drone industry along with California, Washington, Texas, Ohio, Indiana and Florida.

Among the growing list of uses for UAVs are search and rescue, inspecting pipelines for damage and leaks and aerial photography for real estate purposes.

Research has shown that drones equipped with infrared sensors can be used to transmit data about severe weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes.


Part 107 Highlights:

  • You must be at least 16 years old.
  • You must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating or be supervised directly by someone who does have this certificate.
  • The drone must not weigh more than 55 lbs including any attached cargo.
  • The UAS is not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet above the ground.
  • The maximum speed allowed for the drone is 100 mph.
  • The UAS needs to always be within the pilot’s line of sight without binoculars.Operation of the UAS is limited to daylight hours and during twilight hours only if the drone has anti-collision lights.
  • You are not allowed to fly the drone over people who are not directly involved in the UAS operation.
  • If the FAA requests your drone for inspection or testing, it must be made available with all records that are required under the new rule.
  • Any UAS operation that causes a serious injury, loss of consciousness or property damage (not to the UAS) of at least $500 must be reported within 10 days to the FAA.

You can read the Summary of Part 107.

Read the complete Small UAS Rule here.

Drone Pilot Training Center is dedicated to providing the information that you need to become a successful drone pilot. Check back for updates at https://www.dronepilottrainingcenter.com for drone pilot license info.


Related Pages:

Drone training Colorado

Drone training Arizona

Drone training Texas

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