A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Certified Drone Pilot

Your Ultimate Guide to Drone Pilot Certification

So, What's This Guide All About?

Ever dreamed of soaring with the birds and getting paid for it? If you're into drones and want to turn that passion into profit, becoming a certified drone pilot is a no-brainer. It's like getting a magic key that opens up a world of opportunities. And hey, it's not just about making money. It’s also about joining a community of drone enthusiasts and experiencing the thrill of flight. By the end of this guide, you'll be all set to navigate the skies like a boss.

Understanding the Basics of Drone Piloting

What Is a Certified Drone Pilot?

A certified drone pilot is someone who has passed the necessary examinations and met all the requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate drones for commercial purposes. Holding this certification under your belt proves that you know your drone rules, you can fly safely, and you understand no-drone zones. Get ready for a geek-out on air traffic rules with the FAA's Part 107 certification – it's the gold standard for U.S. drone flyers looking to go pro.

Why Become Certified?

Becoming a certified drone pilot can offer significant advantages, especially if you're considering drone flying beyond a hobby. For starters, certification opens the door to commercial drone flying, allowing you to pursue ventures in aerial photography, videography, real estate, agriculture, and many other industries. It adds credibility to your services, reassuring clients that you are competent and authorized to fly drones for their projects. Last thing you want is a run-in with the authorities because you didn't know the rules. Plus, being certified means you're clued up on how to avoid mid-air mishaps and what to do when things don't go as planned.

Picking Out Your First Drone

Learning the Basics of Drone Operation

Alright, time to gear up! Picking your first drone is a bit like choosing your first car – you want something that won't break the bank or fall apart if you bump into a tree. Something steady and easy, maybe with GPS to help you park it in the sky. And a camera that takes decent snaps is a bonus for practicing those high-flying shots. Oh, and a trainer mode or simulator is super for crash-free practice sessions. The goal? A drone that's got your back while you're learning the ropes.

Before you set out to conquer the skies, let's talk basics. It starts with understanding how your drone ticks – from making sure it responds well to your controls to keeping it well-oiled and ready for action. You’ll want to get comfy with takeoffs, landings, and just hovering around without doing loop-the-loops. Get to know your remote like it's your new smartphone, and keep those batteries charged. Trust us, knowing how to deal with a sudden gust of wind will give you solid peace of mind. Get these basics down, and you'll be well on your way to the big test.

The Certification Process

Overview prerequisites of Part 107 Certification

Before beginning the journey toward FAA drone certification, it's important to understand the prerequisites of Part 107 certification. To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, and in a physical and mental condition that doesn't interfere with safe flight operations. Additionally, you do not need prior experience with flying drones, but you do need to pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center.

This test covers various topics, including regulations, airspace classification, weather patterns, and drone operations. Preparing for the exam typically involves self-study using resources provided by the FAA or through online courses designed for aspiring drone pilots. It's important to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of these subjects before scheduling your test, as they form the foundation of safe and responsible drone flying practices.

Steps Towards FAA Certification Study for the Knowledge Test

Getting ready for that test is a big deal. Think of it as a final exam on everything that makes a drone pilot great. This test assesses your understanding of essential topics such as drone flying regulations, airspace classifications, weather and environmental factors affecting drone performance, and drone operations management. To prepare effectively, you should:

1. Review the FAA's study materials, which include a comprehensive guide to the rules and regulations of drone flying.
2. Use practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you'll encounter.
3. Consider taking an online course specifically designed for the Part 107 test; these can provide structured learning and additional insights.
4. Dedicate time to studying consistently over a period of weeks or months, depending on your familiarity with the material and your learning pace.

Thorough preparation will help ensure you're well-equipped to pass the test and move closer to becoming a certified drone pilot.

Register and Take the Knowledge Test

Feeling prepped and pumped? Great! Time to sign up and take that test. Once you feel prepared, the next step is to register for and take the Part 107 knowledge test. To do this, you'll need to schedule your exam at an FAA-approved testing center. You can find a location near you through the FAA's website or by contacting local flight schools that are likely to offer the test.

When registering, you'll be asked for some basic information and to pay the testing fee. On the day of the test, bring a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. The test itself consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have two hours to complete it. A passing score is 70% or higher.

After the test, you'll receive your results immediately. If you pass, you'll get a printed copy of your test report, which you'll need for the next step of the certification process. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after 14 days.

Passed the Test? What's Next?

Apply for Your Certification

Jumped the first hurdle and passed that test? Smooth! Now let’s make things official. With the FAA's online system, you’ll put through your application for a drone pilot certificate. After successfully passing the Part 107 knowledge test, your next move is to apply for your drone pilot certification. This is done through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. Here's what you need to do:

1. Create an account on the IACRA website if you don't already have one.
2. Complete the FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application).
3. Include the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from your test report.
4. Validate your identity through the IACRA system or by visiting a local FAA office or a certified flight instructor.
5. After you submit your application, the FAA will conduct a background check through the TSA, which can take a few weeks.

Once your application is approved, you'll receive a temporary electronic certificate, which you can use to start flying drones commercially. Your permanent certificate will arrive by mail.

Continuous Learning and Recertification

Being a certified drone pilot is not just about passing the test; it's a commitment to continuous learning. The drone industry is fast evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and applications emerging regularly. To maintain your certification, you must pass a recurrent knowledge test every two years, which ensures that your knowledge of drone operations and regulations is up to date.

In addition to regulatory refreshers, committed drone pilots should strive to stay abreast of latest trends and developments in drone technology and applications. This might involve additional training courses, attending industry conferences, or engaging with online drone communities. Continuous learning opportunities not only keep you compliant with FAA regulations but also enhance your skills and expand the services you can offer as a drone pilot, keeping you competitive in the market.

Stay in the Drone Zone

Keeping tabs on what's hot in the drone world keeps you ahead of the game. Subscribe to drone news, join the chatter on social media, and check out industry events. Keeping sharp on the latest drone smarts means your business can pivot with the times and you're always delivering what clients need.

Maximizing Your Drone Pilot Certification

Pro Tip: Give to Get

Starting out? Consider giving your drone services a trial run. Offer to help at community events or for local charities. It's primo practice and gets your name out there. Sweeten the deal for budget-tight clients with a nice price, and you just might snag some loyal fans and those ever-so-valuable referrals. Just remember to draw the line – your skills are worth the full rate once you've proven your propeller prowess. By providing services at a lower cost to clients with limited budgets, you also open the door to potential word-of-mouth marketing and referrals. Clients you help at the start of your career may become long-term partners or recommend your services to others.

Keep in mind that while offering discounted rates, it's important to communicate the value you're providing and set clear expectations to avoid undervaluing your work in the long term. As your portfolio grows and your skills improve, you can gradually increase your rates to reflect your experience and the quality of your services.

Wrapping Up



In conclusion, the journey to become a drone pilot is filled with learning and opportunity. From understanding the basics of drone operations to navigating the certification process, each step prepares you for the responsibilities and possibilities of commercial drone flying. Remember that obtaining your Part 107 certification is just the beginning. Continuous learning, staying informed about industry trends, and networking within drone communities will be key to your success in this dynamic field.

Whether you are interested in aerial photography, videography, inspections, or mapping, the skills you've gained will open doors to innovative applications of drone technology. By offering your services and continuously improving your expertise, you can carve out a niche for yourself in the burgeoning drone market. As drones continue to revolutionize industries, certified pilots like you will be at the forefront, leading the way From Above Droneworks.