The drone industry is taking off, and to get started in this exciting lucrative industry you will need a  commercial drone license. In this article, we are going to break down the steps for getting your commercial drone license. To become a commercial drone pilot you will need an FAA-issued Part 107 Certificate to start piloting commercial drone flights.

 

The drone industry opens a wide range of career opportunities ranging from infrastructure inspections to Hollywood movies, drones are changing the workforce and the commercial drone sector is rapidly on the rise. 

 

The journey to becoming a commercial drone pilot begins with an understanding of the rules for being a responsible, compliant, and skilled drone pilot. Getting the necessary training to obtain your commercial drone license is what you will need to focus on.

 

What Is A Drone Pilot License

A drone pilot license is a remote pilot certification with a small UAS rating intended for use by certified drone pilots flying commercial drones. This is also known as Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate. Part 107 refers to the rules that the Federal Aviation Administration has come up with to integrate the use of commercial drones in the National Airspace System ( NAS).

 

A drone pilot license is also referred to as:

 

  • Drone license
  • Commercial drone license
  • UAV license
  • UAV pilot license

 

Those who are seeking a commercial drone pilot license will need to take and pass the FAA Part 107 exam. Once you pass the exam you will receive your drone license and will be able to embark on your career as a commercial drone pilot. By now you are probably wondering what exactly is a Part 107. The Part 107 is the first regulation from the FAA regarding small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and covers topics such as operational limitations, operator certificate, operator responsibilities, and aircraft requirements. The exam to obtain your commercial drone license is two hours long and contains sixty questions.

 

Become an FAA-Commercial Drone Pilot by Passing
the Knowledge Test

According to the Federal Aviation Administration to be eligible to get your commercial drone pilot license you must be: 

 

  • At least 16 years old
  • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS
  • Study for the Knowledge Test
  • Review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.

 

You will need to obtain your FAA Tracking Number. 

  • Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
  • Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for the knowledge test.

 

Schedule an Appointment

Take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.

Click here to view the full process

 

How To Get Started?

Although you can study independently, for a career as a professional drone pilot we suggest that you opt for a Part 107 training course to help you pass the exam on your first try.
As a future certified drone pilot your responsibility exceeds beyond passing the test. You will need to truly understand the concepts and information that will enable you to operate safely, legally, and proficiently. To get started, simply enroll in the Part 107 commercial drone course or send us any questions you may have regarding the part 107 certification. 

 

Resources:

https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/