Get Your Drone License In 4 Easy Steps (2024 Updated)
The use of drones has increased significantly in recent years, with businesses and individuals alike using them for various tasks such as photography, videography, inspections, deliveries, and more.
However, before you can operate a drone for any commercial purpose, you must obtain a drone license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This license is known as a Part 107 Certificate, allowing you to fly your drone for business purposes.
This article will show you how to get a drone license in 4 easy steps.
Table of Contents
- Process of Getting a Drone License
- Part 61 Private Pilots Certificate
- Validity of a Drone License
- How much does it cost to obtain a license for a drone?
- How long does it take to obtain a license?
- What distinguishes a drone license from a drone registration?
- How much does a drone pilot Earn?
- What are the regulations for both commercial and recreational drone pilots?
- Conclusion
Process of Getting a Drone License
The process of getting a drone license has been discussed below:
- 1. Register your drone with the FAA
- 2. Study for and pass the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certification exam
- 3. Apply for a Part 107 Certificate from the FAA
- 4. Renew your license every two years
With that said, let’s go into more detail on each of these steps to get your drone license as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Step 1: Register your Drone with the FAA
The first step to getting a drone license is registering your drone with the FAA. You can do this by going to their website and filling out the required information. This includes your name, address, email, and credit card information.
Once you’ve registered your drone, you’ll receive a registration number included on all of your drone’s paperwork. You must have this number with you whenever you fly your drone.
Step 2: Study and Pass the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certification Exam
To obtain a Part 107 Certificate, you must pass the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certification exam. This is a 60-question, multiple-choice test covering airspace, weather, and drone operations. You must score at least 70% on the exam to pass.
The best way to prepare for the Remote Pilot Certification exam is to study using the FAA’s free online course. This course covers all of the topics on the exam, and it also includes practice questions.
If you prefer to study offline, several books and study guides are available that can help you prepare for the exam. We recommend the following resources:
Step 3: Apply for a Part 107 Certificate from the FAA
Once you’ve passed the Remote Pilot Certification exam, you can apply for a Part 107 Certificate from the FAA. This is a simple process that can be done online. You’ll need to provide your name, address, email, and credit card information.
You’ll also need to provide your drone’s registration number. Once you’ve submitted your application, the FAA will review it and send you an email notifying you of their decision. You’ll receive a Part 107 Certificate valid for two years if your application is approved.
Step 4: Renew your License every Two years
To keep your Part 107 Certificate valid, you must renew it every two years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application process. You’ll need to fill out an online form and submit it to the FAA. They will review your application and send you a new certificate if everything is in order.
Read Also: Rules and Regulations For Recreational Drone Pilots
Part 61 Private Pilots Certificate
Part 61 private pilot certificate holders are not required to retake the FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam.
However, they must complete a recurrent training course every 24 months. The recurrent training course must include at least the following topics:
- Airport operations
- Communications
- Emergency procedures
- Instrument flying
- Navigation
- Performance manoeuvres
- Weather
A Part 61 private pilot who holds a current and valid certificate can serve as PIC without obtaining a separate remote pilot certificate, provided they operate within the limitations of their certification.
A Part 61 private pilot who does not hold a current and valid certificate must obtain a remote pilot certificate before serving as PIC of a small UAS.
Validity of a Drone License
A drone license is valid for two years. To keep your consent reasonable, you must renew it every two years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application process.
You’ll need to fill out an online form and submit it to the FAA. They will review your application and send you a new certificate if everything is in order.
Read Also: What Is TRUST Test For Recreational Drone Pilots?
How much does it cost to obtain a license for a drone?
There is no fee to apply for a Part 107 Certificate. However, there is a $150 fee to take the Remote Pilot Certification exam.
Although not required, we recommend taking an FAA-approved training course to prepare for the exam. The cost of these courses varies, but they typically range from $250 to $1,000.
Once you’ve passed the exam and obtained your Part 107 Certificate, there are no annual or renewal fees. You will need to renew your certificate every two years, but there is no fee to do so.
How long does it take to obtain a license?
It takes about two weeks to get a drone license if you already have a Private Pilot’s License. If you don’t have a Private Pilot’s License, it will take longer since you’ll need to pass the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certification exam.
The best way to prepare for the exam is to study using the FAA’s free online course. This course covers all of the topics on the exam, and it also includes practice questions. If you prefer to study offline, several books and study guides are available that can help you prepare for the exam.
Read Also: 5 Best Flight Bags and Backpacks For Drone Pilots
What distinguishes a drone license from a drone registration?
Drone registration is a requirement for all drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds. A drone license is only required for drone pilots who want to fly their drones for commercial purposes.
Part 107 Certificate holders are not required to register their drones but must carry their certificates when flying.
How much does a drone pilot Earn?
There is no one answer to this question since pay rates can vary depending on the type of work, the size of the company, and the location.
However, according to Payscale, the average pay for a drone pilot is $22/hour. This number is likely to increase as demand for drone pilots grows.
Read Also: Best Guide To TFRs For Drone Pilots
What are the regulations for both commercial and recreational drone pilots?
Recreational drone pilots are not required to obtain a license or register their drones. However, they must follow the FAA’s rules for flying drones, including keeping the drone within sight at all times, flying only during daylight hours, and staying below 400 feet.
Commercial drone pilots must obtain a Part 107 Certificate to fly their drones for work or business purposes. They must also register their drones with the FAA.
Commercial drone pilots must follow all of the same rules as recreational pilots, plus a few additional restrictions, such as not flying over people and getting permission from property owners before flying on or over their property.
Read Also: 10 Best Drones Under $1000 [By Drone Pilot]
Conclusion
Now that you know how to get a drone license, it’s important to remember a few things. First and foremost, always fly safely and obey the laws and regulations in your area. Be sure to research what these are before you take your drone out for a flight.
Also, make sure you keep your drone in good condition. Check for damage to the propellers, motors, and other parts before each flight. And be sure to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
Finally, have fun! Aerial photography and videography can be a lot of fun, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to capture some amazing footage. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start flying!
