The Part 107 drone license, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is required for anyone who wants to operate a drone for commercial purposes in the United States. Whether you’re interested in drone photography, surveying, or any other commercial drone activity, obtaining this license is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Before starting the process, ensure you meet the basic requirements for obtaining a Part 107 drone license:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old.
- English Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Physical and Mental Fitness: You must be in a physical and mental condition that allows you to safely operate a drone.
- Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test: You must pass the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test, which is administered by the FAA.
Step 2: Study for the Part 107 Knowledge Test
The Part 107 Knowledge Test covers various topics related to drone operations, including:
- Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
- Aviation Weather Sources
- Emergency Procedures
- Crew Resource Management
- Radio Communication Procedures
- Airport Operations
- Aeronautical Decision-Making
- Maintenance and Preflight Procedures
To prepare for the test, consider the following study options:
- FAA Study Guide: The FAA provides a free study guide that covers all the topics included in the test.
- Online Courses: Numerous online courses, like those offered by companies such as Drone Pilot Ground School or Pilot Institute, can help you prepare.
- YouTube Tutorials: Many drone pilots and instructors share free tutorials and tips on YouTube.
- Practice Tests: Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
Step 3: Register with the FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
Before you can take the test, you’ll need to register with the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system:
- Visit the IACRA Website: Go to the IACRA website and click on “Register.”
- Create an Account: Select “Applicant” as your role and fill in the required information, including your personal details and security questions.
- Receive Your FTN: After registration, you’ll receive a unique FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which you’ll need when scheduling your test.
Step 4: Schedule the Part 107 Knowledge Test
After registering with IACRA and receiving your FTN, you can schedule your test:
- Locate a Testing Center: Find an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center near you. You can use the FAA’s test center locator to find one.
- Schedule the Test: Contact the testing center to schedule your test. You’ll need to provide your FTN and pay a testing fee, which is usually around $175.
Step 5: Take the Part 107 Knowledge Test
On the day of your test:
- Bring the Required Documents: Ensure you have a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and your FTN.
- Complete the Test: The Part 107 test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to complete it. You must score at least 70% (42 correct answers) to pass.
- Receive Your Test Results: You’ll get your test results immediately after completing the exam.
Step 6: Complete the FAA Form 8710-13
If you pass the test, the next step is to complete the FAA Form 8710-13, which is the application for your Remote Pilot Certificate:
- Log in to IACRA: Use your credentials to log in to the IACRA website.
- Start a New Application: Select “Start New Application” and choose “Remote Pilot” under the certification category.
- Complete the Application: Follow the prompts to complete your application. You’ll need to enter your Knowledge Test Exam ID, which is found on your test results sheet.
- Sign and Submit: Electronically sign and submit your application through IACRA.
Step 7: Pass a TSA Background Check
After submitting your application, the FAA will forward your information to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a background check. This process usually takes several weeks.
Step 8: Receive Your Temporary Certificate
Once your application is approved and you pass the TSA background check, you’ll receive a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate via email. This certificate allows you to start flying commercially right away.
Step 9: Receive Your Permanent Remote Pilot Certificate
After you receive your temporary certificate, the FAA will mail your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate (commonly referred to as your Part 107 license) to the address you provided in your application. This usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
Step 10: Start Flying Commercially
With your Part 107 license in hand, you’re now legally allowed to operate drones for commercial purposes in the United States. This means you can start offering services such as aerial photography, videography, surveying, inspection, and more.
Step 11: Stay Compliant and Renew Your License
Your Part 107 license is valid for 24 months. Before it expires, you’ll need to take a recurrent knowledge test to renew it. The FAA also requires you to follow specific rules and regulations when flying, such as:
- Flying below 400 feet: Unless within 400 feet of a structure.
- Maintaining visual line-of-sight: Always keep your drone within sight.
- Flying during daylight or civil twilight: Night flights require anti-collision lighting.
- Not flying over people: Unless they are directly participating in the operation or are under a covered structure.
Conclusion
Getting your Part 107 drone license is a straightforward process that opens up a world of commercial opportunities. By following these steps, you can ensure you’re prepared, compliant, and ready to take advantage of the growing drone industry. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or add a valuable skill to your repertoire, obtaining your Part 107 license is a crucial first step.
Here’s a practice test to help you study for the Part 107 exam. This test covers various topics that are likely to appear on the actual exam, including regulations, airspace classification, weather, and emergency procedures.
Part 107 Practice Test
Section 1: Regulations
- What is the maximum allowable altitude you can fly your drone under Part 107?
- A) 500 feet above ground level
- B) 400 feet above ground level
- C) 300 feet above ground level
- D) 600 feet above ground level
- Under what condition can you operate a drone in Class B airspace?
- A) Without any special permission
- B) After notifying the FAA
- C) With ATC (Air Traffic Control) authorization
- D) After registering with the local airport
- What is the minimum visibility required to operate a drone under Part 107?
- A) 1 mile
- B) 2 miles
- C) 3 miles
- D) 4 miles
- How often must you pass the recurrent knowledge test to maintain your Part 107 certification?
- A) Every 6 months
- B) Every 12 months
- C) Every 24 months
- D) Every 36 months
Section 2: Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
- What type of airspace is identified by a solid blue line on a sectional chart?
- A) Class B
- B) Class C
- C) Class D
- D) Class E
- You are planning to operate a drone near an airport in Class D airspace. What must you do before flying?
- A) Contact the FAA and obtain a waiver
- B) Obtain authorization from ATC
- C) File a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen)
- D) Ensure the airport is not busy and proceed with caution
- What is the definition of Class G airspace?
- A) Controlled airspace extending from the surface to 400 feet above ground level
- B) Uncontrolled airspace that extends from the surface to the base of the overlying controlled airspace
- C) Controlled airspace where no ATC services are provided
- D) Airspace above 18,000 feet MSL
- You see a magenta dashed line on a sectional chart. What type of airspace does this represent?
- A) Class D
- B) Class C
- C) Class E (starting at the surface)
- D) Restricted airspace
Section 3: Weather
- What are the cloud clearance requirements for operating a drone in controlled airspace?
- A) 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontally, and 1,000 feet above clouds
- B) 1,000 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontally, and 500 feet above clouds
- C) 500 feet below, 1,000 feet horizontally, and 2,000 feet above clouds
- D) 1,000 feet below, 500 feet horizontally, and 2,000 feet above clouds
- What type of weather is indicated by a METAR report of “OVC007”?
- A) Overcast skies at 700 feet AGL
- B) Broken clouds at 7,000 feet AGL
- C) Overcast skies at 7,000 feet AGL
- D) Few clouds at 700 feet AGL
- Which of the following is a sign of a microburst?
- A) Strong, steady winds
- B) Light and variable winds
- C) Sudden increase in wind speed and change in wind direction
- D) Gradual decrease in wind speed
- What does the term “density altitude” refer to?
- A) The altitude at which the air density is standard
- B) The altitude corrected for non-standard temperature and pressure
- C) The altitude above ground level
- D) The altitude at which weather phenomena occur
Section 4: Emergency Procedures
- If your drone loses GPS signal during a flight, what is the most appropriate action to take?
- A) Immediately land the drone
- B) Switch to manual mode and continue flying
- C) Fly to a higher altitude to regain signal
- D) Rely on visual line-of-sight to safely navigate and land
- What should you do if you experience a flyaway during a flight?
- A) Try to regain control using the controller
- B) Immediately notify local authorities
- C) Initiate the Return-to-Home (RTH) function, if available
- D) Power off the controller and wait for the drone to crash
- In the event of a battery failure while flying over a populated area, what is the best course of action?
- A) Attempt to land the drone in an open, unpopulated area
- B) Fly back to your launch point as quickly as possible
- C) Perform an emergency landing, regardless of the location
- D) Let the drone crash to avoid endangering people
- What is the minimum safe altitude for a small unmanned aircraft flying over a congested area?
- A) 500 feet above the highest obstacle within a 500-foot radius
- B) 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot radius
- C) You cannot fly over a congested area without a waiver
- D) 200 feet above ground level
Answer Key:
- B
- C
- C
- C
- A
- B
- B
- C
- A
- A
- C
- B
- D
- C
- A
- C
This practice test covers a range of topics that are important for the Part 107 exam. Review your answers, focus on any areas where you need improvement, and continue to study the relevant materials to ensure you’re well-prepared for the real test.