On June 21st, 2016, the FAA finalized a new regulatory framework for small unmanned aerial systems. Titled Part 107, these new regulations effectively create a new drone certification process that covers the majority of low-risk, commercial sUAS flight operations.

That’s great, but what does Part 107 say about becoming a certified drone pilot?

Among other parameters, commercial drone operators will be required to:

• Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test at one of around 800 FAA-approved knowledge testing centers across the United States. That’s what our Drone Pilot Ground School course prepares you for.
• Apply for and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating (like existing pilot airman certificates, this never expires).
• Pass a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (this vetting happens automatically during your application process).
• Pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Make available to the FAA, upon request, the small UAS for inspection or testing, and any associated documents/records required to be kept under the proposed rule.
• Report an accident to the FAA within 10 days of any operation that results in injury or property damage over $500.
• Conduct a preflight inspection, to include specific aircraft and control station systems checks, to ensure the small UAS is safe for operation.

For those who need to operate outside the flight and mission parameters of Part 107, you’ll need to gain additional permission from the FAA through a waiver process. Things like flying at night, operating beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS), etc.

Anyone over the age of 16 who is interested in becoming a commercial sUAS/drone pilot. You must also be proficient in English and in a physical and mental condition to safely operate an sUAS.

Getting your drone pilot certificate is one of the easiest ways to get into the aviation industry.

Of course, saying that it’s easy doesn’t do your training justice. You’ll want to put in a significant number of hours of studying and learning about things like weather, sUAS flight and emergency operations, and the National Airspace System. And while there’s no formal requirement to do so, you’ll also want to log dozens of flight hours across a variety of simulators and drone systems. You’ll probably also want to buy drone insurance or consult a drone lawyer if you plan to do client work.

Don’t just pass the test. Embrace what it means to operate sUAS safely and professionally.

But as far as passing your Part 107 sUAS aeronautical knowledge exam?

As long as you’re over the age of 16, you’ll be eligible.

The cost of the Remote Pilot Certification aeronautical knowledge test is $175. Remember, this is the test that you take in-person at one of the 800+ FAA-approved knowledge testing centers across the United States. This is paid directly to the knowledge testing center when you’re scheduling your testing appointment.

After you pass your Aeronautical Knowledge Test, you’ll need to wait up to 48 hours to apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate using the FAA’s online IACRA system. After you send in your application, you’ll go through automatic TSA security vetting, and then assuming you pass that, you’ll receive a temporary electronic Remote Pilot Certificate.

Here’s a short video I shot of me going through the process:

The FAA anticipates that, while it may take the FAA 6 to 8 weeks to issue a permanent Remote Pilot Certificate via snail mail, a temporary remote pilot certificate can be issued in about 10 business days. The temporary Remote Pilot Certificate will allow the certificate holder to exercise all the privileges of the certificate, thus significantly reducing the waiting period prior to being able to operate as a remote pilot in command under part 107.

The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate has a 24-month shelf life—which means that drone pilots need to go through a recurrent knowledge training and testing process every two years to re-up and to maintain their stature as a commercially certificated sUAS operator.

As of April 6th, 2021, drone pilots who are already certified no longer need to take an in-person recurrent exam at a PSI test center.

You still have to demonstrate currency every 24 months, but it will now be through a free online training course from the FAA. More details on the recurrent knowledge testing process here.

The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate has a 24-month shelf life—which means that drone pilots need to go through a recurrent knowledge training and testing process every two years to re-up and to maintain their stature as a commercially certificated sUAS operator.

As of April 6th, 2021, drone pilots who are already certified no longer need to take an in-person recurrent exam at a PSI test center.

You still have to demonstrate currency every 24 months, but it will now be through a free online training course from the FAA. More details on the recurrent knowledge testing process here.

Great question. If you:

• Hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61; and
• Have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months,

Then our training course isn’t for you. You need to complete a (free) online training course called “Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) ALC-451” available on the FAA FAASTeam website.

After you successfully complete that course, you then complete FAA Form 8710-13 (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for a remote pilot certificate), validate your applicant identity, and make an in-person appointment with your local FSDO, an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE), an airman certification representative (ACR), or an FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI) to sign your form.

More details on all of that here.

No, you do not. There is no medical exam required to operate a drone under Part 107. It’s up to the pilot to determine whether or not he or she is physically and mentally able to fly.

The FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (AKT) is administered on a rolling basis at roughly 800 testing facilities all over the U.S. I usually tell our students to schedule the test at least a week ahead of when you need to take it. Most of the testing centers are relatively small, and while demand isn’t overwhelming, it’s the kind of thing you need to schedule ahead of time.

Here’s some basic information about the test:

• It’s an objective, multiple-choice test.
• There are 60 questions, with three responses (A, B, and C) per question.
• Each test question is independent of other questions; therefore, a correct response to one does not depend upon, or influence, the correct response to another.
• Some questions may require visual references, like airspace maps or charts.
• The minimum passing score is 70% (meaning, you’ll need to get at least 42 questions right).
• You’re allowed two hours to complete the test.

Here’s a breakdown of the questions, by knowledge topic:

I’d recommend calling to schedule your test appointment at least a week ahead of when you want to take it. Most of the testing centers are relatively small, and while demand isn’t overwhelming, it’s the kind of thing you need to schedule ahead of time.

When you’re ready to take your test, you can book with PSI over here.

The cost of the test is $175.

This money goes to the testing facility, not to the FAA. You’ll pay this amount when you register to take the test, either online or over the phone.