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So, You Want to Fly Drones for Profit? Here’s Your Ticket

Want to turn your drone hobby into a money-making venture? Getting a commercial drone license, officially known as a Part 107 certificate, is your crucial first step. It’s the key that unlocks the door to lucrative opportunities, from aerial photography and videography to surveying, inspections, and more.

The Path to Commercial Drone Flight: Your Roadmap to Part 107 Certification

The path to getting your FAA Part 107 drone license involves a specific set of steps. It’s not overly complicated, but you need to be thorough and dedicated. Here’s the breakdown:

Eligibility Check: First, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, and understand English, and be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone. You cannot hold any other active FAA certificate suspended, revoked, or surrendered.
Register for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN): You’ll need an FTN to schedule your exam. You can obtain one by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) profile on the FAA’s website. Keep your FTN safe, as you will need it to book your exam.
Study, Study, Study!: The Part 107 exam isn’t a walk in the park. It covers a wide range of topics related to aviation, including airspace classifications, regulations, weather, drone operations, and emergency procedures. The FAA offers free study materials, but many aspiring pilots find online courses and practice tests invaluable. Consider using a reputable online study program that includes practice tests. These programs often track your progress and identify areas where you need more focus.
Schedule Your Exam: Once you feel confident in your knowledge, head to an FAA-approved testing center (PSI is a common one) and schedule your Part 107 knowledge test. There is a fee associated with the exam, typically around $175.
Ace the Exam: The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 2 hours to complete it. A passing score is 70%. Read each question carefully and use the process of elimination to narrow down the options.
Apply for Your Part 107 Certificate: After passing the exam, the testing center will provide you with instructions on how to apply for your remote pilot certificate through the FAA’s IACRA system.
Get Your Temporary Certificate: After your application is processed by the FAA, you will receive a temporary certificate via email.
Receive Your Permanent Remote Pilot Certificate: In a few weeks, you will receive your permanent certificate. Keep it safe and carry it with you when you’re operating a drone commercially.
Keep Your Skills Current To maintain your Part 107 certificate, you must pass a recurrent knowledge test every two years. This test is shorter than the initial exam and focuses on updates to regulations and procedures.

FAQs: Your Burning Drone Questions Answered

Let’s dive into some common questions that crop up when people are considering getting their Part 107 certification.

1. What happens if I fail the Part 107 exam?

Don’t panic! You can retake the exam after waiting 14 days. Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and reinforce your knowledge.

2. How much does it cost to get a Part 107 license?

The cost can vary, but here’s a breakdown:

Exam fee: Approximately $175
Study materials: Free (FAA resources) to several hundred dollars (online courses)
Recurrent test every 2 years: Approximately $175

3. Can I fly a drone commercially without a Part 107 license?

Absolutely not. Flying a drone for any form of compensation or business purpose without a Part 107 certificate is illegal and can result in hefty fines.

4. What are the height restrictions for drone flights?

Generally, drones cannot be flown higher than 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or, if flying within 400 feet of a structure, higher than 400 feet above the structure’s immediate uppermost limit.

5. Are there any airspace restrictions I need to be aware of?

Yes, you need to be extremely mindful of airspace restrictions. Restricted airspace, military operations areas (MOAs), and controlled airspace around airports require authorization before you can fly. You can use the FAA’s DroneZone or LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) to request authorization. It is essential to always check if the location of your drone flight is not subject to flight restriction by using the FAA’s tools.

6. What is LAANC and how does it work?

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is a system that allows drone pilots to request and receive near real-time airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace near airports. You typically request authorization through an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS), like AirMap or Kittyhawk.

7. Do I need to register my drone with the FAA?

Yes, all drones operated under Part 107 must be registered with the FAA. The registration fee is minimal, and it’s a straightforward online process. Registration is valid for three years.

8. Can I fly my drone at night?

Yes, but only if you have completed the additional training requirement outlined in 14 CFR § 107.29. Additionally, the drone must be equipped with anti-collision lights visible from at least 3 statute miles.

9. What are the rules regarding flying over people?

Flying over people is generally restricted unless you meet specific requirements outlined in Part 107.145. There are different categories based on the drone’s weight and risk assessment. It is crucial to fully understand these rules before operating over people.

10. Can I fly my drone from a moving vehicle?

You can fly from a moving vehicle in an area that is sparsely populated, but you cannot fly from a moving aircraft.

11. What kind of insurance do I need to fly drones commercially?

The FAA doesn’t mandate drone insurance, but it’s highly recommended. Liability insurance protects you in case of accidents or property damage. Many clients will also require proof of insurance before hiring you.

12. Where can I find more information about Part 107 regulations?

The best source of information is the FAA website (faa.gov). You can find the complete Part 107 regulations there, along with advisory circulars and other resources.

Taking Off to Success

Getting your Part 107 certificate is a significant investment in your drone career. Armed with this license, you’ll unlock a world of opportunities, from providing stunning aerial photography and videos to conducting critical infrastructure inspections. Remember to stay up-to-date on regulations, fly safely, and always prioritize responsible drone operations.