Flying a drone is a great way to get fantastic aerial photos and videos of places you can’t otherwise access. But there’s more to flying a drone than just buying one and embarking on your first flight. There are rules to follow and drone pilot certifications to acquire before you can take to the skies with your new flying camera.
Do I really need a drone pilot license?
Whether you are flying a drone for fun or work, you need authorization from the federal government to do it. You need to demonstrate that you understand how to operate a drone safely before you can legally use one.
The type of certification you require depends on what you’re doing with your drone and how big it is. Hobbyists and professionals have different requirements to follow. And drones that weigh less than 55 pounds have different rules than those that exceed that weight.
Recreational drone certification
If you are flying a small drone for recreation purposes, the requirements are simple. You must demonstrate that you understand the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) rules and regulations with a passing grade on the Recreation UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
TRUST is a free online test that must be administered by one of the following approved providers. Many also offer a training course to help you prepare.
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Community College of Allegheny County – West Hills Center
- CrossFlight Sky Solutions
- Drone Launch Academy LLC
- Drone U
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
- HSU Educational Foundation
- Lake Area Technical College
- New College Institute (NCI)
- Pilot Institute
- Proctorio Incorporated
- Tactical Aviation
- The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
- The Boy Scouts of America
- UAV Coach
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- Volatus Aerospace Corp
Recreational drone flying requirements
To fly a drone recreationally, you must:
- Register your aircraft with the FAA on the FAADroneZone.faa.gov website.
- Maintain membership and follow the safety rules established by a national community-based organization such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
- Always keep your drone within line-of-sight.
- Never fly near emergency response activities.
- Avoid flying near other aircraft.
- Stay within Class G airspace unless you receive special LAANC authorization to enter controlled airspace.
- The drone must weigh less than 55 lbs unless you receive an exemption from the CBO.
A remote pilot certificate allows you to fly your drone for fun. You can use it for personal photography, racing, or just goofing around. If you want to make money when flying your drone, you will need more than a UAS (unmanned aircraft system) safety certificate.
Commercial drone pilot certification
The FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule outlines the requirements for commercial drone operation. To fly a drone commercially, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Pass an aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months.
- Register your drone at the FAADroneZone website every 36 months.
- Fly only within Class G airspace unless you receive special LAANC authorization.
- Fly at altitudes below 100 feet.
- Never exceed 100 mph.
- Maintain constant line-of-sight with the aircraft.
- Always yield to manned aircraft.
- Fly during the day or use anti-collision lighting for evening flights.
- Maintain a weight of less than 55 lbs, including the payload.
Registering for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) is the first step to obtaining commercial certification. Once you have an FTN, you can schedule an “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)” knowledge test at one of the FAA-approved testing facilities. The cost is $175, payable to the knowledge testing center.
If you are a licensed manned aircraft pilot, you don’t need to pass the Part 107 exam. You can instead complete a free online course.
Other commercial drone flying information to keep in mind
After passing the exam, you must complete FAA Form 8710-13 to request your certificate. You should receive a printable copy of the certificate via email once the TSA completes a security background check. You should receive a permanent copy in the mail within a few weeks.
Under Part 107, commercial drone operators are not permitted to fly from a moving vehicle in populated areas. You can bypass many of these restrictions with a Part 107 waiver request. The Part 107 waiver does not waive the payload and airspace restrictions.
Licensed commercial drone pilots are required by law to keep inspection and testing records and make them available to the FAA upon request. Pilots are also obligated to file a report with the FAA should any incidents involving injury or property damage over $500 occur.
Commercial drone pilots can find work in a variety of industries, including construction, filmmaking, and agriculture. The real estate industry is always hungry for drone pilots to take aerial photos of homes on the market. There is no shortage of opportunity out there.
