How to Get a Drone License?

If you want to legally fly a drone, you should learn how to get a drone license.

This is a straightforward process that requires passing an exam.

Today you’ll learn the process of obtaining a Drone License and why is it so important if you want to be a drone pilot.

Steps to Get a Drone License

Be it for personal or professional purposes, a drone is something that would only add to your joy. But owning a drone is not as simple as going to market and picking up your favorite. A formal procedure needs to be followed before your drone touches the skies.

For flying a drone into the air, a valid license is a must. You should do the basic to-do’s and don’t. The first step after purchasing a drone is to secure an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This unique code is linked with your drone post-activation. There are two ways in which you can apply for a drone license.

For Recreational Purposes – A 15-30 minute long, Free of cost test needs to be given. Visit The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) for more details. By chance, if your drone weighs more than 250gms then, it needs to be registered with the FAA which costs 5 dollars and has validity for over three years.
Other than Recreational Purposes – The basic requirements to apply in this category are as follows :

1. Age should be 16 years or above.
2. Be able to read, write, understand, and speak English.
3. Be physically and mentally fit to fly a drone.
4. After clearing the 107 exams, an application needs to be submitted to the FAA.

Part 107 license requires you to fulfill the above requirements along with clearing a Part 107 test that requires a 70% passing score, covering FAA rules and restrictions and knowledge on how to fly a drone. This test is non-refundable and costs around 160 dollars. Visit Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Rule (Part 107)

Do you want to know how to legally take down a drone? Read this article, where I explain 3 ways to do it.

Why is the License Important

Getting a license to operate a drone commercially is an important step to becoming a professional drone pilot and making money with your drone. With a license, you can legally fly your drone for commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, and inspection. To obtain a license, you will need to pass a written test and a flight test that demonstrates your ability to fly safely and responsibly.

Once you have your license, you can start offering your services to clients in need of aerial imagery or data. Some ways to make money with your drone after getting your license include offering aerial photography and videography services for weddings, real estate, and other events; conducting aerial surveys and mapping for construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring; and performing inspections for infrastructure, such as bridges and cell towers.

It’s important to note that flying drones commercially without a license can result in fines and legal trouble, so obtaining a license is a crucial step for anyone looking to make money with their drone in a professional and legal manner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Drone License

Below mentioned is a step-by-step guide that will prove beneficial in acquiring a drone license conveniently.

Create an Account

As mentioned in the article above, for getting your drone pilot’s license, the first thing you’ll need is an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). For the same an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile need to be created.

Enhance your Basic Knowledge

A test mentioned as mentioned in the above section needs to be cleared, which includes questions about drone laws, limitations and flight operation, airspace classifications, flight restrictions, weather, emergency procedures, and more. You can take help from online courses and guides to brush up on your knowledge.

Schedule your Exam

You can search for a local test center and schedule your exam on a convenient date. It is a two-hour test that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To register for the exam you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or a passport. Clearing the exam will generate a 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID number.

Apply For a License

Visit the IACRA website and complete FAA Form 8710-13 to get your remote pilot certificate. The 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID number would be required. Follow the below steps :

Go To Start New Application.
Select the Category Pilot.
Go To Certifications and Select Remote Pilot > Other Path Information.
Start Application.
After completing, Click Submit.

Wait for the Results

The TSA will do a background check on you. Once you pass this step, you will be notified via email. Voila! You will get your temporary Drone License. A printout of the same can be used.

You’re Officially Ready to Take Off

After a week or so, you’ll receive your physical license in the mail. The same is valid for good two years. Post which you will need to clear the exam again.

Every time you fly a drone, keeping the license along with you is a must. For details on how to fly a drone, visit How to Fly a Drone? Full Guide

Last Word Of Advice

Finally getting control of your drone in your hands is an amazing experience in itself. The sky is the limit for you, literally. You will be stunned by the amazing views that can be captured with a few clicks. Acquiring the license is a necessity and once you are through with it, be sure to carry it along whenever you step out with your Drone. Enjoy the Flight! 🙂

If you already have a pilot’s license then, You’ll need to take the FAA Part 107 sUAS ALC-451 course, and then fill out the same 8710-13 form on the IACRA website as mentioned above.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you gain all the information about how to get a drone license. 🙂

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How to Get a Drone License?