A Part 107 license, often called a drone license, is the FAA’s required certification for flying drones commercially in the United States. To get one, you must meet eligibility requirements, pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test, and apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Whether you’re flying for photography, inspections, mapping, or any paid work, the FAA regulates your drone operation as an aircraft under Part 107.
In this guide, we’ll explore how the Part 107 license works, who needs it, and how long it takes to get certified.
Let’s first understand what the Part 107 license actually is and why it matters.
What Is a Part 107 License?
FAA Part 107 License | Source: Medium.com
The Part 107 license, officially known as the Remote Pilot Certificate, is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It authorizes a remote pilot to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under federal regulations for commercial operations.
This certification establishes the operating rules, airspace requirements, and safety responsibilities that apply to commercial drone flights.
What the Part 107 License Requires:
- Commercial Use: You must hold a Part 107 License for any revenue-generating or business-related drone work, including photography, inspections, and real estate.
- Certification Process: You must pass the Part 107 drone certification exam to earn the Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Exam Details: Multiple-choice test covering regulations, airspace, weather, and emergency procedures; taken at an FAA-approved testing center.
- Eligibility: You must be 16 years old and able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Recurrent Training: You must complete FAA-required recurrent training every 24 months to keep your certificate current.
- Remote ID Requirement: Your drone must broadcast identification information as required by FAA safety rules.
- Cost: The Part 107 exam typically costs around $175, with optional expenses for prep materials or training courses.
To put it simply, ‘drone license’ is the commonly used term, and Part 107 License is the FAA rule behind it.
Let’s take a quick look at the importance of Part 107 certification and what it means for you as a certified drone pilot.
Why FAA Part 107 License?
According to Precedence Research, the Drone Service Industry will be 123.82 billion dollars by 2034.
Businesses use drones because they save time and reduce costs. As a result, demand for certified drone pilots is skyrocketing.
You see drone work across many industries –right from mapping, surveying, and photography to videography, inspections, security, and 3D modeling, to name a few.
But drone use goes beyond commercial work. Teams use drones for search and rescue, disaster assessment, and hazard identification.
To capitalize on these opportunities, you need the right certification. The Part 107 License gives you legal access to professional drone operations in the United States.
Earning this certification allows you to fly drones for commercial purposes in the United States legally.
Passing the Part 107 exam demonstrates that you have a good understanding of airspace regulations and safety protocols. This prepares you to fly safely in accordance with FAA policy.
Let’s uncover the steps of getting a commercial drone pilot license.
How to Get an FAA Part 107 License: Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to earn your drone license:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Step 2: Understand the Basic FAA Requirements
Step 3: Complete the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Requirement
Step 4: Follow the Application Process and Take the Test
Step 1. Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Drone Certification
To earn a commercial drone pilot license under 14 CFR Part 107, here are the eligibility criteria.
For First-Time Pilots
You must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Be physically and mentally fit to operate a drone safely
- Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)
For Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders
You must:
- Hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61
- Have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months
Step 2. Understand the Basic FAA Requirements
Once certified, you must:
Keep your Remote Pilot Certificate accessible during all drone operations
Complete online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency
These rules apply to both first-time pilots and Part 61 certificate holders.
Step 3. Complete the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Requirement
To earn your Part 107 license, you must meet the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge requirement. The FAA tests this knowledge through either an exam or online training, depending on your background.
For First-Time Pilots
You must pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center.
The exam is multiple choice and focuses on both aviation basics and drone-specific rules, including:
- FAA Part 107 rules, privileges, and operating limitations
- Airspace classes, chart reading, and flight restrictions
- Airport operations and traffic patterns
- Radio communication procedures
- Weather sources and weather effects on small unmanned aircraft
- Emergency procedures and risk management
- Crew resource management and aeronautical decision-making
- Preflight inspection, loading, and performance limits
For Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders
You do not need to take the Part 107 knowledge exam. Instead, you must complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course through the FAA Safety Team website.
This training focuses on what’s different about drones, including:
- Part 107 operating rules specific to small unmanned aircraft
- How manned-aircraft rules change under Part 107
- Emergency procedures and abnormal sUAS operations
- Crew resource management in single-pilot drone missions
- Weather effects on small unmanned aircraft performance
- Preflight inspection, maintenance, and battery safety
- Loading, performance, and operational limits for sUAS
- Night operations and risk mitigation under Part 107
Step 4. Drone Certification Application Process
After you complete the required exam or training, you must apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate through the FAA.
A: Gather the Required Documents and Forms
Prepare the necessary documents and forms for your application. This typically includes
- Proof of Identity: Valid government-issued photo identification proof
- Remote Pilot Certificate Application Form: This is the FAA Form 8710-13 completed electronically in IACRA
- FAA Tracking Number (FTN) created through IACRA (For first-time pilots)
Your knowledge test exam ID (For first-time pilots)
Additional requirements for Part 61 Certificate holders
- Your ALC-451 completion certificate (completed via the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website).
- Proof of a current flight review
B: Where to Apply for the FAA Part 107 License
IACRA Login Page
All applicants apply through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
In IACRA, you will:
- Create or log in to your account
- Start a new Remote Pilot application
- Review, sign, and submit the application electronically
C. Identity Validation (Part 61 Certificate Holders Only)
If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate, the FAA may require identity validation as part of your application.
You can complete this by making an appointment with one of the following FAA-authorized representatives:
- At an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
- With an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE)
- An airman certification representative (ACR)
- An FAA-certified flight instructor (CFI)*
Please note: * CFIs cannot issue temporary certificates. They can process applications for applicants who do not want a temporary certificate.
D: Waiting Period and Processing Time For Acquiring a Remote Pilot Certificate
After submitting the form as a first-time pilot, you will receive a confirmation email once your TSA security background check is complete. This email will contain instructions for printing a temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.
Typically, you’ll receive your temporary remote pilot certificate within a week.
Your permanent remote pilot certificate will be mailed once all other FAA-internal processing is complete. It will take approximately 6-10 weeks to process and send your permanent certificate.
If you hold a Part 61 certificate, you can have a representative sign your application and issue you a temporary airman certificate. You can get your permanent certificate via U.S. mail within a few weeks.
Make sure to have your Remote Pilot Certificate readily available whenever you operate your drone.
Obtaining your commercial drone pilot certificate is a significant milestone that involves navigating a formal application process with the FAA.
By diligently following the outlined steps and submitting a complete and accurate application, you can become a certified commercial drone pilot, enabling you to safely and legally operate drones for commercial purposes in full compliance with FAA regulations.
Next, let’s understand the key terms to help you navigate FAA rules and exam questions more easily.
Key Part 107 Terms You Should Know
1. Control Station
The control station is the interface you use to control the drone. This includes the remote controller and any connected display, such as a phone or tablet. FAA rules treat the control station as part of the overall aircraft system.
2. Small Unmanned Aircraft (sUA)
A small unmanned aircraft weighs less than 55 lbs at takeoff. This weight includes the drone, battery, payload, and any attached equipment.
Part 107 applies only to drones within this weight limit.
3. Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)
A small unmanned aircraft system includes:
- The drone
- The control station
- Any equipment required for safe operation
FAA regulations apply to the entire system, not just the aircraft itself.
4. Unmanned Aircraft
An aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
5. Visual Observer
A person designated by the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) to help maintain visual awareness of the drone. They assist in spotting other aircraft or obstacles in the air or on the ground to ensure safe operation.
A visual observer does not control the drone. The RPIC remains responsible at all times.
6. Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
The RPIC is the person who holds a remote pilot certificate with an sUAS rating. Even when someone else assists with the operation, the RPIC has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight and compliance with FAA rules.
Learn what certification you need for drone mapping in this video:
Once you earn your Part 107 license, you must continue to follow FAA operating rules to fly legally and safely.
The Guidelines You Need to Follow as a Commercial Drone Pilot
Earning your Part 107 is just the beginning. Once you’re certified, you are responsible for flying safely and following federal, state, and local regulations.
Check out our Safe Drone Operations course to learn flying skills that will take you from a beginner to an expert drone pilot.
Core Operating Rules
Here are the core operating rules under Part 107:
- You can fly during daylight hours or a civil twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) or in twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting.
- Maintain at least 3 statute miles of visibility from your control station
- Do not operate your drone from a moving vehicle unless you are flying your drone over a sparsely populated area, and it does not involve transporting property for hire.
- Always avoid manned aircraft.
- Never operate your drone carelessly or recklessly.
- Keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS). If you use First Person View (FPV) or similar technology, you must have a visual observer. and always keep your drone within unaided sight (for example, no binoculars).
- You cannot be a pilot or visual observer for more than one drone operation at a time.
- Do not fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation.
- Do not operate your drone from a moving aircraft.
Related Reading: Check out “Drone Laws in the USA” to get more information on the regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
NOTE: If you are a recreational drone pilot, you need to pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
TRUST Certificate | Source: Reclaimdrone.com
Beyond basic flight rules, there are a few operational considerations that can affect how and where you fly. Let’s understand these in the next section.
Essential Considerations for Commercial Drone Pilots
As a commercial drone operator, it’s crucial to be aware of the special considerations that come with the territory. From insurance requirements to airspace restrictions, these factors can significantly impact your operations.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these considerations to ensure safe and compliant drone operations.
1. Part 107 Waivers and exemptions for specific operations:
Note: You do not need a waiver to fly a drone following Part 107 rules. You do need a waiver when you want to operate a drone contrary to the rules in Part 107 under the waivable operations listed below.
| To | You need a waiver from |
| Fly a small UAS from a moving aircraft or a vehicle in populated areas | § 107.25 – Operation from a Moving Vehicle or Aircraft |
| Fly a small UAS at night without anti-collision lighting | § 107.29(a)(2) – Operation at night |
| Fly a small UAS during periods of civil twilight without anti-collision lighting | § 107.29(b) – Operation at Night |
| Fly a small UAS beyond your ability to determine the position, altitude, attitude, and movement of the sUA, with unaided vision. | § 107.31 – Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation |
| Use a visual observer without following all visual observer requirements | § 107.33 – Visual Observer |
| Fly multiple small UAS with only one remote pilot | § 107.35 – Operation of Multiple Small UAS |
| Fly over a person with a small UAS that does not meet the conditions of operational categories 1, 2, 3, or 4 | § 107.39 – Operation over human beings. |
Fly a small UAS:
|
§ 107.51 – Operating Limitations for Small Unmanned Aircraft |
| Fly over moving vehicles with a small UAS that does not meet the conditions of operational categories 1, 2, 3, or 4 | § 107.145 – Operations Over Moving Vehicles |
Request a waiver for only what you need to fly your mission. Additionally, you can review the criteria to evaluate waiver applications: Part 107 Waiver – Section Specific Evaluation Information (PDF)
2. Airspace Authorizations
Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without air traffic control (ATC) permission. Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E airspace operations need ATC authorization.
The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) uses desktop and mobile apps designed to support the volume of drone operations with almost real-time airspace authorizations. It is now live at more than 530 FAA ATC facilities covering over 726 airports throughout the country. Any authorizations are granted within seconds of being submitted.
Currently, LAANC only applies to FAA ATC facilities and does not yet include contract or Department of Defense ATC facilities.
3. FAADroneZone
The FAA uses an online portal called FAADroneZone for aircraft registration and for requesting waivers or airspace authorizations when LAANC is unavailable.
FAADroneZone Drone Registration
4. B4UFLY App
The B4UFLY app provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users, including interactive maps that show where recreational flyers can and cannot fly.
The B4UFLY app is available for free download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android. In addition to the mobile app, B4UFLY also offers a desktop version for preflight planning and research.
Check out this video to address any concerns and get clarification about the FAA Part 107 certification:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you need a drone pilot license to fly a drone in the USA?
To operate your drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. If you intend to fly for recreational purposes, you must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
2. How do I get FAA approval for drones?
To fly under Part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps.
Step 1: Learn the Rules
Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test
Step 3: Register your Drone with the FAA
3. What is the validity of a remote pilot certificate?
The Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for two years. After that, you’ll need to complete a recurrent training course and pass a knowledge test to renew your certificate.
4. What should I study for the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test?
Study materials are available online. Applicants can review the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PDF), the Remote Pilot Study Guide (PDF), and the online sample questions (PDF) available on the FAA website.
You can also take our comprehensive Part 107 Certification course that guarantees passing your exam on the first attempt.
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