By Paul Aitken, Instructor, Drone U
This document contains answers to some of the most common questions that pilots have about getting their Part 107 drone license. Once you read these common questions, chances are you’ll be ready to take flight and turn your passion into profit.
Please understand that getting your Part 107 is simply the first step that you will take towards your goal of owning a successful drone business.
I own a thriving aerial photography and videography business because I have been honing my skillsets for the past eight years now. The average drone pilot who buys “how-to information” will get little results if he is not willing to put in the hard work and apply himself.
Having said that…let’s jump right in by addressing the basics first…
If you love to fly drones, chances are that you have heard of the term “Part 107”
The rising popularity of drones for commercial applications prompted the FAA to come out with Part 107 regulations in 2016.
Under these regulations, drone pilots are required to pass a Part 107 knowledge test and get their Part 107 certificate before they can fly their drone commercially.
In fact, now, the FAA also requires recreational pilots to pass a test in order to fly.
All the more reason to get your Part 107 instead.
Remote Pilot Certificate (a.k.a. Part 107 license) is mandatory if you plan on flying your drone for all non-recreational purposes.
You will have to apply for an exemption under the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems if you are planning on flying a drone weighing more than 55 pounds.
The Rules for RECREATIONAL FLYING Are Different
As a Part 61 Pilot, You Have Your Work Cut Out for You
And if you are a manned pilot with a Part 61 private pilot license, the process is much simpler. But you still need to get your 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. There are a few conditions to getting your 107 under your Part 61 license. These are the conditions for commercially flying drones with a Part 61 license –
Broadly speaking, there are TWO PROVEN ways to grow and scale your business
How to Get Part 107 License in 5 Simple Steps:
Until your physical Part 107 card comes in the mail, print out your temporary card and keep that with you. Your official Certificate number is “Pending” until your permanent card arrives.
So, how can Drone U Help you clear your Part 107 Exam?
As a Drone U member, you receive –
Drone U members who consistently score 90% and above in the FAA Part 107 Practice Test have a very good chance of clearing the Part 107 test on the first attempt itself.
Just passed my Part 107 exam today with a 97%! I had access to TheDroneU’s test prep modules for just under 2 weeks. If you want to pass your Part 107 exam, this is the place! Pay attention and take notes! I used a few outside sources to fill in information but I really didn’t need it on the actual test. I would absolutely recommend TheDroneU Part 107 Test Prep to anyone looking to pass the Part 107 exam.
If you are looking for a great online resource for passing your Part 107 license or if you are looking at learning different marketable skills with your drone, this is your one stop shop! I only promote what I have tested and found valuable. These guys are ROI times 10!!!
Thank you very much! I appreciate everything Drone U does. On Sunday I took my initial 107 test and scored a 92%! The only study materials I used was the Drone U 107 test prep! I love you guys. Once you start doing live classes again, you will start seeing me around.
The FUN Beings ONCE you pass your 107
To truly be successful you’ll have to practice your operations and missions. In addition, you’ll have to setup your business to scale from the start.
The FAA 107 test consists of 60 questions.
To clear this test and get your Part 107 license, you need to get a minimum passing score of 70%. This means that you need to get at least 42 questions right. You will have 120 minutes or 2 hours to complete this test.
Is it Difficult to Learn Part 107 Airspace?
This is a question that aspiring drone pilots often ask us.
The Part 107 Airspace section is difficult to learn without the right guidance. Fortunately, we have FAA Certified Flight Instructor Ted Wilson who teaches airspace in his own unique way in our FAA Part 107 Online Course. Ted really has mastered a way to remember the complex airspace. Frankly, make sure to practice with airspace. Every time you fly check airspace with an app.
Among other things, you will learn –
How Long Does it Take to Get Part 107 License?
Frankly the time that it takes to study and acquire your license varies from person to person. We have seen people do it in a few days to a week. We have also used data to realize that the average time to study and take the test is about 18 days.
Does Drone U Offer an FAA Part 107 Practice Test?
Absolutely. We have a comprehensive online test that exactly simulates your Part 107 experience. If you consistently score 90% and above on your Part 107 practice tests and quizzes, you are ready to pass the Part 107 exam.
How Long Does a Part 107 Certificate Last?
TWO Years: Our FAA drone certificate is valid for two years from the end of the month of your initial Part 107 Exam.
$150: Part 107 test cost is an affordable $150. Of course, you need to get a passing score of 70% or higher to avoid retaking the test. Note that this cost does not include the cost of your Part 107 test prep.
Don’t Forget. Once, you clear your Part 107, you will have to:
If you’re a Part 107 commercial pilot or you’re a hobby pilot and flying a drone weighing less than 55 pounds, you need to register the drone through FAADroneZone. Registration cost is $5, and your registration is valid for 3 years. According to FAA requirements, you also need to label your drone with your registration number ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR DRONE. In order to register your drone, you will need –
Important Update: Also FAA has not released remote ID protocol yet, so make sure to check the box that your drone is not RID compliant. (The FAA needs to release the protocol so the industry knows what is RID compliance)
If you are a new drone pilot, you will likely start with simple jobs like real estate photography and videography. However, as you progress to more complex and lucrative drone jobs, your requirements will change accordingly.
Many new drone pilots start with a DJI or Autel drone. The two most popular drones are the DJI Mavic 2 Pro or DJI Phantom 4 Pro. DJI commands much of the U.S. drone market and is very popular.
But Autel also makes a drone called the EVO 2. While not as advanced as the Mavic 2 series, it is a very good drone, not only to begin with but also to continue to use.
The Mavic 2 pro offers the best camera control and color depth, and frankly takes amazing video. If you’re looking for 4k 60fps, stick with the Phantom 4 Pro for video. Considering getting into mapping? Then stick with a Phantom 4 Pro.
As far as accessories, additional batteries are always recommended, as is a hard-sided case from GoProfessionalCases for safety during travel. And a landing pad is a must for those locations where a clean launch area is not available.
Where Can I Fly my Drone?
RULE #1: You cannot fly BVLOS
RULE #2: You cannot fly your drone higher than 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level)
Flying in Controlled Airspace
RESOURCES to determine where you can fly (and where you cannot fly)
Click on the “Become a Drone U Member” button to get access to 34 online courses, our Part 107 training, and our vibrant online community.
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