How to get your Part 107 remote pilot certificate
To fly a drone for work in the US you need an FAA remote pilot certificate under Part 107. You get an FAA Tracking Number in IACRA, pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center (60 questions, 2 hours, 70 percent to pass), apply on FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA, and receive a temporary certificate after a TSA security check. Then you stay current with free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
Who can hold one
Under 14 CFR 107.61 you must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write and understand English, be in a physical and mental condition to fly safely, and pass the initial knowledge test. The FAA's testing matrix lets you take the test from age 14; the certificate itself waits until you're 16.
The steps
- Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Create a profile in IACRA, the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application.
- Book the knowledge test. Schedule the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center through PSI. Bring government-issued photo ID. The testing center charges a fee; check the current amount when you book. See booking the test and test day.
- Pass the test. 60 questions, 2 hours, 70 percent to pass. If you fail, 14 CFR 107.71 makes you wait 14 calendar days before retesting.
- Apply in IACRA. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate, entering the Knowledge Test Exam ID from your test report. The FAA notes it can take up to 48 hours for the test to appear in IACRA.
- TSA check and temporary certificate. After the TSA security background check you get an email with instructions to print a temporary certificate, valid for up to 120 days under 14 CFR 107.64.
- Permanent certificate. It arrives by mail once the FAA's processing is complete. Keep it, and ID, available whenever you fly (14 CFR 107.7).
What's on the test
Five areas: regulations, airspace and its requirements, operations, weather, and loading and performance. Regulations is the largest share. Practice each with the free sample questions for regulations, airspace, operations, weather, loading and performance.
Staying current
The certificate never expires, but 14 CFR 107.65 lets you use it only if, within the previous 24 calendar months, you passed the initial test or completed recurrent training. Recurrent training is the FAA's free online course, ALC-677 on FAASafety.gov. Change your mailing address and you have 30 days to tell the FAA (14 CFR 107.77).
Before your first paid job
Register every aircraft you fly under Part 107, whatever it weighs ($5, valid three years) and make sure it meets Remote ID. Then the operating rules apply: see Part 107 rules and limits.