Is a License Needed to Fly a Drone? Find Out Here

If you’re interested in flying a drone, you may be wondering if you need a license to do so. The answer depends on the type of drone flying you want to engage in and the regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), a remote pilot certificate is required for commercial drone flying. This certificate demonstrates your understanding of the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safe drone flight.

Now, let’s delve into the specific requirements for obtaining a drone license, whether you’re a first-time pilot or an existing Part 61 Certificate holder.

Key Takeaways:

• Do you need a license to fly a drone?
• Under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), a license is required for commercial drone flying.
• First-time pilots must pass an aeronautical knowledge exam, complete application forms, and undergo a TSA security background check.
• Existing Part 61 Certificate holders must also pass the necessary exam, meet the physical and mental condition requirements, and have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months.
• To maintain the remote pilot certificate, recurrent training must be completed every 24 calendar months.
• It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations set by the FAA for safe and legal drone flight.

Drone License Requirements for First-Time Pilots

Obtaining a remote pilot certificate is a necessary requirement for first-time drone pilots who want to fly drones commercially. To acquire the license, aspiring pilots must meet certain criteria set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here are the essential drone license requirements for first-time pilots:

• Minimum age: First-time pilots must be at least 16 years old.
• Language proficiency: Pilots should be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Physical and mental condition: Pilots must be in a suitable physical and mental condition to operate a drone safely.
• Aeronautical knowledge exam: First-time pilots need to pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam administered by the FAA. The exam covers various topics, including applicable regulations, airspace classification, aviation weather, emergency procedures, and airport operations.

Once the initial aeronautical knowledge exam is successfully passed, first-time pilots should complete the FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate. Additionally, they are required to undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security background check to ensure compliance with security regulations.

Upon the completion of the TSA security background check, first-time pilots will receive a temporary remote pilot certificate. This temporary certificate can be used until the permanent certificate arrives by mail. It is important for first-time pilots to maintain the currency of their remote pilot certificate by completing recurrent training every 24 calendar months.

Recurrency Training

Recurrency training for first-time pilots is crucial to ensure that they are up to date with any changes or updates in regulations and procedures. The FAA requires completing an online recurrent training course every 24 calendar months to keep the remote pilot certificate current.

By meeting these drone license requirements, first-time pilots can obtain their remote pilot certificate and legally operate drones for commercial purposes. Fulfilling these requirements demonstrates a commitment to safety and a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations governing drone flight.

Drone License Requirements for Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders

Existing Part 61 Certificate holders who want to fly drones commercially must also obtain a remote pilot certificate. In addition to meeting the basic requirements such as being at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone, they must have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months.

To obtain a remote pilot certificate, existing Part 61 Certificate holders need to complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial online training course, which covers key drone flying regulations and safety procedures. They will also need to fill out the FAA Form 8710-13, providing necessary information for the certificate application.

Along with the training course and application, existing Part 61 Certificate holders must undergo a TSA security background check. This check is performed to ensure that individuals operating drones commercially do not present a security risk. Once the background check is complete, applicants will receive a temporary remote pilot certificate. This temporary certificate can be used for drone operations until the permanent certificate arrives by mail.

To maintain the remote pilot certificate, existing Part 61 Certificate holders must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months. Recurrent training helps ensure that drone pilots stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and safety guidelines, promoting safe and responsible drone flying practices.

Drone License Requirements for Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders Overview

To summarize, existing Part 61 Certificate holders who wish to operate drones commercially need to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be at least 16 years old
2. Demonstrate proficiency in English communication
3. Be in a physical and mental condition suitable for drone operation
4. Complete a flight review within the previous 24 months
5. Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial online training course
6. Fill out the FAA Form 8710-13
7. Undergo a TSA security background check
8. Receive a temporary remote pilot certificate
9. Complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months

By meeting these requirements, existing Part 61 Certificate holders can obtain their remote pilot certificate and legally operate drones for commercial purposes. These measures help ensure that drone pilots possess the necessary knowledge and skills to safely operate drones in compliance with FAA regulations.

By fulfilling all of these requirements, existing Part 61 Certificate holders can ensure that they are ready and qualified to operate drones commercially, according to the legal requirements set forth by the FAA.

Drone Flying regulation: the drone flies in the sky by remote control.

Flying a drone comes with certain rules and regulations set by the FAA. These regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of both drone pilots and the general public. It is important for drone pilots to be aware of these rules in order to fly their drones legally and responsibly.

FAA Drone Regulations

The FAA has established regulations that govern drone flight in the United States. These regulations cover various aspects such as airspace usage, altitude restrictions, and flight restrictions in certain areas. By adhering to these regulations, drone pilots can help prevent accidents and protect aircraft in the sky.

Drone Flying Rules

When operating a drone, there are general rules that all pilots must follow. These rules include:

• Flying the drone within visual line of sight
• Not flying the drone over people or moving vehicles
• Avoiding interference with any manned aircraft
• Flying only during daylight hours or civil twilight
• Not flying the drone in restricted airspace, such as near airports

It is important for drone pilots to familiarize themselves with these rules and ensure compliance to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Resources for Drone Pilots

Drone pilots can utilize various resources to determine where it is legal to fly and if any authorizations are required. Two notable resources are:

• The B4UFLY mobile app: This app provides real-time information about airspace restrictions and helps drone pilots plan their flights accordingly.
• The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) applications: These applications allow drone pilots to request airspace authorizations online in near-real-time.

By utilizing these resources, drone pilots can stay informed about airspace restrictions and ensure they are flying within the bounds of the law.

Drone License Certification Process: A drone license is issued by the country`s government.

The process of obtaining a drone license involves several steps that aspiring drone pilots need to follow. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the drone licensing process:

1. Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
2. Schedule and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test, known as “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”.
3. Once the knowledge test is successfully passed, complete the FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate through the IACRA system.
4. Submit the completed application and undergo a TSA security background check.
5. Upon completion of the background check, a confirmation email will be sent.
6. Print the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA while waiting for the permanent certificate to arrive by mail.

It is crucial for drone pilots to have their remote pilot certificate available whenever they fly their drone, as it serves as proof of their certification.

Drone License Certification Process

The following table summarizes the key steps involved in obtaining a drone license:

Having a thorough understanding of the drone license certification process is essential for individuals looking to fly drones commercially. By following the steps outlined above and meeting all the necessary requirements, aspiring drone pilots can obtain their remote pilot certificate and start operating drones legally and safely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the legal requirements for flying drones and going through the drone licensing process is essential for commercial drone operators. Under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), obtaining a drone license is a must. This involves meeting specific criteria, such as passing the initial aeronautical knowledge exam and undergoing a TSA security background check.

Once certified, it is crucial for drone pilots to stay up to date and maintain their remote pilot certificate. This requires completing recurrent training every 24 calendar months. By doing so, drone pilots ensure that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills necessary for safe drone operation.

Being familiar with the FAA regulations and rules regarding drone flight is vital for all drone pilots. Complying with these guidelines ensures the safe and legal operation of drones, protects public safety, and fosters responsible and ethical drone use.