Being able to fly a drone and take to the skies is a fantastic opportunity and also a huge responsibility. You can definitely fly a drone around and capture some fantastic footage and images for a hobby, but if you want to take it to the next level, you have to get a pilots license. If you want to be able to monetize your footage and images, or if you want to be able to go beyond recreational limits, you have to get officially certified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Other potential jobs include land surveying, real estate, and tower inspecting. A whole new realm of job opportunities await for those who get their part 107 sUAS license.

The process of getting your drone pilots license, or part 107 for short, is relatively simple but it requires time and effort in order to accomplish. To start off, you have to. register an account with IACRA (integrated airmen certificate and registration association). Then you have to register for the airmen knowledge test. There are testing centers located all around the country. That’s all the easy parts. The hard portion is the test. This exam tests your knowledge on a multitude of subjects that you wouldn’t otherwise know just from time in school. You have to learn about cloud formations, pressure systems, airport runway protocol, weather observation reports, airspace regulations, and map reading, just to name a few. As far as preparation goes for the test, there are all kinds of classes and study centers you can attend in order to gain the knowledge needed to pass the test.

The solution I went with was a study guide that touched on the core knowledge concepts that you will be tested on. It also includes the figures that are used for the actual test for practicing with. The study guide also takes answers straight from the test itself. The test is all multiple choice so it’s really not that bad once you get a hang of the general knowledge. I spent about a week studying for the test and passed it with an 83%. You only need a 70% in order to pass. Once you get your passing grade, you will receive a paper with a code and you have to take that code to the IACRA website and put it in to complete you application for the part 107 license.

If everything goes well, you should have your temporary license within a week and your permanent one in the mail and on its way to you. You have to retest or take a class every two years in order to keep your license up to date. The study guide I used was for the 2022 test cycle. I believe they update the test every year so you’ll have to get the corresponding year study guide. If you cleared through all of that, then congratulations, you are now a certified drone pilot and can operate unmanned aircraft between 0.55lbs and 50lbs.