Navigate the FAA Part 107 procedures to secure your drone license: Essential steps explained
Unleashing Your Aerial Ambitions: Navigating the FAA Drone License Maze
Eager to fly your drone for business purposes in the U.S.? Here's a breakdown of what you need, from drone licensing requirements to test centers, costs, and more.
Do you require a drone license?If you're eyeing drone flights for non-recreational purposes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates a Remote Pilot Certificate. Also known as a drone license, Part 107 license, or Part 107 certificate, this badge permits you to pilot a drone in all U.S. states and territories. Renewal is necessary every 2 years.
Timeline: How long does it take?Straightforward? Not quite. Obtaining your FAA drone license takes time, with the majority of students requiring 4-6 weeks. After the test, you'll receive your official certificate card in 6-8 weeks.
What's covered in the FAA drone test?The test features 60 multiple-choice questions, with you having 2 hours to complete it. A 70% score is required to pass. Key topics include FAA Drone Laws, National Airspace System (NAS), Reading Sectional Charts, Airport Operations, Weather & Micrometeorology, Flying a Drone at Night, sUAS Loading and Performance, Emergency Procedures, Crew Resource Management, Radio Communications, Effects of Drugs & Alcohol, Aeronautical Decision-Making, and more.
Location, location, location! Where do I take the test?Testing is done in person at your local center. With roughly 800 locations nationwide, finding yours is a cinch.
To fly or not to fly: Drone competency?Surprisingly, flying skills aren't a prerequisite for the license. However, for hands-on instruction, drone flight training classes with skilled instructors are at your disposal.
Cash out: How much does a drone license cost?The cost hovers around $500, making entry into the drone pilot world quite affordable.
Gearing up for a drone career: Other frequently asked questionsThe growing use of drones in sectors like real estate, construction, emergency services, and more presents exciting job opportunities. While full-time positions pay between $33K - $79K annually, freelance work and project-based rates can fetch $200-$300 per project. Our Drone Jobs Guide provides further insights into industries and specific job openings.
Lastly, insurance and drone financing are crucial considerations for potential drone pilots, and our dedicated guides cover these aspects.
Happy flying, one and all!
If you're hunting for assistance in preparing for the FAA's Part 107 test, *consider our self-paced online course*. Our courses have helped over 70,000 drone pilots secure their licenses, with 99% passing on their first attempt.
Join our online course today!
Learn more about the rules for commercial vs. recreational drone use
Find your local FAA drone testing center
Drone Jobs Guide
Drone pilot salary statistics
Dive into drone insurance
Unlock financing solutions for high-end professional drones
Enrichment Data
*Preparing for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate involves three key phases: preparation time, the test itself, and the process of receiving your official certificate.
- Preparation Time:
- Online self-paced courses suggest dedicating approximately 15–20 hours over 2–3 weeks to cover the required material, including practice tests and comprehensive reviews of regulations, airspace, weather, safety, and operational procedures.
- In-person workshops or training programs, lasting 2–5 days, offer intense preparation through 8-hour classes or 2-day workshops followed by a test day. These programs often combine instruction with practical exercises and practice exams.
- Test Duration:
- The FAA Part 107 knowledge exam takes 2 hours and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.
- You usually receive your preliminary results immediately following the test completion.
- Certificate Delivery:
- After successfully passing the exam, you submit an online application and receive a temporary certificate within 5–7 business days.
- Your official hard copy certificate arrives by mail in 6–8 weeks.
Thus, from the start to the receipt of your official certificate, the entire process spans roughly 7–11 weeks if you consider preparation, testing, and mailing time. If you only need the temporary certificate to begin commercial operations, you can do so around a month after initiating preparation.
- For non-recreational drone flights in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, also known as a drone license, Part 107 license, or Part 107 certificate.
- The FAA drone test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, with a 2-hour time limit and a passing score of 70%.
- Testing for the FAA drone license is done in person at a local center, with over 800 locations nationwide.
- Preparing for the FAA Part 107 test can be accomplished through self-paced online courses, in-person workshops, or training programs, each requiring different amounts of time and resources.
- The cost for a drone license hovers around $500, making entry into the drone pilot world quite affordable.
- Gaining hands-on instruction is available through drone flight training classes with skilled instructors.
- The FAA drone test covers topics like FAA Drone Laws, National Airspace System (NAS), Reading Sectional Charts, Airport Operations, Weather & Micrometeorology, Flying a Drone at Night, sUAS Loading and Performance, Emergency Procedures, Crew Resource Management, Radio Communications, Effects of Drugs & Alcohol, Aeronautical Decision-Making, and more.
- The FAA Part 107 knowledge exam takes 2 hours, and approximately 4-6 weeks are needed for most students to prepare, with the official certificate arriving by mail in 6-8 weeks after the test.
