Complete Guide to Part 107 Certification: From Study to Certificate

Complete Guide to Part 107 Certification

Becoming a certified remote pilot under Part 107 opens doors to commercial drone operations in the United States. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining your certification.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for Part 107 certification, you must meet several basic requirements. You must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft system. Additionally, you must pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test administered at an FAA-approved testing center.

The Aeronautical Knowledge Test

The Part 107 knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of aviation topics. You have two hours to complete the exam, and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass. The test covers regulations, airspace classification, weather, loading and performance, and emergency procedures.

Key Study Areas

Airspace knowledge is crucial for the exam. You must understand the different classes of airspace, their dimensions, and the requirements for operating in each. Controlled airspace (Classes A, B, C, D, and E) has specific rules, while uncontrolled airspace (Class G) offers more flexibility but still requires adherence to safety regulations.

Weather interpretation is another significant portion of the test. Understanding METARs, TAFs, and sectional charts helps pilots make informed decisions about flight conditions. Factors like visibility, cloud cover, wind speed, and precipitation all affect safe drone operations.

Regulations form the backbone of Part 107 operations. Know the altitude limits (400 feet AGL or within 400 feet of a structure), visual line of sight requirements, and restrictions on flying over people and moving vehicles without proper authorization or waivers.

Test Preparation Resources

Multiple study resources are available for Part 107 preparation. The FAA provides free study materials through their website, including the Remote Pilot Study Guide and sample questions. Commercial preparation courses offer structured learning with practice tests and video instruction.

Many successful candidates spend 15-20 hours studying before taking the exam. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing answers, as the test questions require applying knowledge to specific scenarios.

Scheduling and Taking the Test

Register for the exam through PSI Services, the FAA’s testing administrator. Testing centers are located throughout the country, typically at flight schools or dedicated testing facilities. The exam fee is approximately $175, payable at the time of scheduling.

On test day, arrive early with valid government-issued identification. You cannot bring electronic devices, notes, or study materials into the testing area. The computer-based test provides immediate preliminary results upon completion.

After Passing

Upon passing the knowledge test, complete the FAA’s IACRA application to obtain your temporary remote pilot certificate. This temporary certificate allows you to begin commercial operations while the permanent certificate is processed, typically within 6-8 weeks.

Maintaining Your Certificate

Part 107 certificates require recurrent training every 24 calendar months. Complete the online recurrent training course through FAA’s training portal to maintain your privileges. The recurrent training covers regulation updates and reinforces key safety concepts.

Expanding Your Operations

Once certified, consider specializing in specific industries. Real estate photography, construction monitoring, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection are growing markets for drone services. Each industry has unique requirements and opportunities for skilled remote pilots.

Building a portfolio of work and obtaining appropriate insurance coverage are essential steps for professional drone operations. Many clients require proof of certification and liability insurance before contracting services.

Staying Current

The drone industry evolves rapidly, with new regulations and technologies emerging regularly. Subscribe to FAA newsletters, join professional organizations, and participate in online communities to stay informed about changes affecting your operations.