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Before we dive too deep into what it takes to be remote pilot certified, we need to clarify a few boring definitions to keep us all on the same page and going the same direction. See Here
What is FAA Part 336?
FAA Part 336 is a special section used to define and regulate Model Aircraft. This is a recreational category and you do not need to be remote pilot certified under this provision. This does not make you exempt from being required to r
What is FAA Part 333?
Simply put, this is an older version of Part 107. If you are currently flying under this waiver and provision program, you are able to continue doing so until it expires, typically 2 years after permission was granted.
What is FAA Part 107?
Unlike FAA Part 336, FAA Part 107 is specifically aimed at remote pilot certified applications. If you expect to get compensated in any way, this is the section you need to be concerned about. The FAA weighs much more heavily on commercial pilots of any type.
Part 107 Remote Pilot Study and Prep 2019 Guide
Registration
Regardless of which section you might fall under, all unmanned aircraft must be registered if it has a weight of more than .55 lbs. Read more about registering your drone here or head straight over to FAA Drone Zone and register.
Learn How To Register Your UAV
Do I Need To Be Certified?
Am I flying indoors only?
No. You can do anything indoors and not be concerned about being certified. You still must fly in a safe manner if not in your personal home or around other people and property.
Am I flying as a Part 336 Modeler or hobbyist?
No, then certification is not necessary. You can fly anything up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms). Please abide by your respective field and organization laws along with local laws for your area.
Am I taking pictures for my own use, including social media?
No, certification is still not required. Although, you must still abide by all local and FAA regulations, keep away from other persons and properties, while not endangering anyone else.
Am I a Remote Pilot for hire?
Yes! You cannot offer remote pilot services for hire if you are not a Remote Pilot. Even if you are offering this as a bonus inside of another package. You are still advertising and are a remote pilot for hire.
Am I selling my photographs?
Yes! Are you selling your photographs in any way? Desktop backgrounds, full artwork prints, or even as website media. All of these examples and more require you to be remote pilot certified.
Am I being compensated in ANY way?
Yes! If somebody is paying you to use your device for inspections, videos, or for any other reason, you are required to be remote pilot certified.
Requirements To Apply
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.
- Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center.
Now that we have some of the boring things out of the way, let us get down to why we are here. You have decided to get serious and become remote pilot certified. Congratulations!
First Time Pilots
For existing Part 61 pilots, you may skip down a little bit. You guys have it easy compared to the rest. For the new uninitiated, there are a few more steps to complete first.
- Schedule an appointment at a Knowledge Test Center (KTC)
- Bring a government-issued ID (ie: Drivers License, Passport, Military ID)
- Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Use our Part 107 Remote Pilot Study and Prep 2019 Guide Here
- Complete Form 8713-10 online using The FAA IACRA System.
- Once your TSA background check has been completed a confirmation email will be sent including instructions on how to print your temporary certificate from IACRA.
- Your remote pilot certificate will be mailed to you.
Part 61, 121, or 135 Current Pilots
Being that I was already knowledgeable in FAA Part 135, this was simply a revue. If you understand basic commercial rules and understand how the FAA thinks, I would expect the same results for you. I do recommend looking over and brushing up on some of your VFR Regulations beforehand.
- Login to FAA FAASTeam Website
- Under the Courses Menu, Select ALC-451 “Part 107 sUAS Initial”
- Complete the course. This process takes less than 2 hours.
Once completed, items needed to be brought to the FISDO once you make an appointment.
- Completed Form 8710-13
- Government Issued ID (ie: Drivers License, Passport, Military ID)
- Online Course Completion Certificate
- Proof of Latest Flight Check. It must be current within the past year.
Now Your Remote Pilot Certified!
You should now hold in your hand a Temporary Airman Certificate valid for 60 days. Within this time frame, you should receive your permanent remote pilot certificate in the mail.
Your Remote Pilot license is valid for 24 months. It will expire on the last day of the month 24 months after your license was acquired. Simply put, if you received your license on April 6th of this year, it will expire at the end of April in 24 months.
Any time you exercise your Remote Pilot privileges, you must have your Remote Pilot Certificate ‘easily accessible’ during all UAV operations. This is a common phrase full-sized pilots are familiar with. For everybody else, keep your certificate in your flight bag where it can be accessed upon request by proper authorities. I would recommend a binder or folder type setup. You may keep your license, your waivers, and any mission-critical information you need to keep handy, yet safe.
References
FAA “Becoming A Pilot” Reference Guide