UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operators in the United States must comply with FAA regulations. One essential requirement for commercial drone operations is obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certificate is often referred to as the UAS FAA license.
1. Eligibility: To be eligible for the UAS FAA license, you must be at least 16 years old and be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. You should also be in good physical and mental condition to operate a drone.
2. Study: You need to study for the FAA Part 107 exam, which covers regulations, airspace classification, weather effects, loading, and performance of drones, among other topics.
3. Exam: Schedule and pass the FAA Part 107 exam at an FAA-approved testing center. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score 70% or higher to pass.
4. Application: After passing the exam, you can complete the FAA Form 8710-13 online through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
5. Recurrent Training: Every two years, you will need to complete a recurrent training course and pass a recurrent knowledge test to renew your UAS FAA license.
1. Legality: Operating a drone commercially without the UAS FAA license is illegal in the United States. Having the license ensures you can operate within the regulations set by the FAA.
2. Credibility: Holding a UAS FAA license demonstrates your commitment to safety and professionalism as a drone operator, which can be attractive to potential clients or employers.
3. Opportunities: With the UAS FAA license, you can access a wide range of job opportunities in industries such as photography, videography, agriculture, surveying, and more.
4. Insurance: Some insurance companies may require drone operators to hold a UAS FAA license to provide coverage for commercial operations.