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Overview
To get licensed for flying a drone for commercial or any non-recreational purpose, you need to obtain the FAA's Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 license) by passing an aeronautical knowledge test. All drones, regardless of weight, must be registered with the FAA online at FAA DroneZone if flown under Part 107, and a $5 fee is required per drone. For recreational flyers, a license isn't required, but you must register drones over 0.55 lbs (250 grams) for $5 and fly responsibly.
What you need to know:
- Recreational vs. Commercial Use:
- Recreational Use: No license is needed for flying solely for fun. You still need to register drones weighing over 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Commercial Use: You must have a Part 107 license to fly for any profit, including selling photos or videos, and you must register each drone you use for these purposes, regardless of its weight.
- Meet requirements: Be at least 16 years old.
- Get your FAA tracking number (FTN): Create an account on the FAA website and obtain an FTN.
- Pass the knowledge test: Schedule and pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test, which costs around $175.
- Get your pilot certificate: After passing the test and undergoing a TSA background check, you can apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate on the FAA website.
- Create an account: Visit the FAA DroneZone.
- Add drone details: Provide the drone's company, type, and Remote ID serial number (if applicable).
- Pay the fee: Complete the registration and pay the $5 fee, which is valid for three years.
- Stay below 400 feetin most airspace.
- Get authorizationbefore flying in controlled airspace (near airports).
- Fly safely and within your visual line of sight.
- Give way to manned aircraft.
- Do not fly in a reckless manneror in "no drone zones".
Once you complete these prerequisites, you will be all set to fly your drone. Here are some additional ground rules that are good to follow to avoid any mistakes or accidents.
- Register your drone: Make sure that you register your drone on the FAA website. Also carry proof of registration anytime you are flying your drone, especially in public areas or in environments where the drone could be easily lost.
- Fly your drone at or below 400 feet and avoid controlled airspace: Knowing if you are flying in or around controlled airspace can be difficult, but if you do end up flying in controlled airspace it can result in a significant fine or worse. If you are unsure if you are around controlled airspace check here
- At least 16 years old
- Mentally and physically fit to fly a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
- Able to read, write, understand, and speak English
A sectional chart
What knowledge do you actually use when flying a site?