Operators of drones weighing more than half a pound need to earn an FAA remote pilot certificate. The only exception is recreational operators. The FAA begins accepting applications for the new Part 107 remote pilot certificate August 29. The agency’s recreation versus commercial operator decision tree should get applicants headed in the right direction.
FAA Begins Accepting sUAS Applications Next Week
Key Takeaways:
- Most drone operators (excluding recreational ones) need an FAA remote pilot certificate for drones weighing over half a pound, with applications opening August 29.
- Obtaining the certificate typically requires passing an FAA knowledge test (approx. $150) and completing an application through the IACRA system.
- Pilots already holding a certificate can bypass the knowledge test by completing an online remote pilot training course and identity verification.
- The remote pilot certificate requires passing a recurrent knowledge test every two years to remain valid.
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