You (Probably) Have What It Takes To Be a Drone Pilot

Here’s your guide to FAA Part 107 certification—and what you can do with it.

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 05:40 PM ET

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If you're pursuing a drone pilot career in public safety, energy or forestry, you might use DJI's new Matrice 350 RTK, pictured. [Courtesy:DJI]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is mandatory for commercial drone operations, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in fields like aerial photography, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
To obtain certification, applicants must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, in good physical and mental condition, and pass a comprehensive aeronautical knowledge test on regulations, airspace, weather, and operations.
After passing the exam, the process involves completing an online application, undergoing a TSA background check, registering the drone, and maintaining certification through recurrent online training every 24 months.
Certified pilots can expand their operational capabilities by applying for Part 107 waivers, allowing for specialized operations such as night flights, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), or operating from a moving vehicle.

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So, you want to fly a drone? You’re not alone—every month, thousands of people in search of employment or a side hustle apply for Part 107 remote pilot certification from the FAA.

To be clear, you don’t need FAA approval to fly a drone recreationally, so long as you stick to the agency’s guidelines for recreational fliers and community-based organizations. But to start a career as a commercial drone pilot, you’ll need to check a few boxes first.