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:

To fly drones commercially, you must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which opens up diverse career opportunities in fields like aerial photography, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
The certification process primarily involves meeting basic eligibility requirements (e.g., age 16, English proficiency) and passing a 60-question FAA aeronautical knowledge test (UAG).
Applicants register with the FAA via IACRA, schedule and pay for the knowledge test, and upon passing, complete the application, undergo a TSA background check, and register their drone.
Post-certification, pilots must stay current with FAA regulations through recurrent online training every 24 months and can apply for Part 107 waivers to expand operational capabilities, such as night flights or beyond visual line of sight.

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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.