Do you like flying drones? Do you own your own drone? Are you interested in being employed as a commercial drone pilot or starting your own drone business service business?

Drones have been around since the 1800s, but they really took off commercially in 2016 with the landmark Part 107 rule (1). According to a Research and Markets report, the global drone service market is expected to reach $24,882.2 million in 2027, and companies will spend more than $16 billion on drones and drone services. (2)

The salary for a drone pilot can vary, with Glassdoor reporting the 2022 annual salary at $70,000 and a DroneU survey reporting rates between $800 and $1200 for only one day of work (3). But to start making money, you must be Part 107 certified. It can be challenging to manage becoming Part 107 certified on your own, so we’ve compiled a list of steps to help you get there.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate. Their website helps you navigate the process, lists the requirements for certification, and provides insight of what material is on the test.

In order to guarantee a passing score (70%), it is recommended that test takers study 16-20 hours. Reboot Reforestation recommends that test takers refer to the FAA’s study guide, watch Altitude University’s study guide video, and take Altitude University’s Test Prep Course, which features practice tests to fully prepare students.

After you’ve done all your studying and test preparation, it’s time to schedule the test and obtain your license. The first step will be to create an Integrate Airman Certification and Rating Application profile, which will give you your FAA Tracking Number. After that, you’ll schedule an appointment with a FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. (4)

There’s an initial aeronautical knowledge test (Unmanned Aircraft General—Small (UAG)) that you’ll have to pass, and then you’ll use the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system to complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate. (4)

After you complete the TSA security background check, you’ll get a confirmation email that will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA. You’ll receive your permanent remote pilot certificate in the mail after all other FAA-internal processing is complete. The last step is to have your Remote Pilot Certificate available when you fly your UAS. (4)

Reboot Reforestation is currently looking to expand our drone pilot network. If you’ve received your certificate and are interested in connecting, please contact us here.

Citations

(1) Imperial War Museums. (n.d.). A brief history of drones. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/a-brief-history-of-drones

(2) The Insight Partners. (2019, January). Drone service market to 2027 - Global analysis and forecasts by type, services, industries, and law enforcement. Research and Markets. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8nrv62/global_drone

(3) Peek, S. (2019, May 30). Getting started as a commercial drone pilot - businessnewsdaily.com. Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10967-become-commercial-drone-pilot.html

(4) Federal Aviation Administration. (2022, August 16). Become a Drone Pilot. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot

How to Become Part 107 Certified

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