How Long Does It Take to Get FAA Drone License? Step-by-Step Guide
Are you interested in flying drones professionally? If so, one of the first things you’ll need to do is obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone license. This license, also known as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, is required by law for anyone operating a drone for commercial purposes in the United States.
But how long does it take to get an FAA drone license? The process may seem daunting, but with the right steps and preparation, you can obtain your license in a reasonable amount of time. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process and provide you with tips to help you navigate the requirements and ensure a smooth application process.
Step 1: Study and prepare for the FAA drone knowledge test. To obtain an FAA drone license, you’ll need to pass a knowledge test that covers the regulations and operating procedures for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The FAA provides study materials and sample questions to help you prepare. It’s recommended to spend several weeks studying and familiarizing yourself with the material before taking the test.
Step 2: Schedule your knowledge test. Once you feel adequately prepared, you can schedule your knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. There are numerous testing centers throughout the country, making it convenient to find a location near you. You may need to pay a fee to take the test, so be sure to check the current pricing.
Step 3: Take and pass the knowledge test. The knowledge test consists of multiple-choice questions that cover various topics related to drone regulations and operation. You’ll need to achieve a passing score of 70% or higher to obtain your FAA drone license. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t worry – you can retake the test after a waiting period. However, additional fees may apply for each attempt.
Step 4: Complete an application for the Remote Pilot Certificate. Once you’ve successfully passed the knowledge test, you’ll need to complete an application for the Remote Pilot Certificate. This application can be submitted online through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. You’ll need to provide personal information, pass a background check, and pay an application fee.
By following these steps and allowing ample time for studying and preparation, you can obtain your FAA drone license within a reasonable timeframe. Remember to stay updated on any changes or updates to the regulations, as unmanned aerial systems continue to evolve and grow in popularity.
Application Process
The application process for obtaining an FAA drone license involves several steps. It is essential to follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth and efficient process:
- Step 1: Study and Prepare
- Step 2: Create an FAA Account
- Step 3: Complete the Initial Application
- Step 4: Pass the Knowledge Exam
- Step 5: Complete TSA Security Awareness Training
- Step 6: Submit Application for Remote Pilot Certificate
- Step 7: Await Application Review
- Step 8: Receive Your Remote Pilot Certificate
Before applying for an FAA drone license, it is crucial to study and prepare for the required knowledge exam. The FAA provides a Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide, which covers important topics such as regulations, airspace, weather, and drone operations. It is highly recommended to thoroughly review this study guide before moving on to the next step.
Once you feel prepared for the knowledge exam, create an account on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. This account will be used to submit your application and track your progress throughout the process.
After creating an FAA account, log in to IACRA and complete the initial application. You will be required to provide personal information and answer a series of questions related to your eligibility for the drone license. Make sure to review your application for any errors or missing information before submitting it.
Once your initial application is accepted, you will receive an email with information on how to schedule and take the knowledge exam. The knowledge exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess your understanding of drone regulations and best practices. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to proceed.
After passing the knowledge exam, you will need to complete the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Awareness Training. This training ensures that you are aware of the security responsibilities associated with operating a drone. Once completed, you will receive a completion certificate, which is required for the next step.
With your knowledge exam results and TSA Security Awareness Training certificate in hand, log in to IACRA and submit your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate. You will need to provide the necessary documentation, including your identification and training certificates. It is essential to verify that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
After submitting your application, the FAA will review your information and documentation. This process can take some time, so it is important to be patient. You can track the status of your application on IACRA.
If your application is approved, you will receive your Remote Pilot Certificate via email, typically within a few weeks. This certificate will include your unique remote pilot certificate number, which you must carry with you whenever you operate a drone for commercial purposes.
It is important to note that the application process and requirements may be subject to change, so it is advisable to check the FAA’s official website for any updates or additional information.
Study and Preparation
Before you can take the FAA drone license exam, you need to study and prepare for the test. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Read the FAA Drone Pilot Handbook: The FAA provides a Drone Pilot Handbook that covers all the topics that will be tested in the exam. It is essential to thoroughly read and understand this handbook as it contains important information about regulations, airspace, weather, and flight operations.
- Take an FAA-approved online course: Several online courses are available that provide comprehensive training for the FAA drone license exam. These courses cover all the necessary topics and can help you understand the material more effectively.
- Review additional study materials: In addition to the FAA handbook and online courses, you can also find study guides, practice exams, and other resources to further enhance your knowledge and test preparation.
- Create a study plan: It is important to create a study plan to ensure that you cover all the necessary topics before taking the exam. Set aside specific study times and allocate sufficient time to each topic.
- Practice flying a drone: While the FAA drone license exam does not require practical flying skills, it is beneficial to gain hands-on experience of flying a drone. This will give you a better understanding of flight dynamics and help you interpret real-life scenarios during the exam.
- Take practice exams: To assess your knowledge and readiness for the actual exam, take practice exams. These exams will familiarize you with the format and types of questions that will be asked, and help you identify areas where you need further study.
By following these steps and dedicating sufficient time for study and preparation, you will be well-equipped to pass the FAA drone license exam and obtain your drone license.
Drone License Exam
To obtain an FAA drone license, you must pass the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam. This exam is administered by the FAA and tests your knowledge of drone regulations, airspace rules, and other important topics related to operating drones safely and legally.
The drone license exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70% or higher to pass the exam and earn your drone license.
Here are some key steps to prepare for the drone license exam:
- Study the FAA’s Remote Pilot sUAS Study Guide: The FAA provides a free study guide that covers all the topics that will be tested in the exam. It is important to thoroughly read and understand this guide to ensure you are well-prepared for the exam.
- Take an FAA-approved online course: There are various online courses available that can help you prepare for the exam. These courses provide additional study materials, practice questions, and video lessons to help you better understand the subject matter.
- Practice with sample questions: The FAA offers a sample exam on their website, which allows you to practice answering similar questions to those you will encounter on the actual exam. Practicing with sample questions can help you familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam.
- Schedule your exam: Once you feel confident in your knowledge and preparation, you can schedule your exam through the FAA’s testing center. There are many locations available nationwide where you can take the exam.
- Take the exam: On the day of your scheduled exam, be sure to arrive early and bring the necessary identification and any additional required documentation. The exam is taken on a computer and you will receive your score immediately upon completion.
Overall, the drone license exam requires diligent study and preparation. It is important to take the exam seriously and ensure you have a solid understanding of the regulations and rules outlined by the FAA. Passing the exam is a key step in obtaining your FAA drone license and being able to operate drones commercially.
Certification Timeline
Obtaining your FAA drone license involves several steps, which can take some time to complete. Here is a general timeline to give you an idea of how long the process may take:
- Study and preparation (approx. 2-4 weeks): You will need to dedicate some time to studying the FAA’s drone regulations, as well as the aeronautical knowledge required for the knowledge test. This may involve attending an FAA-approved training course or using online resources for self-study.
- Knowledge test scheduling (varies): Once you feel adequately prepared, you can schedule your knowledge test at an FAA-authorized testing center. The availability of appointments may vary depending on the location and demand, so it is recommended to schedule your test well in advance.
- Knowledge test (approx. 2 hours): The knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which you must complete within a time limit of 2 hours. You will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass the test.
- Application submission (approx. 1 week): After passing the knowledge test, you will need to complete the FAA’s online application form and submit it along with the required documents, such as proof of identity and a certificate of completion from an FAA-approved training course (if applicable).
- Background check (approx. 4-6 weeks): The FAA will conduct a background check on all applicants to ensure they meet the necessary security requirements. This process can take several weeks to complete.
- Temporary certificate issuance (immediate): Once your application is approved and the background check is successfully completed, you will receive a temporary certificate via email. This temporary certificate allows you to legally operate a drone for commercial purposes while your permanent certificate is being processed.
- Permanent certificate issuance (approx. 2-3 months): The FAA will review your application and conduct further checks before issuing you a permanent Remote Pilot Certificate. This process typically takes between 2-3 months, but it can vary depending on the workload of the FAA.
Keep in mind that the timeline provided is just an estimate and can vary for each individual. It is essential to plan ahead and allow ample time for each step of the certification process.
FAQ
How long does it take to get an FAA drone license?
The time it takes to get an FAA drone license can vary depending on several factors. Generally, it can take around 2-3 months to complete the process.
What are the steps to get an FAA drone license?
The steps to get an FAA drone license include: 1. Passing the Part 107 knowledge test. 2. Submitting the application on FAA’s website. 3. Undergoing a background check. 4. Receiving the FAA drone license.
Do I need to take a test to get an FAA drone license?
Yes, to get an FAA drone license, you need to pass the Part 107 knowledge test. This test covers various topics related to drone operations, airspace regulations, and safety procedures.
Can I expedite the process of getting an FAA drone license?
Unfortunately, there is no official way to expedite the process of getting an FAA drone license. However, you can ensure a faster turnaround time by thoroughly preparing for the Part 107 knowledge test and submitting all required documents accurately.
Is there an age requirement for obtaining an FAA drone license?
Yes, to obtain an FAA drone license, you must be at least 16 years old. This age requirement ensures that individuals have a certain level of maturity and understanding of the responsibilities that come with operating a drone.
What is an FAA drone license?
An FAA drone license, officially known as a Remote Pilot Certificate, is a certification required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States for anyone who wants to operate a drone commercially.
Why do I need an FAA drone license?
You need an FAA drone license if you want to operate a drone for commercial purposes. The FAA requires commercial drone operators to obtain this license to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a drone safely and responsibly.
