UAS Beyond the Basics

In order to fly your drone (to accept money/commercially/as part of your job) under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This Certificate demonstrates your understanding of the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones. http://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot/

Navigating the Process to Become a Licensed Drone Pilot (Part 107)

Study Guide to Aeronautical Knowledge

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/pilot_handbook.pdf

Here is another link below for a You Tube study guide produced by Tony Northrup. The video is “Free Drone Certification Study Guide: FAA Part 107 sUAS Test”. Steven Fowler and Dr. Lee from Rose State College both recommend the video, as they both passed the UAS Knowledge test. https://youtu.be/6_ucCKFJUCU

Step 1:

Schedule an appointment with a Knowledge-testing Center, which administers initial and recurrent FAA Knowledge Exams. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to your test.  http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/media/test_centers/

Step 2:

Pass the initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test.

Test Topic Areas include:

1. Applicable Regulations related to small-unmanned aircraft systems rating Privileges, Limitation, and Flight Operation
2. Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements, and Flight Restrictions affecting small-unmanned aircraft
3. Aviation Weather Sources and Effects of weather on small-unmanned aircraft.
4. Small-unmanned aircraft Loading and Performance
5. Emergency Procedures
6. Crew Resource Management
7. Radio Communication Procedures
8. Determining the Performance of small-unmanned aircraft
9. Physiological Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
10. Aeronautical Decision-making and Judgement
11. Airport Operations
12. Maintenance and Preflight Inspection Procedures

Step 3:

Complete FAA form 8710-13 for a Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the Electronic FAA Intergraded Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application System (IACRA)* https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

1. Register using the FAA IACRA system
2. Login with username and password
3. Click on “Start New Application”
   • Application type “Pilot”
   • Certifications “Remote Pilot”
   • Other Path Information
   • Start Application
4. Follow Application prompts
5. When prompted enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID*
6. Sign the Application electronically and submit for processing

*Note: It may take up to 48 hours from the Test Date for the Knowledge Test to appear in IACRA

Step 4:

A conformation email will be sent when an Applicant has completed the TSA Security Background Check. The email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the Temporary Remote Pilots Certificate from the IACRA.

Step 5:

A permanent Remote Pilots Certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA Internal processing is complete.

Renewing Your Remote Pilot Certificate

It is important for all Pilots, including Certified Remote Pilots, to stay current and keep their Knowledge up to date. That is why the FAA requires you to renew your Remote Pilot Certificate every 2 years.*

*You must take a recurrent Knowledge Test at a Knowledge Testing Center within 24 calendar months of passing the initial Knowledge Test. After passing the recurrent Knowledge Test, you must be able to show a copy of your recurrent Knowledge Test Report if asked.

What is a Waiver

A Waiver is an official document issued by the FAA which approves certain operations of Aircraft outside the limitations of a regulation. You may request to fly specific Drone Operations not allowed under Part 107 by requesting an Operational Waiver. These Waivers allow Drone Pilots to deviate from certain Rules under Part 107 by demonstrating they can still fly safely using alternative methods.

Drone Operations that Require Waivers

You do NOT need a waiver to fly a Drone following Part 107 Rules. You DO need a waiver when you operate a Drone contrary to the rules in Part 107 under the Waive-able Operations listed in the chart below.

Article last updated November 2019