Hey there, fellow drone enthusiasts! As someone currently immersed in the exciting world of drones and aiming to obtain my Part 107 Drone Certification, I thought I’d share a bit about my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. If you’re considering taking this step too, maybe my experiences can offer some insights and motivation. Follow along with me as I take this next step in my journey here.

The Decision to Pursue Certification#

I’ve always been fascinated by drones, but I realized that to truly explore their potential, especially for commercial purposes, I needed to get certified. The Part 107 certification, governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is the golden ticket that allows use to operate drones commercially in the United States. So, I am diving into the process to unlock new opportunities and fly legally and safely.

Preparing for the Knowledge Test#

The first step was understanding the eligibility requirements:

  1. Age: You need to be at least 16 years old.

  2. Language Proficiency: You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

  3. Physical and Mental Fitness: Ensuring you’re in a condition to safely operate a drone.

  4. Knowledge Test: Passing the initial aeronautical knowledge exam, known as the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)” test.

The first step toward scheduling the knowledge test is creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).

Studying for the Test#

The knowledge test covers a broad range of topics, including airspace classification, aviation weather, emergency procedures, and radio communication protocols. To prepare, I’ll be using a variety of resources:

  • Online Courses: There are plenty of comprehensive courses available that break down the material into digestible modules.

  • FAA Study Guide: The FAA provides a study guide which is incredibly detailed and helpful.

  • Practice Tests: Taking practice exams helped me get comfortable with the test format and identify areas where I needed more review.

Test Day#

On the day of my test, I anticipate feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I will have booked an appointment at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center and will make sure to bring along my government-issued photo ID. The test will likely be challenging but manageable, given all the preparation I’m putting in. When I finally see the word “PASS” on my results, I know I’ll feel an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Completing the Certification Process#

After passing the test, I will be submitting FAA Form 8710-13 through the IACRA system and undergoing a TSA security background check. It was a straightforward process, and I appreciated how thorough the FAA is in ensuring we’re ready to take to the skies.

Ongoing Learning#

Obtaining the certification is just the beginning. To keep my knowledge current, I’ll need to complete online recurrent training every 24 calendar months. The FAA offers various courses that ensure we stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and operational requirements.

The Benefits#

Already, I can see the benefits of becoming a certificated remote pilot. From expanding my career opportunities in industries like real estate and filmmaking to simply enjoying the thrill of flying legally, the certification has opened up a new world for me.

Conclusion#

If you’re passionate about drones and considering the Part 107 certification, I say go for it! The journey requires dedication and study, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’ll join a community of like-minded enthusiasts who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with drone technology.

Ready to take the leap? The sky’s the limit!