If you want to drive drones for commercial aims, you might have heard of some rules and initial requirements. Here, with me, Oliver, you can find out more about legal requirements for flying drones commercially.
This is an article that includes whether you need a license to fly a drone on a commercial basis and, if so, how to do it. Becoming familiar with the steps would be better and help you to fly drones commercially with ease.
Let’s get the license!
Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone for Commercial Purposes?
Yes, you need a license. However, it is not one of the costly manned aircraft pilot certificates that the majority envision. So don’t be worried!
To fly a drone commercially, you need to have a Part 107 remote pilot certificate (often known as a “commercial drone license”).
In order to fly your drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.
In most places, you need to have a license to use drones to make money and do a job. If you don’t want to get into trouble, just get that license!
With this commercial drone certification, you may fly your drone for business. Remember that you are not restricted to profitable flights.
In the United States, if you want to make money, you definitely need to know some rules and prove to everyone that you are a professional.
Now that you are convinced to obtain a license for driving your drone, you have to know who can get a commercial drone license.
What are the characteristics of a person who can obtain a commercial drone license?
- Have a minimum age of sixteen years.
- Comprehend and use the English language effectively in all aspects of communication.
- Keep your mind and body in good shape.
- Achieve a passing score on the FAA-approved knowledge testing center’s basic aeronautical knowledge exam. (This applies to pilots who are inexperienced or who do not already fly a plane.)
Do you know what the FAA is, and are you familiar with its website?
An Overview of FAA
The FAA is the biggest US transportation agency. In this country and elsewhere, these agencies regulate all civil aviation. You can discover licensing information and drone flying regulations updates on its website.
What is a commercial drone license?
A commercial drone license that the FAA issues allows you to use and fly heavier drones for your business aims.
You can find other alternatives that are used for a drone license, which are:
- Part 107 license
- Drone pilot license
- Commercial drone license
And all of them terms relate to the same flying license in this article.
How much does a commercial drone license cost?
According to the FAA, you need approximately $175 to take the initial aeronautical knowledge test in a knowledge testing center. This amount is non-refundable.
Now, if you want to get a commercial drone license, follow the steps that are mentioned in the following section.
Read more:
Can You Fly Drones in National Parks?
How Much Does a Commercial Drone License Cost?
What Constitutes Commercial Use of a Drone?
How To Get a Commercial Drone License USA?
How to get a commercial drone license USA?
In this section, you have to follow the steps and tips below to have a smooth experience of getting a commercial drone license in the USA.
To get your commercial license, you have to:
Stage 1: Create a profile on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application and get an FAA Tracking Number so you can register for the knowledge test.
Stage 2: The next step is to find a nearby FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center and schedule an appointment. Please ensure that you bring a government-issued picture ID when you schedule the test session.(faa.psiexams.com)
Stage 3: Study up on the subjects that will be on the first aeronautical knowledge exam. The FAA website lists the subject topics that will be covered in the knowledge exam.
If you want to retake the exam, you have to wait 14 calendar days and again pay the testing fee to retake the test.
Stage 4: To apply for a remote pilot certificate, fill out FAA Form 8710-13. (Apply for an FAA Airman Certificate and Upgrade)
- In order to access the FAA’s official website (IACRA), a username and password are required.
- Go to the “Start New Application” menu and choose “Pilot” as the application type.
- Select “Remote Pilot” from the Certifications menu. After entering your details, touch on “Application.”
- After you’ve followed the application’s instructions, input the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID.
- You are able to submit the application for processing after clicking the electronic signature.
Stage 5: After submitting your request to IACRA, you should soon get a confirmation email with instructions on how to print off a temporary remote pilot certificate.
And finally, when everything is done, you can get a permanent remote pilot certificate that is sent to your mail once all processing is complete.
What can you do with a commercial drone license?
Do you know how getting a license to fly a drone commercially will help you in your business and its expansion?
Here you can find some of the things you can do with a commercial drone license:
- Real estate photography and videography
- Building and infrastructure inspection
- Filmmaking and media production
- Insurance industry
- Energy and utilities
- Environmental monitoring and research
These are just some of the examples of many ways you can use a commercial drone license to start or enhance your own business or find employment in a variety of industries.
What license do I need to fly a drone commercially?
If you are looking for approved licenses to fly a drone commercially, you can consider applying for the following:
- Certificate of Completion (flight certificate for the A1 / A3 sub-category)
- Proficiency Certificate (flight license for the A2 sub-category)
- These certificates are valid in most EU countries.
Read more:
To tie-up
If you are planning to use your drone for commercial purposes, you have to know the steps to do it with relief and ease of mind.
As you know, operating drones for profit or compensation requires adherence to strict regulations, ensuring safety and responsible airspace usage.
In the US, obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate is the cornerstone for commercial drone operations. This license, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), establishes competency and proficiency in drone piloting, aligning with regulatory standards.
If you are still worried about the knowledge test or generally obtaining a license to fly a drone commercially, you can ask your questions in the section below. I will reply as soon as possible.
