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                        Become a Drone Pilot


            
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                Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
    

    
    
        
          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.

Are you a first time pilot or an existing Part 61 Certificate holder?

Do you need to keep your Remote Pilot Certificate current?

Not sure what type of drone flyer you are? We can help you!

First-Time Pilots

Eligibility

To become a pilot you must:

Be at least 16 years old
	Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
	Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
	Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)"Requirements for Remote Pilot Certificate:

Must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
	Certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recencyNavigating the Process to Become a Drone Pilot:

Step 1: Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with a FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to your test.

Step 3: Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)". Knowledge test topic areas include:

Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
	Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
	Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
	Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
	Emergency procedures
	Crew resource management
	Radio communication procedures
	Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
	Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
	Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
	Airport operations
	Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
	Operation at nightStep 4: Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*

Login with username and password
	Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
	Follow application prompts
	When prompted, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (Note: it may take up to 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA)
	Sign the application electronically and submit for processing.Step 5: A confirmation email will be sent when an applicant has completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.

Step 6: A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.

Step 7: Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly your UAS.

Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders

Eligibility:

Must hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61
	Must have completed a flight review within the previous 24 monthsRequirements for Remote Pilot Certificate:

Must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
	Certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recencyNavigating the Process to Become a Drone Pilot:

Step 1: Create an account, or log into your existing account, on the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website.

Step 2: Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course. The course will cover these topic areas:

Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
	Effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
	Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
	Emergency procedures
	Crew resource management
	Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
	Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
	Operation at nightStep 3: Create an account, or log into your existing account, in IACRA.

Step 4: Complete Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) in IACRA.

Login with username and password
	Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
	Follow application prompts
	Sign the application electronically and submit for processing.Step 5: Make an appointment with one of the following entities to validate your identity. Bring your completed Form 8710-13, proof of your current flight review, photo ID, and your online course completion certificate.

At an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
	With an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE)
	An airman certification representative (ACR)
	An FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI)*Please note: * CFIs cannot issue temporary certificates. They can process applications for applicants who do not want a temporary certificate.

Step 6: The representative will sign your application and issue you a temporary airman certificate.

You'll receive your permanent certificate via U.S. mail within several weeks.Step 7: Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly your UAS.

Keep Your Remote Pilot Certificate Current

It is important for all pilots, including Certified Remote Pilots, to keep their aviation knowledge up to date. If you have a Remote Pilot Certificate, you are required to have completed one of the following online training courses within the previous 24 calendar months to operate UAS under part 107:

Anyone who holds a part 107 remote pilot certificate (regardless of aeronautical knowledge recency):

Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) online training course (no cost)Part 107 remote pilots who are also certificated with a current flight review under part 61:

Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-515) online training course (no cost)You can read the Remote Pilot –Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards (PDF).
      
        

          Last updated: Thursday, February 15, 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation

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