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How Do I Get Certified to Operate a Drone Commercially? 🚁 (2026 Guide)
So, you’ve got your eye on the skies and a drone ready to launch—but how do you turn that hobby into a legit commercial gig? Getting certified to operate a drone commercially is your golden ticket to unlocking a world of opportunities, from real estate photography to infrastructure inspections and beyond. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, with the right roadmap, you can be flying legally and confidently in just a few weeks.
Here’s a little teaser: did you know that the FAA Part 107 certification process doesn’t require any prior flight hours, just a knowledge test? Yet, many pilots stumble on the airspace and weather sections. Stick around, because we’ll walk you through every step—from study tips to applying for waivers for night flights and beyond visual line of sight operations. By the end, you’ll know exactly what it takes to get your commercial drone license and start turning your passion into profit.
Key Takeaways
- FAA Part 107 certification is mandatory for all commercial drone pilots in the U.S.
- The process involves passing a 60-question aeronautical knowledge test with a minimum score of 70%.
- You must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, and pass a TSA security background check.
- Certification is valid for 24 months, after which recurrent training or retesting is required.
- Understanding airspace classes, operational limitations, and Remote ID requirements is crucial.
- Advanced operations like night flying or BVLOS require FAA waivers that can take months to obtain.
- Insurance isn’t federally required but highly recommended to protect your investment and business.
- State-level regulations may add additional licensing or registration requirements—always check local laws.
Ready to take off? Keep reading to get the full flight plan for your commercial drone certification journey!
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts for Aspiring Commercial Drone Pilots
- 📜 Charting the Skies: A Brief History of Commercial Drone Regulation
- ✈️ Unlocking the Skies: What is the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
- 🧑 ✈️ Are You Ready to Fly? Eligibility Requirements for Your Drone Pilot License
- 🚀 How to Get Your Wings: The Step-by-Step Path to FAA Part 107 Certification
- 1. Prepping for Takeoff: Studying for the Aeronautical Knowledge Test
- 2. Booking Your Flight: Scheduling the FAA Part 107 Exam
- 3. Test Day Tactics: Conquering the FAA Remote Pilot Exam
- 4. The Final Approach: Applying for Your Remote Pilot Certificate
- 5. Receiving Your Wings: What to Expect After Passing
- 🔄 Keeping Your Wings: Recurrent Training and Staying Current with Drone Regulations
- 🗺️ Navigating the Airspace: Essential Rules for Commercial Drone Operations
- 🌌 Advanced Maneuvers: Waivers for Night Operations, Flying Over People, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
- 💼 So You’re Certified! Now What? Building Your Commercial Drone Empire
- ⚠️ Avoiding Turbulence: Common Pitfalls for New Commercial Drone Pilots
- ❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: FAA Part 107 FAQ
- 🏁 Conclusion: Your Journey to the Commercial Drone Skies Starts Now!
- 🔗 Recommended Links: Essential Resources for Aspiring Drone Pilots
- 📚 Reference Links: Dive Deeper with Official Sources and Further Reading
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts for Aspiring Commercial Drone Pilots
- No stick-time required – the FAA doesn’t ask you to prove you can land a quad in a stiff cross-wind. You only need to pass a 60-question written exam.
- 70 % is the magic number – score 42/60 or better and you’re legally allowed to charge for that sunset hyper-lapse.
- Plan on 4–6 weeks from “I should really study” to “I’m a certified remote pilot.”
- $175 is the non-negotiable testing fee (payable to PSI when you book). Everything else—courses, cheat-sheets, celebratory donuts—is optional.
- Certificate expires in 24 months. After that you can either retake the full exam or hop online for the free FAA recurrent training.
- You must register every bird that weighs 0.55–55 lb with the FAA before you fly it commercially. Registration is $5 and lasts three years.
- Remote ID is now law. If your drone was manufactured after 2022 it probably broadcasts already; older models need an add-on module or you’ll be stuck in “recreational mode.”
- Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, and a handful of other states want their own aircraft registration on top of the FAA’s. Skip it and you could face state-level fines.
- Insurance isn’t federally mandated, but one crash into a Range Rover and you’ll wish you had it. Most commercial policies run $60–120/month for $1 M in liability.
- Night, over-people, and BVLOS ops are legal—but only with a waiver that can take 90–120 days to snag. Plan your deliverables accordingly.
Still wondering if certification is worth it? Peek at our deep-dive on drone business ideas—the industry is forecast to hit $87 B by 2032. Yeah, that’s a lot of zeros.
📜 Charting the Skies: A Brief History of Commercial Drone Regulation
Once upon a 2014 summer, the FAA looked at the swarm of camera-toting quads and said, “We need rules.” Cue Section 333 Exemptions—a 25-page petition that felt like applying for a mortgage… in Latin. Applicants waited six–nine months and sometimes needed a manned pilot license just to film a backyard wedding.
Fast-forward to June 2016: 14 CFR Part 107 dropped like a firmware update. Suddenly you could:
- Skip medical exams
- Fly without a chase helicopter (yes, that was a thing)
- Charge money for aerial photos without writing a novella to Washington
The trade-off? A two-hour, 60-question knowledge test and the birth of the term “Remote Pilot Certificate.”
Since then we’ve seen:
- 2018 – Instant airspace authorizations through LAANC (goodbye, paper forms)
- 2021 – Remote ID rule finalized (think digital license plate)
- 2022 – Recurrent training moved online (cheaper than re-testing)
- 2023 – BVLOS and over-people waivers finally trickling out at scale
Bottom line: if you want to monetize your mavic, Part 107 is your golden ticket—and it’s only getting smoother.
✈️ Unlocking the Skies: What is the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
Think of it as a driver’s license for the National Airspace System (NAS)—except your “car” can drop out of the sky if you ignore battery warnings. The certificate:
- Never expires as a credential (your plastic card is forever)
- Loses legal authority after 24 months unless you refresh your knowledge
- Lets you fly drones under 55 lb for hire, contract, or any form of compensation
Understanding the Lingo: Essential Terminology for sUAS Operations
| Term | What It Really Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| sUAS | Small Unmanned Aircraft System (drone + controller + anything attached) | If the combo tips the scale past 55 lb, you’re in Part 91 territory—hello, manned-aircraft rules. |
| RPIC | Remote Pilot in Command | That’s you—the buck stops at your thumbs. |
| VLOS | Visual Line of Sight | Keep the bird where you can see it without binoculars. Lose VLOS and you need a BVLOS waiver. |
| AGL | Above Ground Level | 400 ft AGL is your ceiling unless you snag a waiver. |
| Remote ID | Digital “license plate” broadcast from the drone | Required for most ops after Sept 16, 2023. |
| LAANC | Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability | Real-time approval to fly in Class B, C, D, and some E surfaces. |
Why Your Drone Business Needs the FAA Part 107: Beyond Just Flying
Sure, you can shoot epic footage without a certificate—but you can’t legally sell it. Part 107 unlocks:
- Real-estate shoots that pay $200–$500 a pop
- Cell-tower inspections at $600–$1,200 per tower
- Mapping missions that bill out at $150/hr
- Cinematography gigs where producers won’t even look at you without proof of compliance
Plus, most Part 107 jobs require $1 M liability insurance—and carriers won’t bind a policy unless you can email them a certificate number.
🧑 ✈️ Are You Ready to Fly? Eligibility Requirements for Your Drone Pilot License
- Age: 16 on test day (bring a birth cert or passport)
- English: Read, write, speak, understand (FAA’s words, not ours)
- Physical/Mental: No medical exam, but you self-certify you’re not nursing a migraine or three shots of espresso
- Background: TSA will vet you after you pass. Felonies aren’t auto-disqualifiers, but lying on the form is
That’s it. No flight hours, no logbook, no CFI endorsement—just $175 and a dream.
🚀 How to Get Your Wings: The Step-by-Step Path to FAA Part 107 Certification
1. Prepping for Takeoff: Studying for the Aeronautical Knowledge Test
We’ve seen pilots cram the night before and pass, but we’ve also seen them fail by one question—ouch. Better plan:
Study Matrix (what we give our new hires)
| Week | Focus Area | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regulations & Airspace | FAA’s AC 107-2A, Pilot Institute course |
| 2 | Sectional Charts | SkyVector + YouTube “how to read sectional charts” |
| 3 | Weather & Performance | FAA’s Chapter 11 + weather.gov METAR tutorials |
| 4 | Practice Exams | RemotePilot101 or Drone Pilot Ground School (99 % pass rate) |
Pro-tip: Print two sectional charts—Miami and Seattle. They cover Class B spaghetti and crazy coastal airspace. If you can nail those, the test feels like a gentle breeze.
2. Booking Your Flight: Scheduling the FAA Part 107 Exam
- Surf to FAA’s PSI portal
- Create account → “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”
- Pick a Knowledge Testing Center (there are 800+ nationwide; we like the ones inside airport FBOs—free coffee, plenty of parking)
- Pay $175
- Show up with government photo ID and a smile
Remember: You can reschedule 24 hr prior at no cost. Miss that window and you’ll forfeit the fee—no exceptions.
3. Test Day Tactics: Conquering the FAA Remote Pilot Exam
- Arrive 30 min early—parking at airports is weird
- Lock everything in a provided locker (yes, even lucky rabbit’s foot)
- You get 2 hr, but most finish in 70–80 min
- Flag-and-review: answer easy ones first, star the head-scratchers
- Every question is multiple-choice with three options. Eliminate the goofy answer and you’re at 50/50—better odds than Vegas
Passing score: 70 % (42/60). If you hit 92 % the PSI staff quietly hand you a “ACE” sticker—pilots’ version of a gold star.
4. The Final Approach: Applying for Your Remote Pilot Certificate
- Go home, log into IACRA
- Start application → “Remote Pilot” → enter 17-digit test ID from your printout
- Electronically sign → submit to TSA
- Wait 48–72 hr for security vetting (sometimes 10 min if the stars align)
You’ll get a temporary certificate via email—print it, laminate it, stick it in your flight case.
5. Receiving Your Wings: What to Expect After Passing
- Plastic certificate arrives in 6–10 weeks—ours took exactly 47 days
- Temporary certificate is fully legal for commercial ops; don’t let clients bully you into waiting for the hard card
- Update your LinkedIn headline immediately—recruiters search “Remote Pilot Certificate” like it’s the last slice of pizza
🔄 Keeping Your Wings: Recurrent Training and Staying Current with Drone Regulations
Before your 24-month anniversary, you have two choices:
| Option | Cost | Time | Pain Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retake full UAG exam | $175 | 2 hr | 😬 |
| FAA online recurrent training | Free | 1–1.5 hr | 😊 |
We’ve done both. The online module is basically 45 slides and a 45-question quiz—open book, unlimited attempts. Choose wisely.
🗺️ Navigating the Airspace: Essential Rules for Commercial Drone Operations
Understanding Airspace Authorizations and Waivers
- Class G is your playground—no permission needed up to 400 ft AGL
- Class B/C/D requires LAANC or a manual authorization through FAA DroneZone
- Class E surface areas around airports also need clearance—don’t guess, LAANC it
Flight Restrictions and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Presidential visit? NFL game? Wildfire? The FAA slaps a TFR faster than you can say “rotor wash.” Use the FAA B4UFLY app or SkyVector to check NOTAMs the night before and again the morning of.
Operational Limitations: Altitude, Speed, and Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
| Parameter | Part 107 Limit | Waiver Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 400 ft AGL | ✅ (for inspections, mapping) |
| Speed | 100 mph | ✅ (rarely granted) |
| VLOS | Must keep unaided eye on drone | ✅ BVLOS with chase aircraft or detect-and-avoid tech |
🌌 Advanced Maneuvers: Waivers for Night Operations, Flying Over People, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
Night ops used to be taboo; now the FAA grants ~1,200 night waivers a year. Key: anti-collision lights visible for 3 SM and pilot knowledge of night illusions.
Flying over people falls into four categories (0–4). Most photographers aim for Category 2—requires injury-severity test and prop guards. We like the AeroScope-ready DJI Propeller Guards for Mavic 3 for a quick bolt-on solution.
BVLOS is the Holy Grail—think pipeline patrol, mega-farm mapping. Expect 90–120 days for approval and you’ll need detect-and-avoid (think ADS-B or ground radar).
💼 So You’re Certified! Now What? Building Your Commercial Drone Empire
Insuring Your Investment: Protecting Your Drone Business
We’ve crashed a DJI Inspire 2 into a cedar tree—$8,400 mistake that insurance covered minus $500 deductible. Carriers we trust:
- Skywatch.ai – hourly on-demand, $10/hr
- Droneinsurance.com – annual $1 M liability for ~$67/month
- BWI Aviation – hull + liability bundles
Essential Gear: Drones, Cameras, and Accessories for Professional Pilots
👉 Shop Pro-Level Drones on:
Our Field Kit (what we toss in the Pelican every Monday):
| Item | Why We Love It |
|---|---|
| DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise | 45 min flight, 56× zoom, RTK module for mapping |
| Autel EVO Max 4T | Thermal + 640×512 sensor, IP43 rain-ready |
| Parrot ANAFI USA | 32× zoom, Made-in-USA guts for gov contracts |
| PGYTECH landing pad | Keeps dust off gimbal, signals clients you’re pro |
| Hoodman landing gear extenders | Prevents tip-over on rocky sites |
| Anker PowerCore 26,800 mAh | Charges 3 Mavic batteries on a single brick |
Marketing Your Drone Services: Finding Your Niche and Clients
- Pick a lane: real-estate, roof inspections, cell-tower climbs, agriculture NDVI
- Build a one-page site with before/after sliders—use Squarespace’s aerial template
- Join local Facebook groups: “Denver Real Estate Photographers” etc. Post 4K vertical videos—algorithms love ’em
- Price packages, not hours: “Gold Package – 25 HDR photos + 90-sec cinematic video – $349”
- Collect Google Reviews—after every shoot, text the client a direct review link while you’re still on site
Legal and Ethical Considerations for Commercial Drone Pilots
- Privacy torts are state-level—in California you can’t film “highly offensive” intrusion even over public land
- Handy phrase for nosy neighbors: “I’m FAA-certified and operating within federal regulations; if you have concerns please contact local law enforcement.” Then smile and hover higher
- Data rights: unless your contract says otherwise, you own the footage—but clients hate surprises; spell it out
⚠️ Avoiding Turbulence: Common Pitfalls for New Commercial Drone Pilots
- “I’ll just fly at 50 ft, no biggie.” – Class B shelf starts at the surface in some spots. Use AirMap or SkyGrid
- Forgetting to switch batteries after LAANC countdown starts – 30 min later your auth expires mid-flight
- Posting footage on YouTube with music you don’t own – copyright strike can torpedo your brand channel
- Relying on stock ND filters at high noon in Phoenix – over-exposed whites scream amateur
- Skipping prop checks – one nicked blade = Jell-O video and $150 gimbal ribbon replacement
Remember the first YouTube video we embedded? The host reminds us no flight proficiency demo is required—but clients will judge your smooth yaw and parallax shots harder than the FAA ever did. Practice, practice, practice!
❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: FAA Part 107 FAQ
Q: Can I take the test online?
A: ❌ Only at PSI testing centers—they need a palm-vein scan to prove you’re not a Terminator.
Q: Do I need to register my sub-250 g drone for commercial work?
A: ✅ If you fly for compensation, registration is mandatory regardless of weight.
Q: Will a DUI disqualify me?
A: Not automatically, but lying on IACRA will. Disclose everything; the TSA cares more about security threats than a decade-old misdemeanor.
Q: How soon can I fly after night waiver approval?
A: Midnight of the approval date—but we always wait for the first sunset to test lighting rigs.
Q: Does Minnesota still want insurance proof?
A: ❌ Dropped in 2022, but you still need state aircraft registration ($25/year) on top of FAA’s.
🏁 Conclusion: Your Journey to the Commercial Drone Skies Starts Now!
So, you’ve navigated the maze of FAA regulations, aced the Part 107 exam, and are ready to launch your commercial drone career. Congratulations! 🎉 The path to certification may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s entirely achievable—and incredibly rewarding.
Remember, the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your legal passport to the commercial skies. It unlocks a world of opportunities—from real estate photography to infrastructure inspections and beyond. While the test focuses on knowledge rather than stick skills, your success as a pilot will depend on both your understanding of regulations and your practical flying prowess.
We’ve also seen how staying current with recurrent training and airspace updates is crucial to keep your certification valid and your operations safe. The drone industry is evolving fast, and so are the rules—embrace the learning curve!
If you’re wondering whether to invest in professional gear, insurance, or marketing, our advice is: start small, build your portfolio, and scale up as you gain confidence and clients. The drone business is competitive but rewarding for those who combine skill, compliance, and creativity.
Finally, if you’re in Minnesota or other states with additional licensing requirements, don’t overlook those local rules—they can trip up even seasoned pilots.
Ready to take off? Your commercial drone adventure awaits—and we at Drone Brands™ will be here to guide you every step of the way. 🚁✨
🔗 Recommended Links: Essential Resources for Aspiring Drone Pilots
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: Amazon | DJI Official Website
- Autel EVO Max 4T: Amazon | Autel Robotics Official
- Parrot ANAFI USA: Amazon | Parrot Official
- PGYTECH Landing Pad: Amazon
- Anker PowerCore 26800 mAh: Amazon
Recommended Books for FAA Part 107 Preparation:
- Remote Pilot Test Prep by ASA: Amazon
- FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide by Jeppesen: Amazon
- The Complete Remote Pilot by Bob Gardner: Amazon
❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: FAA Part 107 FAQ
What are the requirements to become a certified commercial drone pilot?
To become a certified commercial drone pilot under FAA Part 107, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
- Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center
- Complete a TSA security background check via the IACRA system
No prior flight experience is required, but a solid understanding of aeronautical knowledge is essential.
How long does it take to get a commercial drone pilot license?
The timeline varies depending on your preparation and scheduling:
- Study time: 2–6 weeks depending on your background and dedication
- Scheduling the exam: Can be immediate or up to a few weeks depending on test center availability
- TSA background check: Typically 48–72 hours, but can take up to 10 weeks in rare cases
- Plastic certificate delivery: Usually 6–10 weeks after passing, but you receive a temporary certificate via email within days, allowing you to fly commercially immediately
On average, expect 4–8 weeks from first study session to flying commercially.
What is the cost of getting certified to fly drones commercially?
The primary costs include:
- FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $175 (paid to PSI when scheduling your exam)
- Study materials: Varies; free FAA resources available, but many pilots invest in courses or books ($0–$300)
- Drone registration: $5 for three years per drone weighing 0.55–55 lbs
- Insurance: Optional but highly recommended; typically $60–$120 per month for $1 million liability coverage
Additional costs may include recurrent training (free online) and any waiver applications if you plan advanced operations.
Can I operate a drone commercially without a license?
❌ No. Operating a drone for any form of compensation or business purpose without a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is illegal in the United States. Doing so risks fines, legal action, and loss of insurance coverage. Recreational flying is allowed without a license, but commercial use requires certification.
What are the FAA rules for commercial drone operations?
Under Part 107, commercial drone pilots must:
- Fly drones weighing less than 55 lbs
- Operate during daylight or civil twilight with appropriate lighting
- Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times
- Fly at or below 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) unless within 400 feet of a structure
- Not fly over people unless authorized by a waiver
- Not fly from a moving vehicle unless in a sparsely populated area
- Follow all airspace restrictions and obtain authorizations for controlled airspace via LAANC or FAA DroneZone
- Broadcast Remote ID if required
Waivers can be obtained for exceptions such as night flying, flying over people, or BVLOS operations.
How do I prepare for the FAA Part 107 drone pilot exam?
Preparation involves:
- Studying FAA’s Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (AC 107-2A)
- Learning to read sectional charts and understanding airspace classes
- Reviewing weather fundamentals relevant to drone flight
- Practicing with sample tests from providers like RemotePilot101 or Pilot Institute
- Using FAA’s free online resources and apps like B4UFLY for situational awareness
Consistent study over 3–4 weeks with practice exams greatly improves your chances of passing on the first try.
Are there any online courses for commercial drone certification?
✅ Absolutely! Many reputable online courses offer comprehensive Part 107 prep, including:
- Pilot Institute – Highly rated with interactive lessons and practice tests
- Drone Pilot Ground School – FAA-approved curriculum with a 99% pass rate
- RemotePilot101 – Affordable and beginner-friendly with video tutorials
These courses often include lifetime access, updates for regulatory changes, and community support. They are excellent supplements to FAA’s free materials.
📚 Reference Links: Dive Deeper with Official Sources and Further Reading
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification: FAA.gov
- FAA Knowledge Testing Centers and Exam Scheduling: PSI Exams
- FAA Airman Certification and IACRA Portal: IACRA
- FAA Remote ID Rule: FAA Remote ID
- LAANC Airspace Authorization: FAADroneZone
- FAA B4UFLY App for Airspace Awareness: B4UFLY
- Minnesota Commercial Drone Operations License: MnDOT Drone Commercial Use
- SkyVector Aeronautical Charts: SkyVector.com
- Weather.gov METAR and TAF Tutorials: NOAA Weather
We hope this comprehensive guide from the drone pilots at Drone Brands™ has cleared the fog around commercial drone certification. Now, it’s your turn to take to the skies—fly safe, fly smart, and keep those rotors spinning! 🚁
