Ready to elevate your hobby to new heights and take the plunge into the world of professional drone piloting? Your interests could give you an edge in a field that’s increasing in popularity. This article will guide you on the path towards becoming a certified drone pilot. From understanding the basic necessities, gaining the required skills, passing specific examinations, to maintaining your qualification, we’re going to cover all you need to know. Buckle up and get ready for a journey that will take you to soaring new horizons in your career.
Understanding the Importance of Certification
As drone technology advances and finds application in various fields, it is paramount to understand the importance of being a certified pilot. It is much like driving; to ensure safety and compliance with the law, a driver requires a license.
Difference between a hobbyist and a professional drone pilot
Simply put, a hobbyist flies drones for personal enjoyment while a professional drone pilot does so for commercial purposes, like surveying land, shooting films, agricultural uses, and many more. As you shadow the path of becoming a professional pilot, your drone’s purpose shifts from being merely recreational to a tool for business objectives. This necessitates a move from self-regulation to being governed by a set of laws to uphold safety and efficiency.
Benefits of becoming a certified drone pilot
By getting drone pilot certification, you open doors to pursue this hobby as a professional pursuit. Certification sets you apart in the ever-growing drone industry, making you more appealing to potential employers. It provides proof of your understanding and competency in piloting drones, adhering to legal and safety regulations.
Legal obligations and laws for certified drone pilots
Becoming a certified drone pilot comes with responsibilities. It means you are well versed in air laws, ethical standards, safety protocols, and privacy regulations. You need to ensure that your drone operations abide by these laws at all times.
Exploring the World of Drones
Before embarking on your journey as a drone pilot, having a good understanding about the world of drones and their varied applications is helpful.
Different types of drones
Drones come in all shapes and sizes and are used for multiple purposes. But generally, drones are designed based on their use, like fixed-wing drones for long distances, single rotor drones for heavy lifting, and multi-rotor drones for photography and videography. Specific knowledge about their differences will assist you on your way to becoming a licensed drone pilot.
Using drones for photography and videography
One of the most common applications of drones is in the field of photography and videography. Drones have revolutionized aerial shots, allowing for magnificent, high-definition, overhead views that were previously only possible with a helicopter or plane. Learning how to maneuver drones skillfully for capturing striking visual content can be a very lucrative skill in this digital age.
Employment opportunities for drone pilots
Drone pilots are in increasing demand in sectors like real estate, construction, agriculture, delivery services, emergency services, and filmmaking. Having a certification can make you a viable candidate for these opportunities.
Knowing the Prerequisites for Drone Pilot Certification
Before starting the certification process, you must meet certain prerequisites.
Age and nationality criteria
In the USA, you must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Also, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Language proficiency
English language proficiency is mandatory as it is the official language of aviation.
Physical & Mental fitness requirements
You must be in good physical and mental condition to fly a drone. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be an athlete, but you should not suffer from any ailments that could impair your ability to operate a drone safely.
The Process of Getting Certified
Next comes the certification process which includes the Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA, completing the FAA’s Part 107 Application Process, and passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
Obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
To legally fly drones for commercial purposes in the U.S., you must obtain the Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Completing the FAA’s Part 107 Application Process
This is a crucial and mandatory step to get your drone pilot certification. The Part 107 rule has to do with the commercial usage of drones. You will need to understand this extensively and pass a test to complete this application.
Passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test
Called the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) test, this is a crucial part of the certification process. It evaluates your understanding about the operation of drones in accordance with FAA’s guidelines.
Examining the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test
To confidently pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test, you need to know what to expect.
Detailed information about the test
The test is a multiple-choice questionnaire featuring 60 questions, which must be answered within a span of 2 hours. It is computer-based and available at many testing centers.
Topics covered under the test
The test covers diverse topics that include weather and micrometeorology, regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft, radio communication procedures, and airport operations.
Exam format and duration
As mentioned earlier, the exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice questionnaire. The given duration is 2 hours.
Preparing for the Knowledge Test
Preparation is key to passing the knowledge test with flying colors. You need to dedicate time to understand drone operations and FAA regulations.
Study resources and materials
Numerous study resources are available including online prep courses, books, and even YouTube tutorials. Exploring these materials will significantly contribute towards helping you pass the knowledge test.
Understanding FAA’s drone laws and regulations
It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the FAA laws and regulations related to drone piloting. This will not only help you with the knowledge test but will also be a crucial part of your ongoing drone operations.
Familiarizing with drone technicalities and flight operations
Before you fly a drone, you must understand how it works. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with drone mechanics will prove beneficial when you’re finally behind the controls.
Registering for the Knowledge Test
Once you’re well-prepared, the next step is to register for the knowledge test.
Test registration process
You can register online for the test via FAA’s website. The website walks you through the steps to schedule your test.
Fee structure and payment methods
The test fee is $150, non-refundable and payable at the time of scheduling the test. You can conveniently pay through credit/debit cards.
Choosing a test center and scheduling an exam date
FAA’s website also provides a list of test centers. You can select the most convenient one for you and schedule your exam date.
Taking the Knowledge Test
The day has arrived and it’s time to put your knowledge to the test.
Arriving at the test center
Ensure you arrive at the test center well ahead of the scheduled time. This provides enough time to settle down and calm your nerves before the test.
What to expect during the test
Be prepared for an exhaustive test that covers diverse topics. If you’ve prepared well, there’s nothing to worry about. Just take your time and answer wisely.
Guidelines for answering the questions
Read the questions carefully and ensure you understand each one before making your choice. Remember, you have 2 hours – there’s no rush.
Passing the Knowledge Test
Just taking the test isn’t enough. You need to pass it to proceed to the next level and become certified.
Understanding the passing score
The passing score for the test is 70%. This means you must answer at least 42 questions correctly out of the total 60 questions.
Reviewing the test results
After you’ve completed the test, you will receive your results. If you pass, you will be given instructions to complete the FAA Form 8710-13 online, for a remote pilot certificate.
Retaking the test if necessary
If you didn’t pass, don’t lose heart. You can retake the test after 14 days. Use this time to review and strengthen your weak areas.
Maintaining and Renewing the Certification
Once you are a certified drone pilot, it’s crucial to renew and maintain your certification to continue flying legally.
Importance of the biennial flight review
FAA requires you to update your knowledge every two years. You can do this by passing a recurrent knowledge test or by taking an online training course.
Renewal process and guidelines
You can renew your certification seamlessly by booking and passing your recurrent knowledge test.
Staying updated with drone laws and regulations
Laws and regulations may change, and it’s your duty as a certified drone pilot to stay updated. Regular revisions and staying linked with a network of drone enthusiasts may serve well to keep yourself informed.
Hone your skills, fly safely, and keep soaring high in the sky. Becoming a certified drone pilot is a journey that can take you to new heights, quite literally! Enjoy the flight!
