If you want to fly a drone for any type of work, you need an FAA Part 107 certificate. This is the only commercial drone certification in the United States. Here is how to get it and what jobs you can do once you have it.
What counts as commercial drone use?
Any time you fly a drone and get paid, it is commercial use. It does not matter if the payment is cash, a product, or exposure. Common commercial drone jobs include:
- Real estate photos and video tours
- Roof and building inspections
- Mapping, surveying, and 3D modeling
- Agriculture and crop monitoring
- Construction progress tracking
- Film, TV, and event production
How to get your commercial drone certification
The process has four main steps. Study for the Part 107 knowledge test. Schedule the test at a PSI or CATS testing center ($175). Pass with a score of 70% or higher. Then apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate on IACRA. The TSA runs a background check. Most pilots get their temporary certificate within a few days.
How long does the whole process take?
- Study time: 10 to 20 hours for most people
- Test day: About 2 hours at the testing center
- TSA background check: A few days to a few weeks
- Total: Most pilots go from zero to certified in 2 to 4 weeks
Keep your certification current
Your Part 107 is good for 24 months. After that, you need to pass a free online recurrent test. The FAA does not send reminders. DroneLog107 tracks your deadline and sends push reminders before it hits. Free for one certificate.