On June 21st, 2016, the FAA finalized a new regulatory framework for small unmanned aerial systems. Titled Part 107, these new regulations effectively create a new drone certification process that covers the majority of low-risk, commercial sUAS flight operations.
These new regulations were implemented on Monday, August 29th 2016.
This guide covers the basics of what it means to become a commercially certified drone pilot in the U.S. and how you can prepare for the operating provisions of Part 107.
Under Part 107, which the FAA announced on June 21st, 2016 and implemented on August 29th, 2016, commercial drone operators are required to:
Those represent just a few details about Part 107. Want to learn more? You can read an overview of the ruling here, or you can download the full 624-page ruling here:
For those who need to operate outside the flight and mission parameters of Part 107, you’ll need to gain additional permission from the FAA through a waiver process. Things like flying at night, operating beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS), etc.
Check out Drone Pilot Ground School.
It’s an at-home Part 107 test prep and commercial drone training course for those of you looking to become certified under Part 107.
Yes we’re biased, because we built it, but we’re really proud of the training content and wholeheartedly believe we offer the best training product (and company support) of anyone else in the drone industry.
The course includes 30+ lectures that cover a wide variety of topics, including:
You can learn more about our full training curriculum and methodology here.
It’s live! You can take it whenever you’re ready to get certified.
Here’s what the drone pilot test looks like:
Here’s a breakdown of the questions, by knowledge topic.