A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a FAA Certified Remote Pilot

I am often asked about the requirements to become a certified drone pilot. Many are surpised that in order to fly professionally, you must be certified by the FAA.

Embarking on the journey to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Remote Pilot is an exciting endeavor, opening up a world of possibilities for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, for commercial purposes. This certification, governed by Part 107 of the FAA regulations, is a testament to your understanding of the rules, operational requirements, and safety procedures essential for flying drones responsibly.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, catering to both aspiring first-time pilots and existing Part 61 certificate holders, ensuring you are well-equipped with the knowledge to navigate the certification pathway successfully. The information presented herein is meticulously compiled from official FAA resources, including their primary website and the comprehensive Remote Pilot Study Guide, to offer an accurate and reliable roadmap.

The Path for First-Time Pilots

For individuals new to the world of aviation and aspiring to become certified remote pilots, the FAA has laid out a clear set of eligibility criteria and a structured process. To begin, prospective pilots must meet certain fundamental prerequisites. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of application. Proficiency in the English language is mandatory, encompassing the ability to read, speak, write, and understand English effectively.

Furthermore, a crucial aspect of eligibility is ensuring you are in a physical and mental condition that allows for the safe operation of a drone. The cornerstone of the certification for first-time pilots is passing the initial aeronautical knowledge examination, officially titled the "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)" test. This examination rigorously assesses your understanding of a wide array of topics pertinent to safe drone operations.

Once certified, the Remote Pilot Certificate is not merely a piece of paper but a responsibility. It must be readily accessible to you, the remote pilot, during all UAS operations. To ensure that your knowledge remains current and aligned with evolving best practices and regulations, the FAA mandates the completion of an online recurrent training course every 24 calendar months. This recurrent training is vital for maintaining aeronautical knowledge recency and upholding the validity of your certification.

The journey to obtaining your Remote Pilot Certificate as a first-time pilot involves several key steps. The first is to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is achieved by creating a profile in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system, an online portal managed by the FAA. This FTN is a prerequisite before you can register for the aeronautical knowledge test. Following this, you must schedule an appointment to take the knowledge test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Remember to bring a valid government-issued photo identification card with you to the testing center for verification purposes.

The most critical step is to successfully pass the "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)" initial aeronautical knowledge test. The breadth of topics covered in this examination is extensive, designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of safe drone operations. These topics include, but are not limited to, applicable regulations concerning small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operations; airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions that affect drone operations; aviation weather sources and the profound effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance; principles of small unmanned aircraft loading and performance characteristics; emergency procedures to handle unforeseen situations; crew resource management techniques; standard radio communication procedures; methods for determining the performance capabilities of small unmanned aircraft; the physiological effects of drugs and alcohol on pilot performance; aeronautical decision-making and sound judgment; airport operations in the vicinity of UAS; and essential maintenance and preflight inspection procedures, including operations at night.

After successfully passing the knowledge test, the next step is to complete FAA Form 8710-13, which is the official application for a remote pilot certificate. This form must be completed using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA) system. During the application process, you will be prompted to enter your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID. It is important to note that it may take up to 48 hours from the date you passed the test for the exam ID to become available and recognized within the IACRA system. Once the application is filled out, you will sign it electronically and submit it for processing.

Following the submission of your application, you will undergo a security background check conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Upon successful completion of this background check, the FAA will send you a confirmation email. This email will also contain instructions on how to print a temporary remote pilot certificate directly from the IACRA system. While you await your permanent certificate, this temporary certificate allows you to exercise the privileges of a certified remote pilot. The permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent to you via mail once all other FAA-internal processing and verifications are complete. Finally, and crucially, always ensure that you have your Remote Pilot Certificate readily available whenever you are operating your UAS. This is a regulatory requirement and a hallmark of a responsible, certified remote pilot.

The Path for Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders

For individuals who already hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61 (which includes recreational, private, commercial, and airline transport pilots) and have completed a flight review within the preceding 24 months, the FAA offers a streamlined pathway to obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate. The eligibility for this pathway hinges on these two conditions: holding a current Part 61 pilot certificate and having a valid flight review.

Similar to first-time pilots, existing Part 61 certificate holders who become remote pilots must ensure their Remote Pilot Certificate is easily accessible during all UAS operations. They are also subject to the same requirement of completing an online recurrent training course every 24 calendar months to maintain their aeronautical knowledge recency and keep their remote pilot privileges active.

The process for Part 61 certificate holders begins with creating an account, or logging into an existing one, on the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website, which is a valuable resource for aviation safety information and training. The next crucial step is to complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course. This course is specifically designed for Part 61 pilots and covers essential topics relevant to UAS operations, including applicable regulations, the effects of weather on small UAS performance, aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, determining UAS performance, maintenance and preflight inspection procedures, and operations at night. This online course effectively substitutes the requirement to take the initial aeronautical knowledge test at a testing center.

After completing the online training, you will need to create an account, or log into your existing one, in the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. Within IACRA, you will complete FAA Form 8710-13, the application for a remote pilot certificate. The system will guide you through the application prompts.

Once the online application is submitted, you must make an appointment to validate your identity with an authorized representative. This can be done at an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), with an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE), an airman certification representative (ACR), or an FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI). During this appointment, you will need to present your completed Form 8710-13 (printed from IACRA), proof of your current flight review (typically your logbook endorsement), a valid photo ID, and the certificate of completion for the Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course.

It is important to note that while CFIs can process your application, they are not authorized to issue temporary airman certificates. If you wish to receive a temporary certificate promptly, you should choose one of the other listed representatives. The representative will review your documentation, sign your application, and, if applicable, issue you a temporary airman certificate. Your permanent remote pilot certificate will then be processed by the FAA and sent to you via U.S. mail within several weeks. As with all certified remote pilots, you must ensure your Remote Pilot Certificate is readily available whenever you operate your UAS.

Maintaining Your Remote Pilot Certification

Obtaining your Remote Pilot Certificate is a significant achievement, but it is equally important to maintain the currency of your aeronautical knowledge. The FAA mandates that all certified remote pilots, regardless of whether they were first-time applicants or existing Part 61 certificate holders, must complete an online recurrent training course every 24 calendar months to continue exercising the privileges of their Part 107 certificate.

This ensures that pilots remain updated on the latest regulations, safety procedures, and operational best practices in the rapidly evolving field of unmanned aircraft systems.

There are specific online recurrent training courses available, tailored to different pilot profiles. For any individual who holds a Part 107 remote pilot certificate, irrespective of their aeronautical knowledge recency or whether they also hold a Part 61 certificate, the required course is the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) online training. This course is offered free of charge on the FAASTeam website.

For those Part 107 remote pilots who are also currently certificated under Part 61 and have a current flight review, there is an alternative recurrent training option: the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-515) online training course. This course is also available at no cost on the FAASTeam website and is specifically designed to meet their recurrent training needs. Successfully completing the appropriate online recurrent training within the 24-calendar-month timeframe is essential for legally operating a UAS under Part 107.

For further in-depth understanding of the standards and knowledge areas, pilots are encouraged to consult the Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document, which is available as a PDF on the FAA website. This document provides a detailed outline of the knowledge and skills expected of a certified remote pilot.

Becoming an FAA Certified Remote Pilot is a commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous learning. By diligently following the outlined steps and adhering to the ongoing requirements, you can confidently and legally operate your drone for a wide range of commercial applications, contributing to the innovative and expanding world of unmanned aviation.