Drone Certification: How to Pass FAA Part 107

[@JohnSims3]

I aced my Part 107 test today and scored 100% thanks to your videos! THANK YOU and I greatly appreciate the time it took for you to make and post this video! :D

[@tombuck]

Congrats!! 100% is beyond my 93%, so you're clearly crushing it!

[@stackstudios]

Wow! Congrats! Just curious, how many days or weeks did you study before taking the test? I'm prepping now for mine.

[@vkmenon]

Great tips, helped me narrow down all the information available out there, took the test today, passed with a 97%

[@tombuck]

Woah congrats! You beat my 93% haha! Happy flying.

[@HeatherRamirez]

OH SNAP! Throwback to my fiance's first video. LOOK HOW CUTE YOU ARE MAKING KZbin VIDS OVER THERE! Sharing your knowledge and everything. THAT'S MY BABY!! ;)

[@ranplan]

Thanks so much for this! I’ve followed you off and on for a few years and just had the random urge to binge your videos as someone that motivates me and makes me worry less about putting myself out there on video. Anyway, I’m going back through your old videos and I’m glad I watched this one. I’ve always wanted to get a drone but felt super overwhelmed with getting the license, but I knew it’s something I would definitely need to do. After doing some quick research years ago, I saw classes that were $1000-$2500 and thought this was the only way. So I put it off because I couldn’t imagine spending all the money on a drone plus classes and licensing, when I have no plans to make that much money using the drone (at least not in the short term). This video is gonna make me buy a drone asap. Haha. Thanks for all you done my dude! You are slowing pushing me to hit publish on KZbin. So thanks again!

[@tombuck]

Wow this is so awesome to hear! 1. I’m really happy the video was helpful! The info is all still relevant and getting your Part 107 is super achievable. They also changed the renewal process so now it can be done online for free every two years. 2. So happy that this also helped provide some KZbin motivation! It’s definitely worth getting started. I think I spent an hour and a half just setting up some borrowed lights for this video and 2 days writing/practicing the script. I was SO nervous 😬 Turns out everything was fine though, and starting out with a video that had a clear purpose really helped. Good luck!

[@FR54321]

want to take a moment to personally thank you for taking the time to put out this information. Something as simple as where and how to take the Part 107 exam had been overlooked. I actually searched online for my area FAA approved testing facility and found two of them. I had been calling and leaving messages ALL week and got no response. A quick look at your video and I simply followed the link you included below and I was able to book everything online for December 6th and pay for it. Piece of cake!Thanks again and wish me luck

[@windmillerdl]

I went through exactly what you described in researching and understanding how to go about getting certified and attempting to study for this test. And I came across the two videos you recommend. Hit it spot on! Tony is awesome. You did a great job breaking it down for people looking to get this done, wish I found your video first.

[@tombuck]

Ha, thanks Dan! I wish you had found it sooner too. There’s a lot of great info out there but there’s also a lot of redundant and incomplete info. Good luck on your exam!

[@jasona9231]

Great video, excellent advice! I passed with a 97% on March 15, 2021. I took almost the full 2 hours given for the exam and made sure that I paid super close attention to every question and every answer choice. I guess it paid off. Thank you for making this great video and I wish you great success!

[@tombuck]

Congratulations! That's exactly the way to do it. I'll need to renew again in a few months, so I'll have to review all these things.

[@PrimitiveTim]

Thanks Tom! I got an 88% on my test today! I appreciate you so much!

[@tombuck]

Woo hoo! Congrats and happy flying!

[@GeneMoretti]

This has been the best video on taking the Part 107 test. I can't tell you how many KZbin videos I've watched and yours has been the best. I already purchased the Remote Pilot app and now I'm going to save the other 2 you suggested. Thank you for your time.

[@tombuck]

Thanks Gene! I’m glad it helped! Thanks also for finding updated links, I’ll update the video’s description!

[@lucoha]

The most complete information regarding the FAA remote pilot test. You are an awesome teacher. Thank you very much!

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!

[@HasanNiz]

This is by far one of the best produced “first KZbin video” I have seen. If I can make my first video half as good as this one I’ll be a happy person.

[@tombuck]

Haha, thank you! I spent two days practicing the script and like 90 minutes trying to set up some borrowed lights 😁

[@seanthomas3218]

Just PASSED the test with 82%, Thanks again for the advice, I think they redesign the questions and 50% of the questions regarding airspace . the apps helped a lot. Calculator included in the official test so no need for the it.

[@tombuck]

Fantastic, congratulations! I believe the rest randomly pulls questions from the bank each time, so you never know how many questions will be from each category. Mine had lots and lots of sectional charts. Happy flying!

[@seanthomas3218]

Many of questions related to figure # 80

[@RobertKaucher]

Shamil, not all heroes wear capes, man. And you are one of those. Thanks for the practical details on the exam. I'm sure they are going to help me out.

[@seanthomas3218]

Thanks Robert, and wish good luck

[@RobertHartloff]

Thanks for this video. I have been flying rc since the early 80's. I started flying drones 5 yrs ago and I love it. When they started with the rules and laws we all knew were coming I parked them for 2 yrs. I was posting videos on youtube and quit doing that because of the monetary issues. Just decided to play it safe. Then decided to get my favorite drone out for a flight a couple weeks ago and still hooked. Ordered another high end drone to get back into it and started checking on getting drone liscence. Ive been so confused for the last 2 weeks trying to figure out what I needed to do and what I needed to have. Now I kind of have an idea what I need to do! Thank you, Bob

[@tombuck]

That’s awesome Bob! It is a super fun hobby, and being able to actually share the videos is important, so hopefully you get everything sorted out and situated. 👍

[@ChooseAdventureCaliforniaStyle]

Thanks Tom! This was a great video simplifying this process. I got the app and will watch the videos. 🙏

[@tombuck]

Good luck! The video is old, but the info is still accurate (I took my second renewal test last summer and used these same resources).

[@MichaelHurdleStudio]

I second Andrew Reeves comment. I'm studying right now and I'm so overwhelmed. I wish there was a handbook that was made just for the test. I would study that entire book until I got it, but the resources are all over the place. Thank you for adding another piece to this crazy puzzle of learning this.

[@tombuck]

Glad it's helpful, I'm also happy to answer any questions you still have. The important to remember is that no one is forcing you to take the test, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to feel confident. That being said, it's also not too crazy, so don't overthink it.

[@jerrym995]

Remote Pilot Test Prep 2018: Study & Prepare: Pass your test and know what is essential to safely operate an unmanned aircraft – from the most trusted source in aviation training (Test Prep Series) get it on amazon $13 and comes with the charts book that you will use for the test

[@MrPrinceYoda]

It took me a while to find you. Thank you Tom, for understanding us so much better than so many others, who tried and failed to do what you did, here, so well and so completely. It took me a while to say that too.

[@tombuck]

Thank you Josef! This is easily one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received. I’m so glad this was useful, please let me know if I can help with anything else.

[@clarkeemalarkee]

Your videos coming in clutch lately. New lens, new drone, and you’ve got all the info! :)

[@tombuck]

Nice! Haha, I’m really glad to hear that! Congrats on the drone. 👍

[@TimWhiteTheTimTernLife]

Flashback Friday....LOL Just scrubbing through some original videos!! NOT STALKING!! 😂 It's really cool to see your progression, from this video to what you make now! (more of the studio office/practicals/and the "Blue") The content is the same, information is top notch, and delivered well!! Production quality is great!! Tbh.. I didn't know you were into drones. This is an excellent video, as always... I'm working on trying to get my license within the next 6 months, so found it at a very beneficial time! THANK YOU as always!! Happy New year to You and Heather (annnd Finley!)

[@tombuck]

Thanks Tim! This was a super fun video to make, but it’s funny to think how much time I spent practicing, setting up lights, etc. good luck with your test! This info is all still relevant 👍 And of course Happy New Year!

[@jack78_]

in just 5 days of following your video and watching tony northup video a few times and using the android app for testing i am now on the 86 to 93 average everytime i do the sample tests,going to take the FAA part 107 one day this week,overall i would say i put about 16-20ish hours in studying thanx for the help

[@tombuck]

Yes! Congrats! Sounds like you’re ready to ace the test 👍

[@jack78_]

just left testing facilty, passed with a 89 some curveballs in test but all went well again thanx for the video

[@tombuck]

Nice! Congrats on passing!

[@caliberhomeinspectionsllc5914]

Very informative video. I've studied for so many exams and promotional tests over my career and this was different in that there wasn't a clearly spelled out "to-do" list of what to study with so much information out there on this. Now I have a better handle on what to focus on. Thank you!

[@tombuck]

+Caliber Home Inspections, LLC You’re welcome! I’m really glad it was helpful for you. Good luck with the test!

[@ahreeves]

BEST VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. Seriously...

[@tombuck]

Thanks, I hope it was helpful!

[@MichaelHurdleStudio]

Agreed!

[@overviewdroneco3941]

Andrew Reeves b

[@natepate6117]

Lol I’m about to make the call for test. I’ve done exactly what you have done to study all the way to watchin Tony’s video twice now. What’s so cool is I thought I knew it all because of my practice test scores, but I still learned from you on how to go about taking it and after. So keep up the good work that was sweet. Oh and I hit your sub button. Man I hope I score like you cause I don’t want to just pass.

[@tombuck]

You sound super prepped! If you e used the Remote Pilot app, the test is the same types of questions. I also listened to Tony’s video one last time as I drove to the testing center so it was all fresh in my brain. Good luck!

[@kwadfordfpv7562]

Hey Tom, I'm taking my exam tomorrow and find this video super helpful. I've been hard studying for the past week with Tony's video and a few others on youtube and found this one one of the most helpful so far. I had no idea about the application after you pass but now I do. Hopefully ill pass tomorrow and ill be sure to update you on either outcome. Sadly I've gotta drive 3 and a half hours to my testing facility so really don't want to fail. Again great video!

[@tombuck]

Good luck on the test! It sounds like you’re more than prepared. Definitely listen to Tony’s video again on your drive over 👍

[@kwadfordfpv7562]

@@tombuck Thanks man and ill definitely listen to it a few more times. Only thing I'm kinda worried about is if anything has changed on the test since his video or the 3dr practice test was released. I know that the FAA has released quite a few more regulations since then.

[@tombuck]

Others have said it’s still very similar. The biggest variable is that each test is created randomly, so you don’t know exactly how many of each type of question you will have. Don’t stress though, you should be just fine and you find out your score right away!

[@kwadfordfpv7562]

@@tombuck Hey man thanks so much for the encouragement. Couldn't reply at the time since I was about to test and hat to cram and I just got home., stoped a few spots on the way for dinner and to fly the inspire. But I passed! made an 83 and used an hour and a half. It was definitely a hard test and hat things about sec charts that I hadn't ever seen even in Tony's video but his video gave me enough knowledge that I was able to teach myself the material in the extra hour I had after my first pass through the questions.

[@tombuck]

Alright! Congrats!! That’s awesome to hear. As for the questions, they must have updated the test. But either way, I’m really glad to hear you passed!

[@stackstudios]

Thanks for all the info. Funny... I've been learning all I can from Tony Northrup's video before I stumbled on your video. Glad to know you recommend his study guide!

[@tombuck]

It’s a great resource. I recently used it again to study for my license renewal. 👍

[@ashtonneckar6652]

Very solid video. Great explanation for people beginning to consider taking the part 107 test.

[@tombuck]

Thanks Ashton! Glad you found it helpful.

[@PrestonJensen]

This is a great video. I wish I had found it before I took my test! There is something very rewarding about passing your part 107 test. However, it definitely takes preparation!

[@tombuck]

I had a ton of fun learning all the ins and outs. Have me a new appreciate for what goes into keeping things safe and consistent.

[@phwilk]

This is definitely great info! I am preparing to take the test soon. Prior to seeing this vid, I already was aware of Tony Northrup's vid... and already watched it twice! The resource list you have is really good. One other place to study is actually on the FAA site for the becoming a remote pilot. Within those pages is a link to the same self-study resources AND a place to make an account and enroll in a free course for remote pilot exam. It is meant for actual pilots who want to certify for drones. However, there is language stating it is also good for people who are non-pilots to use the course for self-study in prep for the exam. Sorry I don't have the exact link to place at the moment, but it really is easy to find once you get to the FAA site section on remote pilots. EDIT: OK... the link to the FAA courses is here: www.faasafety.gov

[@tombuck]

+Paul Wilkinson Thanks for suggesting the FAA resource! I believe I came across it last summer, but found the Remote Pilot app to be a bit more thorough and helpful (at least for me), and it pulls the questions straight from the FAA practice tests. The benefit of the FAA site though is that it’s Always the most accurate and up to date info. Good luck on your test!

[@RVJimD]

Tom, thanks for the info! I see Prepware also has Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot apps, it looks like this may be a good option for my students. Not sure if you mentioned it, but almost any airport where they offer flight instruction will be able to administer the test. You can take this test at my local airport here in Ankeny. And I tell my students exactly the same thing about "when you can take the test three times and get scores in the 80's or above, you are ready" Jim

[@tombuck]

Yup! There’s a link in the description to the FAA’s list of “official” testing centers, and I think they do coincide with airports that offer flight instruction.

[@phon-er]

loving seeing high views in short time. your doing well my sir. A+ genius video Tommy

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

Tony's video was the most helpful / information packed help that I came across. Great video. Thank you.

[@tombuck]

Indeed, Tony’s whole channel is packed with great stuff.

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

100% agree.

[@blakejohnsoncsr]

Thanks for the info! Feeling much better about taking the test now.

[@tombuck]

Good luck, you got this!

[@thelonehellyranger01]

Yeah Robert Hartloff couldn’t have said it better I have spent last 2 weeks searching and wondering Wtf lol but now I know what I need And was lucky enough to already have found Donald’s video now can’t wait to check out Matt’s Thank you !!!!!

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad it’s helpful!! Matt’s video was the one that first kicked off my motivation to get licensed. Best of luck to you!

[@charliewood7902]

Excellent video. Simple, to the point. Thank you.

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome, best of luck!

[@joshvandykvideography5572]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video, sir.

[@tombuck]

Absolutely! I’m glad you found it helpful. 😎

[@BobBrownonline]

Hey Tom I have had my eye on the DJI Mavic Pro and would love to get one and my commercial license as well! Thanks for the great resources and pinpointing exactly what to do!

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome and good luck! I believe DJI is weeks away from announcing an updated Mavic Pro, if that matters to you. The original is still a winner though. I prefer it over the Mavic Air because it communicates via radio instead of WiFi, so its communication is a bit more reliable.

[@BobBrownonline]

That is good to know both about the new drone and the radio waves being more reliable! thanks

[@johnpretino2644]

Tom, thank you for sharing this info! This has really been helpful.

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome John! I’m glad it’s helpful for you!

[@MrKevin-fg1ml]

Great vid. Very helpful and reassuring that this is obtainable. Thank you!

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much! It’s definitely attainable, don’t stress to mo much. Just focus on these essentials and you’ll be fine.

[@nesmith2621]

thanks so much, great video. I, too, was bombarded with resources--thanks!

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@jakebuttarazzi9952]

At 2:25 you can see his laptop reach maximum charge in the background. The indicator light shifts from orange to green

[@tombuck]

Ha! I like that.

[@mrsullyrox]

great info thank you!

[@tombuck]

You are welcome, I'm glad it helped!

[@ki4czr]

Thank you.

[@cinemuh]

Where do we find the information about the background check and who's allowed to become a certified person in command? So all citizens and buy and fly for fun, but only some can become employed?

[@tombuck]

“Employed” is a broad term, but in the U.S., anyone who does any sort of commercial drone work does need a license. The most up to date information is best found on the FAA’s official site: www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/part_107/

[@picsandclipsmedia]

Very informative. I'm doing this.

[@tombuck]

Good luck! It’s really not too bad.

[@LiveDeerCamByCajun]

great video, thanks for sharing Tom

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@klopossa2]

Excellent..first one to tell me it's a pdf..TY

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome! 👍

[@kennybohey5906]

Excellent Video. Thank You 4 that Information. Very Helpful

[@tombuck]

Thanks Kenny! I’m glad it helped, let me know if you have any questions I can help with.

[@shootcutdeliver]

Very helpful

[@tombuck]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@leftyzappa]

Thank you Tom. :D

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@PrimitiveTim]

Thanks so much! You gave me a lot of confidence going into this. You mentioned having to get re-certified every two years and taking a test. Is it the same test and do I have to pay $150 for it?

[@tombuck]

Renewal is kind of a gray area. Technically you're supposed to be "reauthorized" every two years, but the license itself doesn't have an expiration date on it, and the FAA's own website is pretty unclear as to what that means. At this point, only the very first Part 107 license holders are starting to come up for renewal, so I'm waiting to see what they find... Chances are in another year or two there will be slightly different guidelines. For now I'd recommend just focusing on getting your license and worry about renewal later. You should definitely feel confident! It's not an overly difficult test, and anyone who puts forth the effort to study should be able to pass.

[@PrimitiveTim]

thanks! I appreciate your response!

[@tombuck]

Happy to help, let me know if there are any other questions!

[@seanquarles7742]

To schedule the test has changed. It's all done online now

[@tombuck]

Yes it’s much better! I made a video last summer about renewing your license, and in that I cover the new process.

[@ogdenphotographics]

very nice job!

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@kevinyip6688]

Nice 🙌🙌🙌

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@nicholasreese3982]

Great info! If do a video with my drone for my daughter and her new store and she uploads it to social media for advertising her business, do I need the commercial license?

[@tombuck]

Technically yes, since she would stand to earn business/money from the promo video. Although it is a little gray if you’re planning on filming for her for free. It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Even if she offers to buy you dinner or something in return for the video, that would count as “commercial” work. I just always recommend that everyone protect themselves.

[@nicholasreese3982]

Thanks, I agree, I would be doing the video on my Gh5 and my Mavic Pro, for free, but she will upload to social media for advertising, but yes to be on the safe side I would think I would need the commercial license due to the fact she would profit from it...

[@tombuck]

It’s a good plan. Plus then you never have to think twice about how you use your drone footage, and it makes you more marketable to potential clients.

[@nicholasreese3982]

Thank you for your advice!

[@LawnBunny777]

Can I take the test first and know how to fly a drone later? My college has 107 test prep but no actual field work. I have a small firefly a20W I'm practicing with but I can't afford to get a fancier one yet.

[@tombuck]

Yes, the knowledge test is totally independent of any actual drone operation. You can take it anytime 👍

[@LawnBunny777]

@@tombuck Thank God! I did my first flight with my firefly tonight and it must have crashed five times including into my dog! Practice makes perfect! I'll just keep studying for the Part 107 and not feel stressed that I have to do some sort of drone flying test as well. Thanks for your response and great video!

[@not_name7421]

They should do a background check before you take the test. What is you pass but then fail the background?

[@tombuck]

+Terry Lyons hmm, I didn’t think of that, but it’s a good point. I guess currently the test makes you eligible for the background check, but it seems like it would make sense for a background check to make you eligible for the test...

[@austinwade5037]

Thanks this is great! Can I bring in my passport instead of my license?

[@tombuck]

Yes, any government ID should work. 👍

[@jrfsailing07]

Great Video, Thank You!!

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome, good luck with the test! 👍

[@c59222]

super helpful super thank you 🙏🏻

[@BrandonThompsonBT]

Thank you for all of this! Especially what to expect on the test day. You said they don't allow you to take anything in. Any idea if they will allow you to take some water? Might sound stupid, but I can't really go an hour without some water. Lol.

[@tombuck]

I would think that might depend on the testing facility, but it should be ok. Maybe take off the label so they can see there's nothing written anywhere on it? Glad you found the info helpful!

[@CrazyTechy]

Thank you, Tom.

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@philip9015]

Thanks for the tips and inspiration! One you pass the test, and two years later....how much will the fee be to renew? Thanks for all the awesome information!

[@tombuck]

I’m just figuring this out now actually! I got an email just yesterday about renewal. I believe there’s a two hour online course followed by a test that can be taken either at home, or at a testing center (not sure why anyone wouldn’t do it at home...). From what I’ve seen so far there’s no cost, but I haven’t finished the process all the way yet.

[@dronecasterz]

Thank you, very helpful

[@tombuck]

I’m glad! Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.

[@FlyAntelope2500]

Hot dang. Younger Tom. Cray cray

[@seanthomas3218]

Thanks for these info,

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome! I hope it’s helpful.

[@BeckersReviews]

Tom, we have very similar interests. Are you based in NY?

[@tombuck]

I’m in California. I was in NY a couple weeks ago though!

[@GeneMoretti]

Your testing center location link didn't work. This is what I found from the FAA website.candidate.catstest.com/sitesearch.php/

[@Tigersfan081982]

Let’s say I want to take my own photos of my own place and put them on Facebook or Twitter would I need a 107?

[@tombuck]

As long as you’re not making money off the photos you should be fine, it would just be considered recreational use. 👍

[@BrandonThompsonBT]

Do you know about how long it takes to be official after submitting everything on IACRA?

[@tombuck]

Everything is “official” pretty quickly, I believe it was within a week or so for me. It took a few weeks longer to get the actual license in the mail.

[@brianstriplingtv1413]

Why is chapter 1 completely missing from the study guid?

[@tombuck]

I don't think it's missing, it's just a short "chapter" that points you towards some other regulations to be aware of.

[@storminormtharp5948]

Which app exactly? Sky watch?

[@tombuck]

I put links to everything mentioned in the video’s description 👍

[@storminormtharp5948]

Which study mode do we select in the app?

[@tombuck]

I’d recommend doing all of them since questions are pulled from each category.

[@ARUTECHALI]

very sweet 😋😄

[@tombuck]

The first one! It took 90 minutes to set up the lights 😁

[@ARUTECHALI]

@@tombuck 😁

[@HeatherwoodLuxuryRentals]

aquabats!

[@tombuck]

You know it!

[@nichols9156]

Is this Tom or his twin brother 😜

[@tombuck]

Haha, hey, this was my first youtube video! I worked scripting it out for like 2 days and spent hours figuring out lighting.

[@Thunder_Dome45]

Suppose you are flying after people and make them pay you to stop chasing them with your drone? Just kidding sorry.

[@tombuck]

Now THAT’S commercial piloting!

[@weareproof8329]

I want to take a moment to personally thank you for taking the time to put out this information. Something as simple as where and how to take the Part 107 exam had been overlooked. I actually searched online for my area FAA approved testing facility and found two of them. I had been calling and leaving messages ALL week and got no response. A quick look at your video and I simply followed the link you included below and I was able to book everything online for December 6th and pay for it. Piece of cake!Thanks again and wish me luck.

[@tombuck]

Thank you for the kind words, I’m glad the info was here! I had the same issues as you, which is why I wanted to put it all in one spot. Good luck in the test, I’m sure you’ll pass with flying colors!

[@internaman]

Great information,,,,thanks so much for sharing

[@tombuck]

I’m glad it helped! I’m working on a video for next week about how to renew the license after two years. 👍