How to Get Your Drone License (and Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot)

In this video, we'll walk through how to get your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to fly your drone for commercial use in the United States.
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🎬 Jump to Section
0:00 B-Roll Footage & Introduction
0:38 Do I need a drone license?
1:24 How long does the drone certification process take?
2:00 What's on the FAA drone exam?
2:58 Do I need to know how to fly a drone?
3:34 How can drones benefit me or my team?
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🖥 Pass the FAA Part 107 test on your first try with our industry-leading test prep course w/ 35,000+ students: dronepilotgroundschool.com​
🎮 Learn how to fly a drone in 20+ states: uavcoach.com/drone-training/
📣 We are an FAA-approved test administrator of The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) which is now required for recreational drone flyers. The test is free, online, and takes less than 30 minutes to complete: uavcoach.com/faa-recreational...
✳️ UAV Coach provides industry-leading training, education, and news for professionals and hobbyists in the drone industry. We offer online and in-person training - over 35,000 people have used our flagship training course, Drone Pilot Ground School, to pass the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification exam. And we've delivered hands-on flight training to more than 1,000+ new drone pilots. Our mission is to help push the drone industry forward by sharing years of knowledge to help drone pilots be safe and smart operators.

[@JcJordan117]

I took the course and passed the FAA test. I highly recommend Drone pilot school. The lessons were very easy to understand. I passed the FAA test with a %78 Score. some of the lessons contained alot of information so notes are definitely needed but what really helped me in the end was the practice tests. They gave me questions that were identical to the actual FAA test and was very excited to see them while testing :]. They also provide you with information about starting a drone business, how to register your drone, Apply for waivers and much more. Stop thinking about it, just do it.

[@uavcoach]

Means a lot, thank you Joshua! Congrats on becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot!

[@brunningstave]

Is it hard finding work as a drone pilot?

[@davidt8087]

What do they ask you in the drone test? Had no idea you need to pass a test to play with a toy while getting in the way of us real pilots. Had to dodge a drone "pilot" once after takeoff. Please stop "piloting" your toy near our airports

[@merlands1]

@@davidt8087 Most of the Pilots I have know in my life were absolute Drunks. How does one actually dodge a "Drone Pilot" exactly ?

[@brucehess1969]

What is the name of the school

[@allaansnackbar4269]

Great video, definitely thinking about committing to this path, I’ll comeback once I’m licensed!💪

[@topvagabonds]

This video is very helpful ! Thank you :)

[@uavcoach]

You're so welcome!

[@sigmacentauri6191]

Thanks for this preliminary information. Nice synth wave theme music… sounds like Boards of Canada 🇨🇦😉

[@uavcoach]

Ooh, I love Boards of Canada :) I think you're the first person to comment on our music choice. Glad you enjoyed!

[@cpaytonn9624]

This is definitely something that I'm going to try to get into. Thanks for the video!

[@uavcoach]

You should! Thanks for the comment :)

[@brandonthevisionary485]

🤔I’m gonna look into it

[@Mauriceandcarolyn]

This is a great video thank you for sharing. I have a ton of businesses and developments and other items where i could definitely add an additional stream of income from my drone. Will definitely consider this course. Thank you.

[@uavcoach]

Thank you, Maurice & Carolyn! Appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@abdulsharif6541]

Great Video

[@uavcoach]

Thanks, Abdul!

[@TruthSeeker9038]

I’m really interested in this field. Even though it doesn’t pay amazing I feel like it’d be so fun everyday going to work.

[@alphaman2779]

It all depends on the field you enter

[@gd1lla226]

@@alphaman2779what if I enter for like military contractors ? Would that pay be great I seen job openings offering 100k plus a year so I don’t think what he said is inaccurate

[@anselmohil20]

Does the company have any course or information tailored to already FAA certified pilots? Just wondering. Maybe a crash course on additional information or knowledge needed for pilots under Part 61 in order to become drone pilots. I’am aware that the FAA has info on their site but it would benefit current pilots and the company expanding. But overall great info, for someone new to drones. Thanks.

[@uavcoach]

Hi Chichi, if you already are current under Part 61, here are the steps you can take to get your Remote Pilot rating attached to your existing certificate (www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot/#ech). It involves going through a free online course that walks through drone regulations and drone-specific concepts. Very straightforward!

[@StringerBell2002]

Can you get one license for your “company” or does every person that might be flying it need to get a separate license?

[@trickywily2823]

Thank

[@somwangthailand87]

Thank you for video, what kind the drone license for make money true under law? Thank you so much

[@Shawntylerjones]

This video was uploaded 2 years ago, how up to date is the course?

[@JnrInd]

How do I take the test? I live in Portland OR. My testing center does not offer it. thx.

[@frankbrooks4411]

Can you get a drone pilot's locense with a felony record from 2002?

[@jyzf]

Doesn’t seem as bad as my 4 hour Sans GCIH test. Nice side hustle to get into

[@robpeters2296]

Seems like a pretty cool career, after your liscenced your considered a pilot ? Can you fly an unmanned aircraft of any size ?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Rob, with the Part 107 certificate, you can fly drones up to 55 lbs in total take-off weight. You can fly drones heavier than that, but it requires additional clearance.

[@lukeandmich]

Is it hard for Canadians to get get their licence and register the drone in the United States - Its on my bucket list but I am not sure if they will let me register it.

[@MrFrankEast]

UAV Coach I have quick question, is it enough to have my license and then aggressively put myself out there for work? I have 0 experience but know I could do this type of work, and do it well. Purchase my own equipment and get my license. Is it viable for the US?

[@uavcoach]

It's most definitely a viable option. Here's one example from our students, an older one, but one of my favorites - www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/derrick-ward/

[@ashmoon1520]

What if i just have to register my drone because it weighs 800g does that mean i need my licenses because i learned it illegal to fly a drone that is over 249g without it being registered should i get my drone license im 14 years old do i need my licenses?

[@Fyrestare]

Do you have to pay the $160 for taking the test every two years?

[@alejandroflores3909]

Is there any way to take the FAA test remotely due to the current pandemic or is it obligatory to physically attend to a FAA center?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Alejandro - you cannot take the initial test remotely, but the recurrent exam can be taken online.

[@abhiramk9245]

Hey, I am from India. I have an Indian Civil Aviation certified drone pilot license. I will be moving to the US next year. With the Indian license be applicable and valid or I gotta take the FAA drone test? Please guide me with some information. Thanks😄

[@Sp_acecowboy]

If I have a drone that weighs under 250 grams do I have to get any license?

[@MP-kd3wo]

So I want to do this but should I buy a drone first or do the schooling and process of getting a certification?

[@generalleeroastbeef3578]

I got the five dollar license for a small UAS certification of registration. Does that only mean I can fly under 400 feet if I fly higher than that do I have to get my real license?

[@supermavie]

Can a foreigner outside USA remotely learn your courses, and take exam to obtain a license, so that i can apply a job as a drone pilot there?

[@CohlTrain]

Now in georgia you only need a uas if your flying above 400 feet is that correct

[@uavcoach]

Not correct, Colton! Here's more information about the drone laws in Georgia >> uavcoach.com/drone-laws-georgia/

[@edpeve2717]

Hey Coach I have a 5g smartphone and I'm trying to get my new ffa registration and it's not letting me in to the drone zone is there another way to get in?

[@uavcoach]

Hey Ed, shoot us an email at support (at) dronepilotgroundschool (dot) com and we can help you out!

[@SurangaGunawardana]

only for USA citizens ?

[@shamaracollins3327]

Hey Guys - Really informative video and great options. But, what is the difference between UAV Couch and Drone Pilot Ground School? Is there any?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Shamara, thanks for your comment and pardon the delayed response. We are the same company! Just two different websites :)

[@goldenstandard187]

🔥❤️‍🔥

[@DevonicH]

What song is playing at the beginning of the video?

[@uavcoach]

Hey Kantrell, not sure about that. I think we grabbed the license from a website like storyblocks.com or www.epidemicsound.com/

[@mason5113]

As of right now, I am 14 years old, going on 15 in a few months. I know that is not old enough to take the test or get my license but I was wondering about ways I could prepare for when I am able to. I have always found interest in drones and the many different ways they can be used so it seems like it might be a nice carer path.

[@uavcoach]

Thanks for your comment! Studying for and passing the FAA exam is fairly straightforward. We've got a test prep course over at dronepilotgroundschool.com that you can check out. There are other study resources as well. As far as what you can be working on until you turn 16, spend as much time on the sticks as possible. Become an expert pilot. Dive deeper into specific use cases like filmmaking, mapping & modeling, or aerial thermography. Play around with different software. Network with and shadow other drone pilots. Hope these ideas help!

[@mason5113]

@@uavcoach thanks for the reply, this helps a lot

[@bradjtrains]

@@uavcoach I'm a long time IT professional switching careers. This helps me immensely! Thank you!

[@uavcoach]

@@bradjtrains thank you Dark Knight!

[@MrWeusi]

Does the FAA test fee have to be paid every 2 years or is it a one time fee?

[@uavcoach]

Just a one-time fee. Used to be every two years, but now the recurrent certification process is free and online. So much easier for drone pilots!

[@Supernova71288]

I have a question about the industries surrounding drone piloting. Given that it seems to be utilized primarily for aerial photographs and videos, would having a BFA in photography be an enticing addition to one's resume in this field?

[@uavcoach]

Drones aren't just used for aerial photography - they're used to inspect, to capture data, to help with emergency response, and so many other use cases! A BFA in photography might help with photography use cases, and I imagine filmmaking as well, but the drone industry is far broader in scope!

[@Stapler0]

Do I need a drone license/insurance if I were to take picture for private consumers basically if I were to just take pictures of someones house in exchange of 25 bucks? I live in Finland so laws may differ but if you still have an answer I'd really appreciate it because I cant find this specific question anywhere.

[@uavcoach]

Hi Orjan, here's what we know about the drone rules in Finland, hope this helps >> uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-finland

[@yibaibashimu6223]

Can non-US citizen foreigners get the license and, assuming they hold the correct visa, fly commercially in the US?

[@uavcoach]

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get an FAA drone certificate and fly commercially in the U.S.

[@darrellburch2214]

Where do I apply for my license?

[@gregorysmith293]

Do I need to have my Part 107 certificate to sell photos or videos taken with my drone? That falls under "commercial", correct?

[@uavcoach]

Yes, that's correct.

[@neotv4K]

any free book to study ?? thanks and for this video

[@uavcoach]

Yes, the FAA has a free study guide on their website. It's about 90 pages long and not the easiest material to get through, but it's free if you're on a budget.

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

Wouldn't a gas helicopter rc be better?

[@Carhaulerhustle]

How do I check to see if there’s an FAA testing facility in my area ? I live in a remote part of the country

[@uavcoach]

Check out this link from the FAA: www.faa.gov/faq/how-can-i-find-closest-faa-approved-knowledge-testing-center-me

[@bradburggraf9633]

If I decide to get into this what drone do you recommend and what would it cost?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Brad, depends on what you're looking to do! Feel free to shoot us an email at [e-mail] with some more thoughts / questions and we can help you out.

[@pete_adler]

Have you broken into the business yet? (I know you left this comment a year ago, but I thought I'd ask)

[@Courtney-Alice-Gargani]

What happens if a person fails their first try taking the test? Do you a few attempts in a period of time?

[@uavcoach]

The individual would have 2 weeks to prepare/study again before re-applying to take the test.

[@goose3460]

I have a Private pilot license but I heard that I can convert to a Drone license (RePL) COULD YOU EXPLAIN HOW TO DO IT?

[@uavcoach]

Yep! Check out the "Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders" section on this page - www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot/#ech

[@ABQSentinel]

Oh sweet! I'm working on my PPL right now. Sounds like, once I finish that, I can easily incorporate the Part 107 license.

[@billfearheller4179]

Have you updated your study course to reflect the new rules? Can you explain what the rules will be after March 1, 2021? If I put off my retest until it is free, do I have to start all over with the license or does it go on hold until I retest and pass? Any penalties? Will your course include the information on RID that is coming even though it is not the rule until a few months down the road? My 2 year retest is due in February. I would like to put of the retest until it becomes free. Thank you, Bill Fearheller

[@uavcoach]

Hi Bill, thanks for reaching out. 1) Here's our summary of the latest FAA regulations and the March 1st deadline: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/faa-issues-final-rulings-on-remote-id-flying-at-night-and-over-people-moving-vehicles/ 2) If the 'currency' of your license lapses, then you do not need to take the initial test again. You're effectively grounded (not able to fly under the Part 107 rules) until you go through the new recurrent training link when it's posted on March 1st. 3) Our course is up-to-date with all the necessary info, and we'll add more around Remote ID as we get more clarity around how the industry is responding and what models will satisfy which Categories of operational risk. Nothing goes into effect until 2023!

[@karma_97_]

Do i need to go to college for a company to employee me, or can can I get instead of special kind of certificate course that i can complete and use on a resume?. I live in nyc and it seems that this career is only going to grow more , advice would be appreciated!!.

[@uavcoach]

You do not need a degree to become a drone pilot. We have an online course that helps you prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam (which is the certificate you need to get paid to fly a drone). Here is the link to check out: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/

[@jerameprovitt9838]

Where are u guys actually located and how many hours a day do we study and what’s the hours

[@uavcoach]

Our headquarters are in Nashville, TN. Most of our students have full-time jobs and take 2-3 weeks to get through each of our lessons and full-length practice tests. It ends up being about 10-20 hours of total butt-in-seat study time. Since you get lifetime access to the course materials, you can work through them at your own pace.

[@yazanalimam7320]

Is flying a drone on a beach shoreline considered a "vacation purpose"?

[@uavcoach]

It's not about where you fly, Yazan. It's about the intent of the flight. Are you flying the beach shoreline for fun? Or is there some kind of non-recreational intent or purpose? That's your answer, hope this helps.

[@dorashtuiker7056]

If I live in Israel and I have the Israeli’s Part 107 certification it’s possible to do the American’s Part 107?

[@uavcoach]

Dor, unfortunately there is no reciprocity like that. You would also need to get certified here in the U.S.

[@zaleuas]

are course lessons update?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Zale, yes our course is up-to-date!

[@ad-ir3wk]

What if I want to fly outside the US including antartica?

[@uavcoach]

For flying outside the US, you have to check with each countries drone laws and adhere to those.

[@amitlama2600]

I want to join drone training

[@Stand.Your.Ground.]

Amazon in my state are literally hiring drone techs right now! Paying $$$$$$$

[@Lifeadventure22]

If I get my drone pilots license does the weight of the drone matter like I can fly over 250 gram drone anywhere?

[@uavcoach]

If you get your drone pilot license, you can fly a drone under 55 lbs for non-recreational / commercial purposes.

[@chocoplayz7470]

Is using the drone to make KZbin videos recreational or part of the 107

[@uavcoach]

It depends - if you have monetization/ads turned on, I could see the FAA arguing that your flights are not purely recreational.

[@chocoplayz7470]

@@uavcoach oh ok so if there is no adds u think it’a still counted as recreational that’s good to know thanks for the help

[@Iamkaptainsmith]

Please do I need a FAA_Certified Drone License for Recreational Flying?

[@uavcoach]

Hi John, as a recreational pilot, you need to go through a quick and free online training...more info over here >> uavcoach.com/faa-recreational-drone-training/

[@axelsuris9953]

passing that. Test is not a problem for me my concern is what not having a clean record and legal issues, how anal they are about this to get a license? The whole purpose of me buying a drone is to be able to work again, I starting to think I wasted my time and loots of money😥

[@uavcoach]

Hi Axel, the background check you may be referring to...as long as there aren't any drug offenses over the last 12 months, or you're not on any terrorist watch lists, you should be fine. We've helped almost 50,000 ppl get through this process since 2016, and I have yet to hear of a single student who hasn't passed the automated background check.

[@edsa.ca_adivisionofbosssin9622]

It there a FAA Test Centre near Calgary, Alberta, Canada?

[@uavcoach]

Not too close, here's a map that shows the test centers - www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/faa-drone-testing-centers/

[@activbb6660]

Thanks!!

[@sambumanglag6432]

is there any difference between this program vs. the Pilot Institute ? I'm weighing out a suitable program that's got legitimate tech support for beginners . also: thanks for keeping it all " simple ". ( I lose interest with overwhelming heaps of Jargon that only Einstein can relate to ..) thanks

[@uavcoach]

Hi Sam, thanks for reaching out. When it comes to Part 107 test prep, you have a lot of options. Looking at the other online courses, here’s where I think we stand out: 1) We’re the #1 course in the industry and have helped 40,000+ people go through this process and boast over 2,500 4 and 5-star reviews. Drone training is all we do and we don’t support just with test prep, but with drone and software suggestions, regulatory interpretation with real-world flights, and flight ops management questions. We do a lot of (free) consulting with our students. 2) We also have bonus lessons you won’t find in other courses on topics like flight ops management, insurance, legal considerations, pricing and packaging, and one of our student favorites, airspace research and mission planning. 3) We also have a searchable knowledge base of our top 100 questions we get from students. Our enrollment includes lifetime access to our course, so it is great to use as a future resource. I hope this helps you to evaluate your decision. We are confident in our program and would love to see you as a student!

[@sambumanglag6432]

@@uavcoach thanks for the prompt response and information. Please allow me to research and obtain a better understanding of the program and make a decision. I’ve been watching your KZbin channel about various topics and seeing positive reviews ( that’s sounds good 👌🏼

[@lancedooley7558]

When you have so many bs licenses already that big g forces on us. 😫. More passwords and bs profiles to create. I'm gonna have to check this out.

[@Funny_How]

Dude was so excited about mass editing that he forgot to answer a few of the questions in the opening outline.

[@fuentesdeagua338]

I’ve never flew a drone neither have idea how to and I was about to finance my first one through eBay but because of the city where I live I thought I’ve need certain king of permits or something to operate a drone in this area so would love to get my pilot certificate I live in Los Angeles ca where and when can I take the course ?

[@uavcoach]

Our test prep course is online, but we also offer hands-on flight training in Los Angeles - more information at uavcoach.com/drone-training

[@MonsterCat33]

So if I just wanna fly my drone for fun I don’t have to get the license

[@uavcoach]

Correct, if you're just flying for fun, there's a free 20-minute training you need to go through called TRUST >> uavcoach.com/faa-recreational-drone-training/

[@elibrim8994]

@UAV Coach you forgot to tell us how much the exam cost! Otherwise great video.

[@uavcoach]

The exam costs $175.

[@jamiesausser1282]

Can you send me info please?

[@uavcoach]

Yah, shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we're happy to answer any questions. Also, more info on this page: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/drone-license/

[@MarioGarcia-qu6tw]

Your drone pilots license course seems like the way for me to go though the only drawback I have an issue with is that you give discount preferences to only certain folks such as military, first responders, etcetera, that's fine but it's not fair to the rest of us who do not fall into one of your discount categories, in my opinion, your price discount options are somewhat descriminative and unfair, therefore I will not choose your services to acquire my FAA drone pilots license. Thanks.

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

How about a Senior discount?

[@uavcoach]

We do offer discounts, please email us at [e-mail]!

[@dahomiekrillz]

This seems a bit much to just snap pictures of homes/land for real estate? Jesus, I'm not flying a plane.

[@current3109]

Exactly what I’m thinking. Gov wants your money somehow

[@bb1040]

Seems like it is more complicated to get a drone license than it was to get my commercial helicopter license.

[@uavcoach]

Ha, no way!

[@bb1040]

@@uavcoach Well considering that I think of my drone as a little plastic toy, it sure seems like it. LOL that only flies about 18 minutes before the battery runs down and it has to land.

[@MrEffectfilms]

Nearly $500 just to take the test, then another $500-$2000 for the drone itself.....why does everything have to be so expensive 😫.

[@uavcoach]

It's all relative, I suppose. Not that expensive when you consider the commercial opportunities of being a licensed drone pilot. But we hear you! Definitely costs a bit to get started.

[@MrEffectfilms]

@@uavcoach yeah. Apparently it only costs $175 here in my home town to take the test so if I can just find an affordable way to prepare it shouldn't be too bad.

[@JoniRollinPapers]

@@MrEffectfilms the material is literally free ,just be ready to read ALOT

[@alanlee6676]

Technically it’s a drone certification

[@saulgarcia536]

How much is the drug test

[@uavcoach]

Hi Saul, there's no drug test required for drone pilots.

[@edp.8687]

@@uavcoach what is the average salary for a drone pilot? And hire percentage for your trainees if you don't mind.

[@uavcoach]

​@@edp.8687 Hi Ed, while some students of ours seek work as full-time drone pilots, many start their own companies or are already employed at a construction company or real estate development firm, as an example. So we don't track hire percentages, because everyone's goals are different. More on drone pilot salaries in this video, hope it helps offer some guidance - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LZiJx3ataUrsk

[@ncaa4life611]

Government is acting like we’re flying a commercial airline. I don’t get why we need a license to fly a remote control aircraft

[@uavcoach]

Although some might see it as strange to have to register a “toy with the Feds," the FAA encourages the public to not think of drones as toys. They’re aircraft that come with risk and responsibility. Unregistered drone users can be fined anywhere from $27,500 for civil cases, and up to $250,000 for criminal incidents with the possibility of 3 years in jail.

[@jimtNCUSA]

Did i just watch an advertisement ?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Jim, let us know if you have any questions about the drone certification process. Happy to help!

[@joseimpact]

125 concepts? book must be thick AF