The popularity of recreational drones has increased drastically as the availability of drones has become ubiquitous. Further, drones have become used in a rapidly expanding variety of professional applications throughout both civilian and military sectors. Like most things, increased use of relatively new technology means new regulations and legislation that are always changing. Do drones require a license to use? The answer is a tricky one because it depends on the application and the type of drone being used. At Rocket Drones, our team is made up of commercial drone professionals who have been active in the professional drone business for over a decade. In this article, we will discuss whether or not you need a license to fly a drone and a handful of reasons why it’s important to always stay up to date with the latest directives and regulations as a drone pilot.
You Do Not Need a License for Recreation Drone Piloting
The overwhelming majority of drone pilots around the United States are recreational hobbyists. In short, this just means that these pilots are not using their drones for official business. The simple answer here is that drone operators in the U.S. do not need a license to fly recreationally. However, that’s not to say there aren’t some guidelines and rules in place that must be followed to ensure a safe and responsible flight. Below are a few things to be aware of if you are a new recreational drone pilot.
- Take the TRUST Test. The Federal Aviation Administration states that “the law requires that all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel.” The test is designed to educate new flyers on important safety regulations. It’s available online and totally free.
- Register your drone. If your drone weighs more than .55 pounds, you must register it through the FAA’s “Drone Zone.” You will have a registration number that must be displayed clearly on your drone for it to be within the legal limits. Drones exceeding 55 pounds have to go through a different paper registration process known as the 14 CFR Part 47.
- Observe all state and federal guidelines. The federal guidelines for recreational drone flight are clearly stated on the FAA’s website under rules for recreational flyers. It’s your responsibility as a drone pilot to always check for the most up-to-date guidelines before flying.
You Do Need a License for Commercial Drone Piloting
Commercial drone flight is a different ballgame. This encompasses any drone application that is associated with business operations, such as real estate photography, surveying and mapping, agricultural spraying, and more. (You can read more about all of the ways drones are being used in business in this article.) Below are the steps you need to take before opening the doors to your drone services business.
- Take your Small UAS Rule (Part 107) license exam. Commonly referred to as simply the “Part 107,” this is the official license from the Federal Aviation Administration that states you are certified to fly a drone for commercial use. It requires that you take and pass a written exam at a certified testing center. You must be at least 16 years of age, be fluent in English, and be in a physical and mental condition to fly a drone. Only certified testing centers can administer the exam.
- Obtain your license. Once you pass the exam with a score of at least 70, you will have a physical card mailed to your address. Keep this certificate in your wallet or on your person at all times when operating your drone for business purposes.
- Stay current on your certification. The FAA requires that you complete online recurrent training every 24 months to maintain your knowledge and stay up to date on the latest directives and rules.
There’s a Difference Between Being Certified and Qualified
It’s important to remember that simply becoming certified to fly is just the first step. Becoming a truly qualified drone pilot takes time. There aren’t any shortcuts. Below are a few things to consider to become a qualified drone pilot.
- Logged flight hours. This is just experience behind the sticks. Nothing can replace the need for a robust, dynamic log of flight hours and experience as a pilot. At Rocket Drones, students start logging real flight hours as early as 3rd grade to ensure they are consistently practicing and sharpening their skills.
- Industry-specific skills. Not all drones and their applications are the same. For instance, there are different skills involved between a traditional aerial photography drone and an FPV drone. Developing diversity in your skillset and staying up to date on the latest drone technology can make the difference when you’re searching for a job or bidding on contracts as a pilot.
- Advanced training and certifications. There are some heavy-lifting drone applications that require a system that is over 55 pounds. The FAA requires that all drones over 55 pounds be registered under the 14 CFR Part 47. Flying these larger drones also requires additional training and considerations before you can be qualified for heavy operations.
Final Thoughts on Whether Drones Require a License
Although not every drone pilot will “need” a license, there’s no doubt that flying a drone in any capacity requires some form of testing or qualification if you want to operate safely and legally. If you plan to start flying drones commercially, always make sure you take the steps required by the FAA to stay out of potential legal trouble. As drone technology continues to evolve, so will the rules and regulations surrounding them. Drone pilots must always stay up to date with the latest state and federal directives and requirements. At the end of the day, safety is the number-one priority when flying!
The Rocket Drones Difference
You can give your students a foundation in drone education and safety with Rocket Drones. We are the premier provider of drone racing, drone curriculum, and drone career training for middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Our mission is to expose students to the exciting world of drones and help them develop the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in various technology-related careers.*
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If you’re ready to take the next step with Rocket Drones at your school, learn more about it and get in touch with us on our curriculums page.
*Disclaimer: This article cannot and should not be used as legal advice. Rocket Drones is not responsible for any wrongdoings as they pertain to any person operating a drone.