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Drone Pilot Information

Complete Drone Course Only $129
Flying a drone is a great tool that can open up new opportunities for a business. Whether you are a realtor, insurance adjuster, videographer or weekend drone warrior wanting to receive compensation flying drones, you'll want to know if you are flying legally.
 
If you plan to operate a drone for Commercial reasons, Work or Business, you must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. In order to receive your Remote Pilot License, you must take the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Drone Knowledge Test at an FAA Certified Testing Center. Individuals holding a pilot certificate under 14 CFR 61 and have successfully completed a flight review within the previous 24 months can obtain their certificate by simply completing the Part 107 online training course at www.faasafety.gov.
Flying Drones for Commercial Operations
You Need a License
 
If you fly drones for
  • Work
  • Business
  • Any non-recreational reason—even when there is no compensation offered. This set of operations requires that you have an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
 
Qualifications
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (exceptions may be made if the person is unable to meet one of these requirements for a medical reason, such as hearing impairment)
  • Have the physical and mental abilities to safely operate a small UAS
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center

    Please Note: If you already hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61 and have successfully completed a flight review within the previous 24 months, you can complete a free Part 107 online training course at www.faasafety.gov to satisfy this requirement.
 
For commercial operations, you must register your drone. Register your drone here — Drone Registry
 
Part 107 rules apply to individuals and businesses flying a drone weighing less than 55 pounds. If you need to register a drone weighing 55 pounds or more, you must apply for a special exemption.
 
Flying Drones for Fun

You Don't Need a License
 
If you fly drones for
  • Recreation
  • Hobby
  • Personal enjoyment
As long as you fly your drone for only hobby/recreational purposes that is not in furtherance of any business, you do not need a Remote Pilot Certificate. In the FAA's Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, the FAA relied on the ordinary, dictionary definition of these terms. UAS use for hobby is a "pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation." UAS use for recreation is "refreshment of strength and spirits after work; a means of refreshment or division."
 
Registration is mandatory for drones weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds. Register your drone here — Drone Registry
 
You may still want to take the King Schools Drone Pilot Test Prep course to ensure you're a safe and knowledgeable drone pilot, or even just for your own enjoyment.
 
Learn More About Recreational Drone Use Rules
 
Rules apply to:
  • Individuals
  • Recreational Use
  • Hobby Use
 
Flying Drones for Government Agencies
You May Need a License
 
If you fly drones for
  • Local government agencies
  • State government agencies
  • Federal government agencies
  • Public Utilities
The FAA has rules that apply to those who are employed by these entities or are hired by these entities to operate drones.
 
Government agencies may obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the FAA that outlines the specific conditions that they must follow to fly a drone including pilot certification. In many cases, a COA will authorize operations that are outside of Part 107 rules. Alternatively, they may simply choose to operate under Part 107 regulations.
 
This set of rules is for people who fly drones for government entities (local, state and federal government agencies) regardless if they are employees or contractors.
 
You must register any drone over .55 lbs. Register your drone here — Drone Registry
 
Rules apply to:
  • Government agencies
  • Public Utilities
 
Part 107 Drone Ground School & Test Prep

Part 107 Drone Ground School & Test Prep

  • Pass Your FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Drone Knowledge Test—Guaranteed
  • Take FAA-style Questions by Subject Matter
  • Free Lifetime Course Access with Automatic Updates
$129
Drone Part 107 Regulations

Using LAANC to Fly Drones in Controlled Airspace

This free course shows you the information you need to fly your drone in controlled airspace.
FREE Online Course!