Become a Certificated Remote Pilot

In order to fly your drone under the FAA 's Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA . This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.

First-Time Pilots

Eligibility

To become a pilot you must:

Requirements for Remote Pilot Certificate:

Navigating the Process to Become a Drone Pilot:

Step 1: Obtain an FAA Tracking Number ( FTN ) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application ( IACRA ) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with a FAA -approved Knowledge Testing Center. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to your test.

Step 3: Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small ( UAG )". Knowledge test topic areas include:

Step 4: Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate ( FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system ( IACRA )*

  1. Login with username and password
  2. Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
  3. Follow application prompts
  4. When prompted, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (Note: it may take up to 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA)
  5. Sign the application electronically and submit for processing.

Step 5: A confirmation email will be sent when an applicant has completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA .

Step 6: A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.

Step 7: Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly your UAS .

Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders

Eligibility:

Requirements for Remote Pilot Certificate:

Navigating the Process to Become a Drone Pilot:

Step 1: Create an account, or log into your existing account, on the FAA Safety Team ( FAASTeam ) website.

Step 2: Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial ( ALC-451 ) online training course. The course will cover these topic areas:

Step 3: Create an account, or log into your existing account, in IACRA .

Step 4: Complete Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) in IACRA .

  1. Login with username and password
  2. Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
  3. Follow application prompts
  4. Sign the application electronically and submit for processing.

Step 5: Make an appointment with one of the following entities to validate your identity. Bring your completed Form 8710-13, proof of your current flight review, photo ID , and your online course completion certificate.

Please note: * CFIs cannot issue temporary certificates. They can process applications for applicants who do not want a temporary certificate.

Step 6: The representative will sign your application and issue you a temporary airman certificate.

Step 7: Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly your UAS .

Keep Your Remote Pilot Certificate Current

It is important for all pilots, including Certified Remote Pilots, to keep their aviation knowledge up to date. If you have a Remote Pilot Certificate, you are required to have completed one of the following online training courses within the previous 24 calendar months to operate UAS under part 107:

Anyone who holds a part 107 remote pilot certificate (regardless of aeronautical knowledge recency):

Part 107 remote pilots who are also certificated with a current flight review under part 61: