Certified drone pilots have a lot going for them. They can work on movie sets, capturing those cinematic shots and waypoints during production, or assist insurance agents carrying out inspections after natural disasters. You’ll find them joining emergency response teams during search and rescue missions and securing contracts with utility firms to inspect their infrastructure. Even farmers are tapping into their services to monitor crops and livestock.

In the U.S. alone, the commercial drone market is set to clock $14.55 billion by 2030. Lots of aerial tech, but not nearly enough qualified operators. You can’t just pick up a drone and launch it. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules and guidelines governing the use of the small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), set out in Part 107.  

FAA Part 107 Regulations Explained

First off, the basics: your drone must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff. This includes any gear or payloads. It should remain within your visual line of sight at all times, with flights limited to daylight or civil twilight hours—provided your drone has anti-collision lighting. Speed is capped at 100 mph, and altitude at 400 feet above ground level. If you’re flying near a structure, you can go 400 feet higher than its top.

Want to use your drone for commercial operations? Then geta Remote Pilot Certificate. This also gives you more range than the average drone hobbyist. You can even fly in controlled airspace!

Steps to Becoming a Certified Drone Pilot

There are some basic requirements for you to meet:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • In sound physical and mental health to safely operate a drone.
  • Pass an aeronautical knowledge exam.

Step 1: Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

Create a profile in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. The FTN provided is what you’ll use to track the status of your test and certification.

Step 2: Prepare for the Aeronautical Knowledge Test

It’s a 60 multiple-choice question exam, and you’ll need a 70% score to pass. Topic covered range from airspace classifications, weather impacts on drone performance, to emergency procedures. Drone training materials like those from the ABJ Academy’s Part 107 Preparatory course can help you here. 

Step 3: Schedule and Take the Test

This will typically cost you around $175. Remember to bring a government-issued photo ID to the FAA approved testing center.

Step 4: Apply for Your Remote Pilot Certificate

Fill in Form 8710-13 in the IACRA system, using the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID you received. You’ll simply need to confirm you’re your identity and, if applicable, pass a TSA background check.

That’s it! You’ll get a temporary certificate while your permanent one is being processed (usually takes 6–8 weeks). Every two years, take an online refresher course to keep your certification up-to-date and keep abreast to changes to FAA rules.

Choosing A Drone Training Program

So how do you ensure you will pass the test? Study up with the right course. There are different options to go with. 

Online Courses

These give you flexibility as you can access them via any computer, tablet, or smartphone, and proceed at your own pace. ABJ’s drone academy Part 107 online course includes:

  • Core Topics: Regulations, Airport Operations, Emergency and Radio Procedures, Airspace Classification, Weather Conditions, Physiological Factors, Maintenance and Inspections, Decision Making, UAS Loading and Performance, Crew Resource Management.
  • Testing and Certification: Each section ends with a short test to ensure you’ve understood the material, with a certificate awarded upon successful completion. It also gives you a foundation for advanced training in specialized areas such as aerial photography, surveying, aligning with standards set by ISO and FAA.

In-Person Training

Here you get a practical, hands-on training to complement the theoretical knowledge from the online course. At ABJ it’s a two-day session with experienced UAS instructors includes direct instruction on drone setup, flight planning, and execution of specific missions to solidify your flying skills. 

  • Practical Flying Sessions: Four structured missions focusing on different objectives and skills.
    1. Mission 1: Gain initial familiarity in GPS mode, including pre-flight activities, basic flight skills, FPV maneuvers, telemetry interpretation, and emergency procedures.
    2. Mission 2: Refine control and emergency response in GPS mode, executing complex flight patterns and dealing with potential incursions.
    3. Mission 3: Operate in non-GPS (ATTI) mode, practicing advanced maneuvers and patterns to enhance control.
    4. Mission 4: Simulate a working mission, handling typical and emergency scenarios in a controlled environment.
  • Applied Expertise: Develop skills applicable across multiple commercial industries, enhancing your ability to operate UAS effectively and safely in various commercial settings.

Hybrid Programs

You can also get a a combination of online and in-person training, providing both flexibility and practical experience. This include online coursework along with periodic physical sessions, for those who want a more comprehensive choice. 

Check out our blog for in-depth study guides that cover each section of the Part 107 exam comprehensively – covering topics like reading sectional charts and handling emergency procedures. The FAA also provides resources, including the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and a series of sample questions. 

Benefits of Getting a Drone Pilot Certification

  • Open Up Job Opportunities: A Part 107 license is often a must-have for aerial surveying, real estate photography, building inspection, filmmaking and similar roles.
  • Boost Your Credibility: Employers will ask about the certification to weed out applicants. Lacking one reflects poorly on you. So go all out, pass the test, get the license and show clients that you’re serious about your business and committed to maintaining high safety standards. 
  • Stay Safe and Legal: You need to be well-versed with FAA’s rules to avoid potential fines or legal troubles. Plus businesses are not likely to bring you on board if you’ll expose them to financial liabilities.
  • Enjoy More Freedom: You can fly at night, over people, and in controlled airspace with the right permissions. Part 107 rules allow unrestricted operations in Class G airspace, but flights in Classes B, C, D, and E (like around airports) will require prior approval from air traffic control.

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

There’s plenty of room to level up with advanced training, leading to higher-paying roles, including:

  1. Thermal Drone Inspections and Search and Rescue Operations

Learn how to use infrared drone imaging systems. These detect issues like heat loss or structural damage in buildings and even pick up body heat, helping to find people at night or through smoke and debris

  1. Aerial Mapping and 3D Modeling

Skills like photogrammetry and LiDAR come in here and when using geospatial data to create detailed maps and models used in construction or urban development.

  1. Utility Inspection

Here the focus is on examining structures like power lines, solar farms, cell towers, and bridges.

  1. Precision Agriculture

Today’s smart farmer is relying on drone footage to analyze crops, assess irrigation systems, and manage their fields more effectively – and they are outsourcing the job to licensed drone operators.

How Much Do U.S. Drone Pilots Make?

Now for the money. Your earning potential depends on factors like: 

Industry Variations:

  • Those in aerospace and defense are at the top of the pay scale, taking home average of $155,230 annually.
  • Operators in environmental services earn about $83,856, while real estate drone pilots see around $84,459 per year.
  • Film and video-related drone operations tend to pay around $69,107​.

Geographical Influences:

Areas like New York and Los Angeles have high demands and cost of living, putting earnings at between $65,000 and $85,000. In the Midwest and Southern U.S. salaries are lower to more affordable lifestyles, though specific local demand and state economic conditions​ will still weigh in.

Employment Type:

  • Freelance drone pilots can earn between $35 to $150 per hour, depending on how complex the job is and how much experience they bring to the table. 
  • Full-time drone pilots have more job stability especially in areas like mapping or cinematic productions. Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $120,000 annually​.

Earnings by Experience:

  • As expected, entry-level drone pilots will start at lower wages. We’re talking around $50,000 annually. You can increase your paycheck by racking up more experience. 
  • Senior-level pilots with niche skills can earn upwards of $100,000 per year​.

As you can see, drone piloting is a lucrative career – if you invest in continuous learning and specialize in high-demand areas. Get in touch with us for UAV training courses to put you on the path you desire.