Drone piloting has quickly become one of the fastest-growing professions today. The drones are used across the board: in real estate, wildlife monitoring all through to farming tasks, shooting scenes for films and inspecting infrastructure like powerlines and solar farms. Some pilots even get paid to assist in search-and-rescue missions. 

However, to be involved in such operations, you need to get certified. Hobbyists fly for fun, snapping pics of sunsets and chasing squirrels. Professionals have a lot more at stake. 

What Does a Commercial Drone Pilot Do?

As a UAS pilot, you manage operations from takeoff to landing. 

  • Planning: Creating a flight plan that considers the terrain, weather, and the task at hand. Needs you to be well versed with the capabilities and limits of the UAS being used. 
  • Flying: Piloting the drone and making real-time decisions to ensure safe and legal operation – including configuring flight parameters and understanding airspace classifications and no-fly zones
  • Monitoring: Keeping track of the drone’s position and the surrounding conditions, working with the integrated drone software
  • Collecting data: Using the drone’s equipment to collect data that can be processed and analyzed – includes visual and thermal data. LiDAR, photogrammetry, multispectral and other kinds of imaging technology are used, each with its purpose.
  • Communicating: Sharing the data with relevant team members. Modern UAS include cloud based collaboration systems.
  • Maintaining: Performing regular inspections and ensuring the drone is in good condition before and after flights. Drone platforms available to log flights and manage fleets.

Why Become a Certified Drone Pilot?

The Part 107 rule requires anyone flying a drone for non-recreational purposes to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. As of October 1, 2024, there were 415,635 certified remote pilots in the United States. (Source: FAA)

What Is a Remote Pilot Certificate?

The Remote Pilot Certificate is a formal credential granted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), specifically authorizing the commercial operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Skipping certification can get expensive fast. You could face fines of up to $75,000 per violation, or even risk jail time. On the flip side, with your certificate you will be eligible for higher-paying jobs and contracts. 

Who Needs a Remote Pilot Certificate?

  • First-Time Pilots: Those new to drone piloting, and who meet the basic requirements: be at least 16 years old; able to read, speak, write, and understand English, plus physically and mentally fit to safely operate a drone.
  • Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders: These have a pilot certificate under 14 CFR Part 61, and will follow slightly different path, with its own specialized online course.

Steps to Becoming a Drone Pilot (First-Time Applicants)

Step 1: Prepare for the FAA Part 107 Exam

It’s a 2-hour test with 60 multiple-choice questions. Some topics covered include: 

  • Regulations for small unmanned aircraft systems.
  • Airspace classifications and flight restrictions.
  • Weather and its impact on drone performance.
  • Emergency procedures and aeronautical decision-making.
  • Maintenance and preflight inspections.
  • Night operations.

Passing requires a score of 70% or higher. It costs $175 to take the exam, so make it count.  

Part 107 Preparatory Course from ABJ Drone Academy Available Here

Step 2: Take and Pass the Test

Here is a guide for this process:

Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

  • Create an account on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) platform.
  • Your FTN will be needed to register for the knowledge test.

Schedule and take the Aeronautical Knowledge Test

Step 3: Apply for the Remote Pilot Certificate

After passing the exam, there’s just a bit of paperwork left. with FAA Form 8710-13:

  • Log into IACRA and start a new application.
  • Select “Remote Pilot” as the certification type.
  • Enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (available 48 hours after your test).
  • Submit your application electronically.

Complete TSA Background Check

  • The FAA will review your application and perform a background check.
  • You’ll receive an email with instructions to print a temporary certificate.

Step 4: Receive Your Permanent Certificate

Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate will arrive in the mail. It’s valid for two years, so remember to renew it through the FAA’s online recurrent training.

Step 5: Buy Your First Drone (Optional)

Owning your own equipment isn’t always necessary. Many companies provide drones for their pilots. But if you’re freelancing, having your own gear can make a big difference in your drone piloting career. Decide what features you need (i.e. camera quality, battery life, flight range).

Also Read: Drone Training For Emergency Responders

Becoming a Drone Pilot as an Existing Part 61 Certificate Holder

To qualify under this pathway, you must:

  • Hold a current pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61.
  • Have completed a flight review within the past 24 months.

Step 1: Complete Online Training

  • Log into the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website.
  • Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course.

Step 2: Apply for the Remote Pilot Certificate

Using IACRA, complete Form 8710-13 (same procedure as above)

Step 3: Validate Your Identity

For this, schedule an appointment at one of these locations:

  • FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
  • Airman certification representative (ACR)
  • FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE)
  • FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI)

Bring:

  • ID card.
  • Proof of a completed flight review.
  • Your online training completion certificate.

Step 4: Temporary and Permanent Certificates

  • The representative will sign your application and issue a temporary airman certificate.
  • Your permanent certificate will arrive via mail.

Keeping Your Remote Pilot Certificate Current

Every 24 months, both new and experienced drone pilots must complete one of the following to maintain their certification:

  • Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677): For all remote pilots.
  • Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-515): For Part 61 pilots with a current flight review.

Building Your Career as a Drone Pilot

Many pilots launch their careers with entry-level opportunities like contract work or internships. You could freelance for real estate agents, snapping aerial photos of homes, or join a survey team mapping land. These gigs help you gain experience and build a solid reputation. Consider adding advanced certifications too, like thermal imaging or nighttime operations, to expand your skill set. 

  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of changes in FAA regulations and industry trends.
  • Join Communities: Connect with other drone pilots for tips, networking, and mentorship.
  • Invest in Quality Equipment: Get a consumer or enterprise drone that is suited to your operations.

Also Read: Drone Training and How Much You Can Make

Challenges of Being a Drone Pilot

When you become a UAV pilot, you’re signing up for some turbulence along the way:

  • First, there’s the learning curve. Take your time understand both the tech and the regulations around the industry. The right course will make the process easier for you.
  • Next is keeping up with technology. Drone software and hardware keeps evolving, as well as the state and national laws governing it. Flagships releasing new and improved UAS products, Congress altering laws on foreign-manufactured drones, FAA updating its guidelines – these all can affect your operations in one way or another. 
  • Public perception is another hurdle. Not everyone loves drones buzzing overhead. Privacy and safety concerns can create tension, especially in residential areas. It’s your responsibility to fly respectfully and follow strict safety protocols to avoid complaints—or worse, legal issues.
  • Then there’s the risk of accidents. Equipment failure, weather, or even bird strikes can lead to damage or liability. You don’t want your drone crashing into a window or a car. That’s why maintenance and insurance are critical for every pilot.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of drone piloting far outweigh the risks. Stay informed, respect regulations, and take care of your UAS gear – you’ll enjoy a thriving career.