DID YOU KNOW... 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 to safely fly a drone.
To become a commercial drone Remote Pilot under FAA Requirements, you must:
Demonstrate knowledge consistent with the privileges of the Remote Pilot Certificate with a small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) rating, as well as the ability to manage the risks of flight in order to act as a remote pilot-in-command (PIC);
- Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG);
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age;
- Read, speak, write, and understand English;
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone.
Requirements for Remote Pilot Certificate:
- Must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
Certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency
Why should I complete the Commerical Drone Remote Pilot Program at American Wings Flight Academy?
- Part 107, the FAA commercial drone regulation, allows drone pilots to fly drones for business purposes. In other words, a license to fly under FAA Part 107 is the equivalent of getting a Commercial Driver Licence (CDL) to drive trucking rigs.
- What is FAA Part 107?
- In June 2016, the FAA published remote pilot certification and operating rules for civil small unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds - Part 107.
- But, at the time, Part 107 rules did not permit small unmanned aircraft operations at night or over people or moving vehicles without a waiver.
- Effective on April 21, 2021, Part 107 was amended to include the Operations Over People rule. With this rule in effect, drone pilots operating under Part 107 may now fly at night and fly over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule.
- The main requirement under Part 107 is to pass the FAA's drone pilot test, Airman Knowledge Test, Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG).
- This 2-hour, 60-question test requires extensive studying to complete successfully. At American Wings Flight Academy, you will be trained for just that.
- Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion endorsed by an FAA Licensed Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and assistance registering for your FAA Exam.
- It costs $175.00 to write the FAA Part 107 exam. If you fail, it will cost you $175 to attempt it again.
- Ensure you're prepared to pass the exam the first time. Our course includes all the materials required for you to pass your FAA exam, including a practice exam that features 250+ practice test questions.
Get trained by our FAA Licensed Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs).
The exam covers complicated aviation topics, many of which are confusing and require in-depth explanation.
All of our instructors are not only commercial drone operators but highly trained FAA licensed Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) so you will be trained by actual pilots with thousands of hours of commercial flight experience. You’ll also have access to our Chief Instructor to ask questions throughout the course.
Commercial Drone Remote Pilot Course
- 12-month access to course material and all quizzes.
- Self-directed and self-paced.
- Register now for instant access to course materials!
FAA Part 107 Curriculum
FAA Part 107 curriculum designed by industry experts to ensure the most professional training possible
Topic 1
Regulations under FAA Part 107
- Pilot In Command
- Registration & Eligibility Requirements
- Conditions for Safe Operations
- Night Operations Under Part 107
- Waiver Policy
Topic 2
Airspace Classifications
- National Airspace System
- Air Traffic Control
- Clearances and Permissions
- Uncontrolled Airspace
- Controlled Airspace
Topic 3
Flight Restrictions
- Restricted Areas
- Filing NOTAMS
- Special Use Airspace
- Military Training Routes
- VFR versus IFR Flight Rules
Topic 4
Chart Study
- Reading Sectional Charts
- Chart Legend
- Navigation Basics
- Chart Interpretation
- Difficult Chart Test Questions
Topic 5
Airport Operations for Drone Pilots
- Operating Near an Airport
- Traffic Patterns
- Heliports
- Towered and Non-Towered Airports
- Runway Markings and Signage
Topic 6
Radio Communications for sUAS Pilots
- Controlled Tower Communication Procedures
- Phonetic Alphabet
- Airport Terminal Information Service
- Self-Announce Procedures
- UNICOM/ MULTICOM
Topic 7
Aviation Weather for
Drone Pilots
- Internet Weather Briefings
- Micrometeorology
- Reading METARS
- Stages of a Thunderstorm
- Types of Cloud Formations
Topic 8
Maintenance and Preflight Procedures
- Scheduled Maintenance
- Unscheduled Maintenance
- Preflight Inspection
- Record Keeping
- FAA Inspection and Testing
Topic 9
Crew Resource Management and Aeronautical Decision Making
- Requirements of Pilot In Command
- Situational Awareness
- Hazardous Attitudes
- Effective Communication
- Risk Management for Drone Pilots
Topic 10
sUAS Loading and
Performance
- Basic Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Loading
- Weight and Balance
- Stability and Control
- Center of Gravity
Topic 11
Hazards to Flight and Emergency Procedures
- Reporting In-Flight Emergencies
- Fail-Safe Procedures
- Airborne Inspections
- Wildlife Hazards
- Lithium Battery Hazards
Topic 12
sUAS Loading and
Performance
- Basic Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Loading
- Weight and Balance
- Stability and Control
- Center of Gravity
Topic 13
Physiology for Drone Pilots Under Part 107
- Impacts of Drugs and Alcohol
- Vision Impairment
- Determining Fitness for Flight
- Physiological Considerations
- Part 107 Regulations Requirements
Topic 14
Preparing for the
Part 107 Exam
- Registering for Airman Knowledge Test
- 250+ FAA Test Questions
- Best Study Practices
- Applying on IACRA
- Applying for the Remote Pilot Certificate
Upon Course Completion
American Wings Flight Academy will help you in 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 to take the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Knowledge Test online or at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. If testing in-person, be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to your test.
Step 3: Pass the test.
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)*
Commercial Drone Remote Pilot Course
- 12-month access to course material and all quizzes.
- Self-directed and self-paced.
- Register now for instant access to course materials!