Drone Testing 1, 2, 3
By Rebekah Waters, FAA Safety Briefing Magazine
Thinking about getting your remote pilot certificate to fly more than recreationally? If you read this column in the Sep/Oct 2023 issue, you know that a lot of everyday drone activities actually fall under part 107. This means that, unless you are a part 61 pilot with a current flight review, you’re going to have to take a test.
If you are starting to feel some test anxiety, let me set you at ease. Getting your remote pilot certificate takes just three easy steps!
1. Get Ready
First, let’s make sure you’re eligible to take this test. The requirements for being a remote pilot, besides passing the Unmanned Aircraft General–Small (UAG) knowledge test, are to be at least 16 years old; read, speak, write, and understand English; and be physically and mentally fit to safely fly a drone.
The test is 60 questions, and you are given two hours to complete it. That means you’ll have about two minutes for each question. You’ll need to score 70% or higher to pass. So, before you take this test, you’ll want to make sure you’ve studied. The FAA has three free resources you can use to study: the Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the Remote Pilot Study Guide, and online sample questions. These can be found at bit.ly/107Study.
But what if you need more help than this to be prepared? Keep in mind, people have different learning styles, so you’ll need to study the way that works best for you. The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) has volunteers called DronePros who work closely with the FAA to promote safety in their local area. They are trained and equipped to plan events and give presentations.
If you’re interested in learning from a DronePro, go to bit.ly/FAASTeamDirectory and check the DronePro box. There are also free and paid commercial test prep options, but the FAA does not endorse or approve these companies, so make sure you research these options if you decide to use one.
2. Take the Test
The test costs $175 and is available by appointment only. To make an appointment, you’ll need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is how the FAA will identify you throughout your aviation career. To get one, all you need to do is make a profile on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) at iacra.faa.gov. Next, locate an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center near you and schedule your test (bit.ly/Testingcenter). On the day of the test, you must bring your government-issued photo ID. You are also allowed to bring certain test aids, like protractors or calculators. See Advisory Circular 60–11C for a full list (bit.ly/AC60-11C). Most people pass this test the first time, but if you don’t, don’t worry — you can do some additional studying and take the test again after 14 days.
3. Stay Current
Once you pass your test, complete your application in IACRA, and, after your TSA security background check is complete, you now hold a remote pilot certificate. You’ll receive your permanent certificate in the mail. If you’re not a fan of tests, I have good news: you never have to take this test again — as long as you stay current. So, make sure you take the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) online training course every 24 months.
Becoming a remote pilot opens up a world of possibilities for you and your drone. Don’t let the knowledge test stand in your way. Remember: it’s just three easy steps: get ready, take the test, and stay current.
Rebekah Waters is an FAA Safety Briefing associate editor. She is a technical writer-editor in the FAA’s Flight Standards Service.
