The Complete Guide to Getting Your Remote Pilot Certificate for Commercial Drones

Your first step to flying drones professionally is earning the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 regulations. This essential credential verifies your understanding of drone safety, airspace rules, and operational procedures, giving you the legal authority to conduct commercial flights.

Whether you’re planning to capture aerial photos of your solar installations for marketing purposes, conduct site surveys before designing systems, or gather thermal data to check the safety of your arrays, the Remote Pilot Certificate has you covered. While most commercial drone operations only require this basic certification, certain specialized uses or larger aircraft may need additional permissions. Not sure what applies to you? The FAA’s “What Kind of Drone Flyer Are You?” tool can help clarify your requirements.

Let’s dig in! 

How to Qualify for the Exam

To become a pilot you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”

What Topics Are Covered on the Exam

• Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
• Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
• Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
• Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
• Emergency procedures
• Crew resource management
• Radio communication procedures
• Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
• Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
• Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
• Airport operations
• Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
• Operation at night

How to Prepare

While there is no training requirement to sit for the exam, HeatSpring offers the Drone Pilot Boot Camp to help you prepare for success as well as dial-in commercial drone operations through our comprehensive two-part program:

Part 1: FAA Unmanned Aircraft Commercial Operator License (Part 107) Knowledge Course

• Prepare for the FAA commercial drone pilot certification exam
• Course covers all required knowledge areas: regulations, operations, weather, airspace, and safety

Part 2: Small Unmanned Aircraft System Field Operations Course

• Learn to apply commercial drone best practices
• Train through guided simulator sessions 
• Requires additional purchase of Zephyr flight simulator ($135) and compatible controller (if needed)

You can also review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.

The Application Process

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.
2. Schedule an appointment with a FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center and pay your $150 testing fee. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID to your test.
3. Take and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”
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)

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

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.
6. A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.
7. Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly your UAS.

Maintaining Your Remote Pilot Certificate

To keep your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must complete the free Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) online training course directly from the FAA within the previous 24 calendar months.

This requirement applies to all Part 107 certificate holders, ensuring pilots maintain up-to-date knowledge of drone operations and safety.

Still have questions about getting your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate or HeatSpring’s Drone Pilot Boot Camp? Shoot us an email at support@heatspring.com!