Part 107 Requirements
The FAA requires that anyone operating a drone for commercial purposes obtain a “remote pilot airman certificate with a small UAS rating” – essentially, a drone pilot’s license. This is how you can get yours:
Create Your IACRA Profile
Click “Register” in the top right corner
Select “Applicant” as your role
Agree to the terms of service and continue
Skip the “Certificate Information”
Enter your personal information and an email address that you will use to log in
Fill out the “Security Questions” box
Create a Username and Password
Click “Register”
The next screen will display your FTN (FAA Tracking Number). You will need this number before you can register to take the Part 107 exam
Sign Up for the CFR 14 Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test
To apply for a certificate, you must first pass a computerized test covering key regulatory and safety concepts. The test is available at hundreds of facilities across the country. There is a non-refundable fee to take the exam and ranges between $150-$175 depending on the testing center. In the event you do not pass the exam, you will need to wait 14 days to retake the test.
The FAA has several hundred testing centers around the country, operated by a service provider, PSI / CATS. You can look up the center closest to you and schedule your exam at https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login
Click on “Create an Account”
Enter your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) that you obtained after creating your account on IACRA, First Name, and Last Name
Agree to Terms of Conditions
Complete the email verification and registration step
Click “Register”
Search for “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small” and then select this test
Enter the number of times you have attempted to take this test (ex: 1)
Choose the test verification method
Search for a testing center and book your test
Study
Once you’re signed up for the test, it’s time to study. Studying for any test can be daunting, so we have curated a selection of materials to help you study for the test.
FAA Material
Videos
Northrup Video (1 hour 40 min.)
Remote Pilot Video: Practice Test Walk-through (1 hour 5 min., instruction ends at 34 min. )
Remote Pilot Video: Webinar (1 hour 8 min., instruction ends at 42 min.)
METAR and TAF specific video (7 min.)
Part 107 Online Training
The FAA has created a free online training course that will help those obtaining certification for the first time prepare for the exam. This is not meant to be the sole study guide for the exam, but it contains information on two new topics that have been added to the initial exam: night operations and flying over people. This online course should be used in conjunction with other FAA Part 107 study materials. Please note the title of the course indicates this is for those holding a Part 61 certification, but it is appropriate for anyone looking to obtain Part 107 certification.
Drone Launch Academy
Firmatek officially has a partnership with Drone Launch Academy! Drone Launch Academy offers a virtual Part 107 study course that will help prepare new operators for the exam. Using this option is not mandatory, but it can be helpful to learn the material for the Part 107 exam. This course can be used as the primary source of study material for the Part 107 exam and should enable you to pass the exam. As a matter of fact, they have a guarantee you will pass or they will refund the cost of their school, along with the cost of the Part 107 exam. Please reach out to kesprysupport@firmatek.com for a discount code that can be used during registration.
Take the Test
On your test day, you’ll report to the testing center you chose for the test. Remember to bring these key items:
Your Driver’s License, with your current address
If you don't have a driver's license or the address is out of date, consult the FAA's guide here.
A calculator (Some testing centers will provide a basic calculator.)
No other materials are permitted while taking the test so leave your phone, etc. in your car.
You will have 2 hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. Each question has 3 potential answers with one correct answer. Getting 70% (42/60 correct answers) is a passing grade.
Tips:
If you are unsure of the correct answer, flag the question to return to it later. It is possible that a future question will provide you the answer to the question you did not know. Make sure to answer all the questions whether you know the answer or not as an unanswered question counts as an incorrect answer.
The Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement book will be provided to you to answer questions. Make sure to take advantage of the legend in the front of the book.
As some of the information in the Section Charts can be small and hard to read, consider bringing a magnifying glass.
At the completion of the test, you will receive immediate feedback after submission. If you do not pass, you will need to wait 14 days until you can take the test again. Upon successfully passing the test, the testing center will provide you with the Airmen Knowledge Test Report, which can be used as proof of certification until your FAA card arrives in the mail.
Apply for Your License
Once you’ve passed the test, your results should automatically be posted on IACRA, the FAA’s online licensing system. You will need to wait 24-48 hrs after testing for your scores to be registered in the IACRA system. The TSA will then complete a background check and issue you a remote pilot certificate.
Now that you've completed the process for Part 107 certification, you're ready for Kespry specific training. The first step is Kespry Ground School for Kespry M Drone, Kespry P Drone, or Kespry BYOD (Bring Your Own Drone), then the Operator Certification Quiz followed by Flight and Cloud Trainings. Please reach out to kesprysupport@firmatek.com to get you started on these final steps.
Part 107 Recurrent Training
Recurrent training for your Part 107 certification is required every 24 months. You will no longer be required to sit in person and pay for an exam, rather the FAA has created free online training that one can take to remain current. The Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent training can be found here. You must first create an account in order to log in and enroll. A certificate of completion will be presented at the end and can be printed for proof of recurrency.