In order 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 program will prepare you to for the the initial aeronautical knowledge test: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”. Knowledge test topic areas include:
- 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
Mode of Instruction: Courses will be offered in person. Check upcoming offerings for specific locations.
Entrance Requirements
No admissions requirements or entrance exam is needed.
Age: 16+
Skills: Basic skills for a drone pilot include understanding drone operation and regulations for safe flights. Pilots must be skilled in controlling drones using remote controllers or software, which requires coordination and spatial awareness. Knowledge of aerodynamics and weather conditions is crucial for navigating different environments and maintaining flight stability. Problem-solving abilities are needed for troubleshooting technical issues mid-flight. Effective communication is essential for coordinating with ground crew and operating in shared airspace. Attention to detail and interpreting data from sensors or cameras are also vital for planning and executing successful missions. These skills are fundamental for becoming a capable and responsible drone pilot.
Background check: Required
Career Opportunities
Several careers increasingly require a commercial drone pilot license due to the versatility and efficiency of drone technology in various industries. In agriculture, drone pilots are employed to monitor crop health, assess field conditions, and optimize irrigation and pesticide application. Construction companies utilize drones for site surveys, progress monitoring, and aerial mapping, enhancing project management and safety. In the real estate sector, drone pilots capture high-quality aerial footage and images for property listings, providing prospective buyers with comprehensive views of homes and landscapes. Insurance companies use drones to assess property damage quickly and accurately after natural disasters or accidents. Additionally, media and entertainment industries employ drone pilots for filming aerial footage in movies, commercials, and events. With applications also in infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and emergency response, careers requiring a commercial drone pilot license continue to expand across diverse sectors as drone technology evolves.
