How to Become a Drone Pilot: Complete Guide

Drones are becoming more popular and useful in various industries, such as photography, videography, agriculture, construction, inspection, surveying, and more. If you want to fly a drone for commercial purposes, you need to get a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certificate, also known as Part 107, allows you to operate a drone legally and safely in the U.S. airspace.

But how do you get this certificate? What are the requirements, the process, and the benefits of becoming a certified drone pilot? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with a complete guide to drone pilot ground school, one of the best online courses that can help you prepare for the FAA exam and pass it on your first try.

What is Drone Pilot Ground School?

Drone Pilot Ground School is an online test prep and training course for commercial drone pilots looking to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test for a Remote Pilot Certificate. It is the leading online course in the U.S. drone industry and has helped more than 50,000 students achieve their certification goals.

The course was founded in 2016 by Alan Perlman, who is also the founder of UAV Coach, one of the largest and most reputable online-based drone training academies in the sUAS industry. Perlman is a certified drone pilot himself and has extensive experience in teaching and coaching drone enthusiasts.

The course is designed to align directly with the FAA’s remote pilot certification requirements and covers all the topics that you need to know for the exam, such as:

• Regulations
• Airspace
• Weather
• Loading and Performance
• Operations
• Emergency Procedures
• Crew Resource Management
• Radio Communication Procedures
• Airport Operations
• Maintenance and Inspection Procedures

The course consists of 70+ video and text lessons that are easy to follow and understand. Each lesson has a quiz at the end to test your knowledge and reinforce your learning. You can also take five full-length practice tests that simulate the real FAA exam and provide you with detailed explanations for each question.

The course also provides you with unlimited one-on-one support from their team of experts who can answer your questions via email, phone, or voice message. You can also access their drone pilot knowledge center, which is a searchable Q&A database that contains common questions from other students.

One of the best features of Drone Pilot Ground School is their money-back (and passing) guarantee. If you don’t pass the FAA exam after taking their course, they will refund you AND cover your test center fee ($175). This rarely happens, but they have your back in case it does.

Another great feature of Drone Pilot Ground School is their lifetime access policy. You can access their course materials anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can also get regular updates on the industry trends and regulations from their weekly newsletters, how-to videos, guides, and more.

Drone Pilot Ground School also offers some bonus materials that go beyond the test prep and help you become a better drone pilot in the real world. These include:

• Flight proficiency training: You can receive a Drone Pilot Ground School diploma when you pass their flight proficiency challenge, which tests your skills in flying a drone safely and efficiently.
  
• Business operations lessons: You can learn from a drone lawyer and other industry professionals about how they approach important legal, marketing, insurance, and business considerations when running a drone business.
  
• Job opportunities: You can get access to hand-picked (and sometimes exclusive) job opportunities offered to students through their weekly newsletter.

Drone Pilot Ground School is not only suitable for solo pilots but also for enterprise teams who want to train their employees or contractors on how to fly drones professionally. They offer group discounts and custom solutions for organizations of different sizes and needs.

Why Should You Choose Drone Pilot Ground School?

There are many reasons why you should choose Drone Pilot Ground School as your online course for preparing for the FAA exam. Here are some of them:

• High success rate: Over 99% of their students pass the FAA exam on their first attempt, even though most of them have no prior experience in aviation. They have more than 3,000 reviews from satisfied customers who attest to their quality and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive curriculum: Their curriculum covers all the topics that you need to know for the exam, as well as some bonus lessons that can help you improve your drone skills and business acumen. Their lessons are engaging, informative, and easy to digest.
  
• Unlimited support: You can get unlimited support from their team of experts who can answer your questions and guide you through the course. You can also benefit from their drone pilot knowledge center, which is a searchable Q&A database that contains common questions from other students.
  
• Money-back (and passing) guarantee: You can get your money back and your test center fee covered if you don’t pass the FAA exam after taking their course. This shows their confidence in their course and their commitment to your success.
  
• Lifetime access: You can access their course materials anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can also get regular updates on the industry trends and regulations from their weekly newsletters, how-to videos, guides, and more. You can also use their course to prepare for the recurrent FAA exam that you need to take every 24 months to keep your license valid.
  
• Flight proficiency training: You can receive a Drone Pilot Ground School diploma when you pass their flight proficiency challenge, which tests your skills in flying a drone safely and efficiently. This can help you stand out from other drone pilots and impress your clients or employers.
  
• Business operations lessons: You can learn from a drone lawyer and other industry professionals about how they approach important legal, marketing, insurance, and business considerations when running a drone business. This can help you avoid common pitfalls and grow your drone business successfully.
  
• Job opportunities: You can get access to hand-picked (and sometimes exclusive) job opportunities offered to students through their weekly newsletter. This can help you find new clients or employers who are looking for qualified and certified drone pilots.

What are the Requirements and Process of Getting the Remote Pilot Certificate?

To get the Remote Pilot Certificate, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
• Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center

The process of getting the Remote Pilot Certificate is as follows:

1. Register for Drone Pilot Ground School and complete their online course. You can sign up for free and preview some of their lessons before paying for the full course. The course costs $299 for one person, but you can get discounts if you enroll as a group or if you meet certain eligibility criteria (such as being a military member, a public safety officer, a STEM educator, or a not-for-profit employee).
   
2. Schedule your FAA exam at an approved testing center near you. You can find a list of testing centers here. The exam fee is $175 and is not included in the course fee. You need to bring your government-issued photo ID and your test confirmation email to the testing center.
   
3. Take the FAA exam and pass it with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that cover various topics related to drone regulations, airspace, weather, operations, and more. You have two hours to complete the exam. You will receive your test report immediately after finishing the exam.
   
4. Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate online using the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. You will need to create an account here and fill out an application form with your personal information and test ID number. You will also need to agree to the FAA’s terms of service and privacy policy.
   
5. Wait for the FAA to review your application and issue your certificate. This may take up to 10 business days. You will receive an email notification when your certificate is ready. You can then download and print your temporary certificate from the IACRA website. Your permanent certificate will be mailed to you within six to eight weeks.
   

Why Fly Drones for Commercial Use?

Flying drones for commercial use can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Drones can offer many benefits, such as:

• Saving time and money: Drones can perform tasks faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than traditional methods, such as manned aircraft, vehicles, or ground crews. For example, drones can inspect pipelines, power lines, bridges, or buildings without the need for scaffolding, ladders, or helicopters.
  
• Improving safety and quality: Drones can reduce the risk of injury or damage to people, property, or the environment by accessing hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. For example, drones can survey mines, landfills, or disaster zones without exposing workers to danger. Drones can also capture high-resolution images and data that can improve the accuracy and reliability of inspections, assessments, or measurements.
  
• Enhancing creativity and innovation: Drones can enable new possibilities and opportunities for creating stunning visuals, delivering goods, providing services, or solving problems. For example, drones can capture breathtaking aerial photos and videos, deliver medical supplies or pizza, provide internet access or security surveillance, or assist in wildlife conservation or firefighting.

Drones have many applications in different industries, such as:

• Photography and videography: Drones can capture amazing images and videos from unique angles and perspectives that can enhance the quality and appeal of your work. Whether you are a wedding photographer, a real estate agent, a filmmaker, or a hobbyist, drones can help you showcase your skills and creativity.
  
• Agriculture: Drones can help farmers monitor their crops, livestock, or soil conditions with precision and efficiency. Drones can also spray pesticides, fertilizers, or water on the fields with accuracy and safety. Drones can help farmers increase their yield, reduce their costs, and improve their sustainability.
  
• Construction: Drones can help contractors survey their sites, track their progress, or inspect their structures with speed and accuracy. Drones can also provide 3D models, maps, or measurements that can improve the planning and design of their projects. Drones can help contractors save time and money, improve quality and safety, and comply with regulations.
  
• Inspection: Drones can help inspectors access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas without risking their lives or damaging their equipment. Drones can also provide high-quality images and data that can improve the detection and diagnosis of defects or issues. Drones can help inspectors reduce downtime and maintenance costs, increase productivity and efficiency, and ensure compliance and safety.

These are just some examples of how drones can be used for commercial purposes. There are many more possibilities and opportunities for drone pilots who have the skills and certification to fly drones legally and safely.

If you want to join this growing and exciting industry, you need to get your Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. And the best way to do that is to enroll in Drone Pilot Ground School. Click here to sign up for Drone Pilot Ground School today.

Phones Can Be Useful In School In A Variety Of Ways.

Conclusion

Becoming a certified drone pilot is not only a legal requirement but also a smart move if you want to fly drones for commercial purposes. It can help you avoid fines and penalties, enhance your safety and professionalism, expand your career opportunities, and grow your drone business.

However, passing the FAA exam is not easy without proper preparation and guidance. That’s why we recommend Drone Pilot Ground School as your online course for getting ready for the exam.

Drone Pilot Ground School is the leading online test prep and training course in the U.S. drone industry and has helped more than 50,000 students pass the FAA exam on their first try.

The course offers a comprehensive

• The course offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the topics that you need to know for the exam, as well as some bonus lessons that can help you improve your drone skills and business acumen. The course consists of 70+ video and text lessons that are engaging, informative, and easy to digest. Each lesson has a quiz at the end to test your knowledge and reinforce your learning. You can also take five full-length practice tests that simulate the real FAA exam and provide you with detailed explanations for each question.
  
• The course also provides you with unlimited one-on-one support from their team of experts who can answer your questions and guide you through the course. You can also access their drone pilot knowledge center, which is a searchable Q&A database that contains common questions from other students.
  
• One of the best features of Drone Pilot Ground School is their money-back (and passing) guarantee. If you don’t pass the FAA exam after taking their course, they will refund you AND cover your test center fee ($175). This rarely happens, but they have your back in case it does.
  
• Another great feature of Drone Pilot Ground School is their lifetime access policy. You can access their course materials anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can also get regular updates on the industry trends and regulations from their weekly newsletters, how-to videos, guides, and more. You can also use their course to prepare for the recurrent FAA exam that you need to take every 24 months to keep your license valid.
  
• Drone Pilot Ground School also offers some bonus materials that go beyond the test prep and help you become a better drone pilot in the real world. These include:
  • Flight proficiency training: You can receive a Drone Pilot Ground School diploma when you pass their flight proficiency challenge, which tests your skills in flying a drone safely and efficiently. This can help you stand out from other drone pilots and impress your clients or employers.
  • Business operations lessons: You can learn from a drone lawyer and other industry professionals about how they approach important legal, marketing, insurance, and business considerations when running a drone business. This can help you avoid common pitfalls and grow your drone business successfully.
  • Job opportunities: You can get access to hand-picked (and sometimes exclusive) job opportunities offered to students through their weekly newsletter. This can help you find new clients or employers who are looking for qualified and certified drone pilots.

Drone Pilot Ground School is not only suitable for solo pilots but also for enterprise teams who want to train their employees or contractors on how to fly drones professionally. They offer group discounts and custom solutions for organizations of different sizes and needs.

If you are ready to take your drone career to the next level, don’t hesitate to enroll in Drone Pilot Ground School today. You can sign up for free and preview some of their lessons before paying for the full course. 

The course costs $299 for one person, but you can get discounts if you enroll as a group or if you meet certain eligibility criteria (such as being a military member, a public safety officer, a STEM educator, or a not-for-profit employee).

Don’t miss this opportunity to become an FAA-certified drone pilot and fly for commercial use. Drone Pilot Ground School will help you achieve your certification goals and prepare you for the real-world challenges of flying drones.

Click here to sign up for Drone Pilot Ground School and start your journey to becoming a certified drone pilot.

Headless Mode Drone Meaning: Everything You Need To Know

FAQs

• Q: What are the requirements for getting the Remote Pilot Certificate?
  • A: To get the Remote Pilot Certificate, you need to meet the following requirements:
    • Be at least 16 years old
    • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
    • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
    • Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center

• Q: How do I get the Remote Pilot Certificate?
  • A: The process of getting the Remote Pilot Certificate is as follows:
    • Register for Drone Pilot Ground School and complete their online course. You can sign up for free and preview some of their lessons before paying for the full course. The course costs $299 for one person, but you can get discounts if you enroll as a group or if you meet certain eligibility criteria (such as being a military member, a public safety officer, a STEM educator, or a not-for-profit employee).
    • Schedule your FAA exam at an approved testing center near you. You can find a list of testing centers here. The exam fee is $175 and is not included in the course fee. You need to bring your government-issued photo ID and your test confirmation email to the testing center.
    • Take the FAA exam and pass it with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that cover various topics related to drone regulations, airspace, weather, operations, and more. You have two hours to complete the exam. You will receive your test report immediately after finishing the exam.
    • Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate online using the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. You will need to create an account here and fill out an application form with your personal information and test ID number. You will also need to agree to the FAA’s terms of service and privacy policy.
    • Wait for the FAA to review your application and issue your certificate. This may take up to 10 business days. You will receive an email notification when your certificate is ready. You can then download and print your temporary certificate from the IACRA website. Your permanent certificate will be mailed to you within six to eight weeks.
      
      
• Q: Why should I choose Drone Pilot Ground School as my online course for preparing for the FAA exam?
  • A: There are many reasons why you should choose Drone Pilot Ground School as your online course for preparing for the FAA exam. Here are some of them:
    • High success rate: Over 99% of their students pass the FAA exam on their first attempt, even though most of them have no prior experience in aviation. They have more than 3,000 reviews from satisfied customers who attest to their quality and effectiveness.
    • Comprehensive curriculum: Their curriculum covers all the topics that you need to know for the exam, as well as some bonus lessons that can help you improve your drone skills and business acumen. Their lessons are engaging, informative, and easy to digest.
    • Unlimited support: You can get unlimited support from their team of experts who can answer your questions and guide you through the course. You can also access their drone pilot knowledge center, which is a searchable Q&A database that contains common questions from other students.
    • Money-back (and passing) guarantee: You can get your money back and your test center fee covered if you don’t pass the FAA exam after taking their course. This shows their confidence in their course and their
    • Money-back (and passing) guarantee: You can get your money back and your test center fee covered if you don’t pass the FAA exam after taking their course. This shows their confidence in their course and their commitment to your success.
    • Lifetime access: You can access their course materials anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can also get regular updates on the industry trends and regulations from their weekly newsletters, how-to videos, guides, and more. You can also use their course to prepare for the recurrent FAA exam that you need to take every 24 months to keep your license valid.
    • Flight proficiency training: You can receive a Drone Pilot Ground School diploma when you pass their flight proficiency challenge, which tests your skills in flying a drone safely and efficiently. This can help you stand out from other drone pilots and impress your clients or employers.
    • Business operations lessons: You can learn from a drone lawyer and other industry professionals about how they approach important legal, marketing, insurance, and business considerations when running a drone business. This can help you avoid common pitfalls and grow your drone business successfully.
    • Job opportunities: You can get access to hand-picked (and sometimes exclusive) job opportunities offered to students through their weekly newsletter. This can help you find new clients or employers who are looking for qualified and certified drone pilots.
      
      
    • Q: How much does Drone Pilot Ground School cost?
      • A: Drone Pilot Ground School costs $299 for one person, but you can get discounts if you enroll as a group or if you meet certain eligibility criteria (such as being a military member, a public safety officer, a STEM educator, or a not-for-profit employee). The course fee does not include the FAA exam fee, which is $175. You can sign up for free and preview some of their lessons before paying for the full course.
        
        
    • Q: How do I sign up for Drone Pilot Ground School?
      • A: You can sign up for Drone Pilot Ground School by clicking here. You will need to create an account with your name, email address, and password. You can then access some of their free lessons and decide if you want to pay for the full course. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once you pay for the course, you will get instant access to all the course materials and support.
        
        
    • Q: What are some of the benefits of flying drones for commercial use?
      • A: Flying drones for commercial use can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Drones can offer many benefits, such as:
        
        • Saving time and money: Drones can perform tasks faster, cheaper, and more efficiently than traditional methods, such as manned aircraft, vehicles, or ground crews. For example, drones can inspect pipelines, power lines, bridges, or buildings without the need for scaffolding, ladders, or helicopters.
        • Improving safety and quality: Drones can reduce the risk of injury or damage to people, property, or the environment by accessing hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. For example, drones can survey mines, landfills, or disaster zones without exposing workers to danger. Drones can also capture high-resolution images and data that can improve the accuracy and reliability of inspections, assessments, or measurements.
        • Enhancing creativity and innovation: Drones can enable new possibilities and opportunities for creating stunning visuals, delivering goods, providing services, or solving problems. For example, drones can capture breathtaking aerial photos and videos, deliver medical supplies or pizza, provide internet access or security surveillance, or assist in wildlife conservation or firefighting.
          
          

Drones have many applications in different industries Drones have many applications in different industries, such as:

• Photography and videography: Drones can capture amazing images and videos from unique angles and perspectives that can enhance the quality and appeal of your work. Whether you are a wedding photographer, a real estate agent, a filmmaker, or a hobbyist, drones can help you showcase your skills and creativity.
• Agriculture: Drones can help farmers monitor their crops, livestock, or soil conditions with precision and efficiency. Drones can also spray pesticides, fertilizers, or water on the fields with accuracy and safety. Drones can help farmers increase their yield, reduce their costs, and improve their sustainability.
• Construction: Drones can help contractors survey their sites, track their progress, or inspect their structures with speed and accuracy. Drones can also provide 3D models, maps, or measurements that can improve the planning and design of their projects. Drones can help contractors save time and money, improve quality and safety, and comply with regulations.
• Inspection: Drones can help inspectors access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas without risking their lives or damaging their equipment. Drones can also provide high-quality images and data that can improve the detection and diagnosis of defects or issues. Drones can help inspectors reduce downtime and maintenance costs, increase productivity and efficiency, and ensure compliance and safety.
  
  
• Q: What are some of the challenges of flying drones for commercial use?
  • A: Flying drones for commercial use also comes with some challenges, such as:
    • Legal and regulatory requirements: You need to comply with the FAA’s rules and regulations for flying drones in the U.S. airspace. This includes getting the Remote Pilot Certificate, registering your drone, following the operational limitations, obtaining waivers or authorizations if needed, reporting accidents or incidents, and respecting the privacy and property rights of others.
    • Safety and security risks: You need to be aware of the potential hazards and threats that can affect your drone operations, such as weather conditions, airspace restrictions, interference from other aircraft or radio signals, vandalism or theft, or malicious attacks. You need to follow the best practices and procedures for flying drones safely and securely, such as conducting pre-flight checks, maintaining visual line of sight, avoiding obstacles or people, and using anti-drone technology if necessary.
    • Competition and market saturation: You need to be able to stand out from other drone pilots who are offering similar services or products in the same industry or area. You need to have a unique value proposition, a strong portfolio, a solid reputation, a loyal customer base, a competitive pricing strategy, and a effective marketing plan.
      
• Q: How can I improve my drone skills and business acumen?
  • A: You can improve your drone skills and business acumen by taking advantage of the bonus materials that Drone Pilot Ground School offers, such as:
    • Flight proficiency training: You can receive a Drone Pilot Ground School diploma when you pass their flight proficiency challenge, which tests your skills in flying a drone safely and efficiently. This can help you stand out from other drone pilots and impress your clients or employers.
    • Business operations lessons: You can learn from a drone lawyer and other industry professionals about how they approach important legal, marketing, insurance, and business considerations when running a drone business. This can help you avoid common pitfalls and grow your drone business successfully.
    • Job opportunities: You can get access to hand-picked (and sometimes exclusive) job opportunities offered to students through their weekly newsletter. This can help you find new clients or employers who are looking for qualified and certified drone pilots.

You can also improve your drone skills and business acumen by staying updated on the latest trends

• You can also improve your drone skills and business acumen by staying updated on the latest trends and developments in the drone industry, such as new technologies, regulations, applications, or opportunities. You can do this by following reputable sources of information, such as blogs, podcasts, newsletters, magazines, or forums. You can also network with other drone pilots and professionals, such as by joining online communities, attending events, or participating in competitions.
  
• Q: How can I sign up for a group discount or a custom solution for my organization?
  • A: If you want to enroll as a group or get a custom solution for your organization, you can contact Drone Pilot Ground School by emailing [email protected] or calling (888) 626-1490 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (Central Time). They will provide you with a quote and an invoice based on your group size and needs. They can also process purchase orders and accept tax-exempt payments. They can also provide you with additional features, such as progress tracking, reporting, or certification management.
    
• Q: How can I contact Drone Pilot Ground School for more information or support?
  • A: You can contact Drone Pilot Ground School by emailing [email protected] or calling (888) 626-1490 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (Central Time). You can also send them a voice message through their website. They will respond to your queries and requests as soon as possible. You can also visit their website here to access their free resources, such as their blog, their podcast, their guides, their videos, and more.