What is a Part 107 License?

If you have been flying your drone for a while now, you know what the Part 107 license is all about. For people who are unaware, you might be wondering what a part 107 license is. We will get right into it.

A Part 107 license is a certification granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States to those who wish to operate drones commercially. The accreditation is named after a particular regulation of the FAA rules, the Part 107 rule.

Obtaining this license may seem complicated or time-consuming. However, it is much simpler than most people think.

Simplifying Part 107

Before getting into what is a part 107 license, let's simplify drone license rules in the US. A drone license issued by the FAA permits you to conduct commercial drone operations in the US. Now, other phrases- drone pilot license, part 107 license, commercial drone license- are interchangeably used for this license. But in reality, all of these point to the same license. You will also see variations like the FAA or Part 107 drone licenses. The phrase "part 107" comes up because the license is based on the part 107 rule of the FAA. Whenever we talk about flying drones for work (i.e., flying drones commercially), Part 107 of the FAA rules is the go-to place to find out what you can, including licensing requirements and the types of operations allowed or prohibited.

But what if you don't want to operate a drone commercially? Should you still know what is a Part 107 license? In short, yes.

By default, all drone operations fall under Part 107 law unless they qualify for the exemption for recreational flyers, which is called 44809. Now, to fly your drone under recreational use, you need to meet all of the below nine conditions:

1. You fly your drone exclusively for recreational purposes.
2. You fly your drone using a Community-Based Organization (CBO).
3. You fly your drone within a visual line of sight.
4. Your drone flying does not interfere with manned aircraft.
5. You get airspace authorization before flying in controlled airspace.
6. You fly your drone under 400 feet above ground level.
7. You have taken the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
8. You have registered your drone if it weighs more than 250 grams.
9. You don’t fly your drone dangerously or recklessly.

You automatically fly your drone under Part 107 laws. If you don't meet these rules, the FAA reserves the right to issue you a fine. Enforcement actions from the FAA for drone flying are rare, but a Part 107 license can be an essential legal asset if anything goes wrong.

How to Obtain a Part 107 License?

In the United States, the FAA governs commercial airspace nationwide and requires drone pilots to have a license. Of course, this license is only if you want to be a commercial drone pilot. The Part 107 license helps commercial drone pilots understand what airplane and helicopter pilots do in the surrounding airspace.

If you are now clear on what is a part 107 license, let's jump to what you require to qualify for one. The requirements are pretty straightforward. You must be:

• At least 16 years old
• Mentally and physically fit to fly a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
• Able to read, write, understand, and speak English

If you meet the above criteria, you must pass a 60-question multiple-choice (MCQ) exam that tests your knowledge of airspace, weather, regulations, airport operations, and aeronautical decision-making, among other flight-related topics. The rules and the test might feel overwhelming, but it need not be if you give in some time to prepare. To help aspiring drone pilots, the FAA also provides free study guides for exam prep. You can check the official website to get it.

Let's dwell further to learn the exact process.

• First, an account can be opened on the FAA’s IACRA system. This has to be completed before you can schedule your exam.
• During registration, you can also specify if you require any accommodations, such as extra breaks, a left-hand mouse, or a time extension.
• You can take the MCQ test in person at testing centers across the US. Make sure you reach your center with a government-issued photo ID.
• Once inside, you have 2 hours to finish the test. When you’re done, you receive your test results immediately and learn if you passed or failed.
• To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%. After this, the center will provide you with a drone application.
• The FAA will then send your information to TSA for a background check.
• Once the background check is complete, the FAA will issue you a temporary certificate that you can use to fly your drone commercially. (You’ll receive your permanent card in the mail in about a month)

Why Should You Get a Part 107 License?

1. To Fly Above LAANC Grid Numbers

What can you do with a part 107 license? For one, you can fly above LAANC grid numbers with authorization. LAANC or Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability grid numbers are part of a system designed to help drone instructors obtain quick approval to fly in controlled airspace. People with a Part 107 license can request exemption from this rile and legally fly above these grid numbers. You can also request to fly in a zero grid if you are Part 107 certified. This means that even if LAANC shows that you can’t fly in a place, you can request an exemption from the FAA.

2. To Fly Higher than 400 Feet

One of the rules for recreational drone pilots is that they cannot fly their drone higher than 400 feet. However, if you have a Part 107 license, you have legal permission to go above 400 feet when you are within 400 feet of a structure in uncontrolled airspace. You can fly up to 400 feet above the structure in this situation.

3. To Fly From a Moving Vehicle

You can legally fly your drone from a moving vehicle under Part 107 rules in a “sparsely populated area.” The FAA has not defined what sparsely populated means, but you must maintain a visual line of sight with the drone and follow all other rules.

4. Professional Recognition

What can you do with a part 107 license? Think about the credibility it gets you in your field of work. A Part 107 license signals you have what it takes to be a skilled operator. It can make you look competitive and help you appeal to potential employers and clients. This is especially valuable for videographers.

5. Legal Compliance

Avoiding legal trouble can be essential when considering what you can do with a Part 107 license. If you use a drone for a commercial purpose, flying without certification could result in hefty fines and more legal issues.

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain a Part 107 License?

We spoke about what is a part 107 license and what can you do with a part 107 license.  Let's look at the cost of getting one. The cost of obtaining a Part 107 license is relatively low, consisting of a test fee and drone registration. The testing fee is a flat $175, paid directly to the testing center where you schedule your test.

You will also need to register each of your drones with the FAA. Each drone registration costs $5 and comes with a validity of three years. Registration is a mandatory requirement for commercial drone operators.

Conclusion

Taking a test to get your Part 107 License might initially feel overwhelming. But it is important to note that you don't need to understand every detail of drone flying. So yes, while having a Part 107 license is essential to operate a drone commercially, you don't have to be intimidated by the false thought of the FAA breathing down your neck about every tiny detail.

While you learn more about what is a part 107 license, there are resources you can opt for to get better at it. You can always look for apps dedicated to drone flyers. Most of these subscription-based apps are easy to use and are also pocket-friendly. You can also look for question books that are readily available on Amazon. The last option is online classes. Many flying schools have diversified their portfolio and now provide packages for drone pilots. You can also look for online blogs and other resources on how to become a drone pilot. This will help you better understand the vertical.

Once you have equipped yourself with the necessary skills, take the test, and we are sure you will pass it. What can you do with a part 107 license? As we said before, there are endless opportunities to grab. Drone pilot jobs are on the rise. Many of these jobs also provide a cushy paycheck. Start applying and make a career.