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How To Become an FAA Certified Drone Pilot
5 Easy Steps to become an FAA Certified Drone Pilot
There’s no doubt about it, flying a drone is awesome! The feeling of controlling a machine that allows you to see things from a vantage point never seen before is unmatched. Recreationally it is fun to do with family and friends, but from a business standpoint you can bring value to your clients or your business by bringing unique content to the table. It’s not as simple as going to the nearest mall, purchasing a drone, then flying it around a downtown area. There are rules and regulations with severe consequences if you don’t abide. In this article you’ll learn 5 easy steps to become certified, if you even need an FAA certification. At Corkboard Concepts we use drones all of the time to capture great photography and videography for clients. Our clients love when we can get shots of their facilities from vantage points that have not yet been seen of their business.Step 1: Do I need an FAA certification?
To start, you will need to assess what the purpose of your drone flying will be. Will you be flying for business or income purposes, or will you be doing this as a recreational hobby? If you are thinking about flying a drone for the purpose of business or income, the answer is yes. To protect yourself, it is mandated that you obtain an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
Step 2: Where do I start for my FAA certification?
Now that you’ve decided that you are going to fly a drone for business, income, or commercial purposes you’re wondering to yourself, “Where do I begin?” For starters, get excited. This is a skill that you will keep (hopefully) for the rest of your life. At completion you will understand the basics of aviation, recognize weather patterns, and confidently fly an unmanned aircraft. Before you dive into the process of getting your certification, here are the FAA Requirements to get certified by the FAA:- 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
Step 3: Do I have to take a test to become an FAA certified drone pilot?

Step 4: Where do I take the FAA certified drone pilot test?
You will have to Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test. You can do this at the following website: Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application You will have to schedule your test at the nearest testing center to you. The following is the website to see which testing centers administer the test. You will also be able to schedule the test through this website as well. PSI Exams FAA Knowledge Testing Centers Once you schedule your test, all you have to do is continue studying and go pass it! You’ve prepared well up until this point, now just relax and utilize what you’ve learned to become one step closer to becoming an FAA certified Drone Pilot.Don’t Want To Miss Anything? Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
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Step 5: What do I do after I complete the FAA certified drone pilot test?
Once you have passed the knowledge exam, there will be some forms you have to complete and submit. You can find those steps on the FAA Website. It will be important to always follow all of the extensive guidelines you’ve learned. Once you are FAA certified there will be a level of responsibility you didn’t have prior to obtaining your certification. If these rules are broken, there can be serious consequences. You’ll want to register your drone. Once registered you should also purchase insurance to protect yourself for the worst case scenario. A great drone insurance source is an app called “Verifly.” This allows you to purchase drone insurance by the hour. Usually the price is between $10-$50 per hour depending on how much coverage you are looking for and if you are flying indoors or outdoors. You will be covered a minimum of $1,000,000.
Get Out & Fly
It is not an easy process to become an FAA certified drone pilot. Many businesses looking for drone work seek out companies such as Corkboard Concepts to do that drone work for them. If you do have the time, it is worth it. It is a skill you’ll have forever. My advice, get your hands on a drone and see how it feels. My guess is you will love it!Zack is our champion CEO and business development manager who has a lot of experience working for different media companies across print, tv and now digital. Starting Corkboard Concepts meant that he’ll get to work with diverse minds to create something special for all clients.
Zack is our champion CEO and business development manager who has a lot of experience working for different media companies across print, tv and now digital. Starting Corkboard Concepts meant that he’ll get to work with diverse minds to create something special for all clients.
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