Taking the FAA Part 107 test requires proper preparation, including bringing the correct identification and materials to the testing center.
Required items for the Part 107 test
The Federal Aviation Administration requires all test-takers to bring a valid government-issued photo identification to their Part 107 exam. This ID must include a photo, date of birth, signature and physical residential address.
Acceptable forms of ID for U.S. citizens and resident aliens
Valid identification options include a driver permit or license issued by a U.S. state or territory, U.S. Government identification card, U.S. Military identification card, passport or alien residency card.
Acceptable forms of ID for non-U.S. citizens
Non-U.S. citizens must present a passport along with either a driver permit or license issued by a U.S. state or territory, or an identification card issued by any government entity.
How to obtain a government-issued photo ID
Test-takers without a driver’s license can obtain a government-issued identification card from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The process typically involves completing an application form, visiting a DMV office with acceptable identity documents such as a birth certificate, providing a thumbprint and photo, paying a fee, and submitting a social security number. Processing time usually takes three to four weeks, so applicants should plan accordingly.
A passport serves as another valid identification option. First-time adult passport books cost $130, while passport books for minors under 16 cost $100. Routine passport processing takes eight to eleven weeks, with expedited processing available for an additional $60 fee and taking five to seven weeks. Minor applicants require proof of parental relationship and consent from parents or guardians.
Optional items allowed at the Part 107 test
Test-takers may bring optional test aids including scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, log sheets and aviation-oriented calculating devices directly related to the test. Test proctors may provide calculators, or test-takers can use personal calculators if the screen indicates all memory has been erased.
Prohibited items at the Part 107 test
Prohibited items include dictionaries, magnetic cards, magnetic tapes, modules, computer chips, booklets or manuals containing calculator instructions and mobile phones. Test proctors have final authority over what materials and personal possessions are allowed in the testing area.
What is the Part 107 test?
The FAA requires anyone flying drones commercially to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, commonly called a drone pilot license. Obtaining this certificate requires passing an in-person written test called the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam at one of approximately 700 FAA-approved knowledge testing centers across the United States.
The exam covers aviation weather sources, emergency procedures, airport operations, radio communication procedures, and maintenance and pre-flight inspection procedures. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to take the test.
Steps to obtain a remote pilot certificate
First, create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Next, schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center, which typically charges a $175 fee.
After taking and passing the Part 107 test at the testing center with proper identification, complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate using the electronic IACRA system. This requires entering the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from the completed test, which may take up to 48 hours to appear in the system after the test date.
Test-takers receive a temporary remote pilot certificate immediately, while a permanent certificate arrives by mail once FAA processing is complete. Drone pilots must carry this certificate whenever operating drones commercially.
Part 107 test preparation resources
Many test-takers benefit from enrolling in Part 107 online test prep courses, which often achieve 95% or higher pass rates.
Here are the study courses I would recommend:
- Drone Launch Academy: this is another professional, online training course with repeatable videos and study guides. Use DRONEGIRL50 or this link to get $50 off!
- Drone Pilot Ground School offers a fantastic online training course with practice tests and repeatable videos (this is actually the course I used…and I passed on my first try!). Use this link with coupon code DRONEGIRL100 to get $100 off their course.
- John Peltier’s FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot online course is taught by a former Air Force instructor and contains no-nonsense content from someone who has more than 15 years of teaching experience. Peltiers course also comes in a mobile app version for iOS and Android.
Though, I’ve also outlined some free Part 107 study guides in my list of test-taking resources, too.
The test can be taken at one of about 700 FAA-approved knowledge testing centers around the U.S. (reference this list to find a of aeronautical knowledge test location near you). Applicants need to schedule the testing appointment in advance and bring a government-issued photo ID.
The post What to bring to the Part 107 drone test appeared first on The Drone Girl.