Process
Chapter 2: Eligibility and Certification
Eligibility requirements for remote pilots
Process of obtaining a remote pilot certificate
Recurrent training and testing requirements
2.1 Eligibility Requirements for Remote Pilots To become a certified remote pilot, an individual must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be at least 16 years old
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Be in a physical and mental condition that allows for safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)
Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test or hold a valid Part 61 pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) and complete an online training course
2.2 Process of Obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate The process of obtaining a remote pilot certificate involves the following steps:
Meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section 2.1
Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test administered by an FAA-approved knowledge testing center or complete the online training course for Part 61 pilot certificate holders
Complete FAA Form 8710-13 (Remote Pilot Certificate and/or Rating Application) and submit it to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system
Upon successful completion of the application process, the FAA will issue a temporary remote pilot certificate, which will be valid for 120 days
The permanent remote pilot certificate will be mailed to the address provided on the application within the 120-day period
2.3 Recurrent Training and Testing Requirements To maintain a valid remote pilot certificate, the following recurrent training and testing requirements must be met:
Pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months, administered by an FAA-approved knowledge testing center, or complete an online recurrent training course for Part 61 pilot certificate holders
Maintain a current record of the recurrent training or testing completion, which must be made available to the FAA upon request
Failure to complete the recurrent training or testing within the 24-month period will result in the expiration of the remote pilot certificate
If the remote pilot certificate expires, the individual must pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test again to regain certification By adhering to the eligibility requirements, following the certification process, and maintaining currency through recurrent training or testing, individuals can obtain and maintain a valid remote pilot certificate, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations for safe operation of sUAS.
Example
Sarah had always been fascinated by drones and their potential applications. At the age of 18, she decided to pursue her passion and become a certified remote pilot. She began by researching the eligibility requirements and discovered that she met all the criteria: she was over 16 years old, fluent in English, and in good physical and mental health.
Excited to begin the certification process, Sarah scheduled her initial aeronautical knowledge test at a nearby FAA-approved testing center. She spent weeks studying the material, covering topics such as airspace classifications, weather patterns, and sUAS operating rules. On the day of the test, Sarah felt confident and well-prepared. She passed the exam with flying colors, bringing her one step closer to her goal.
With the knowledge test completed, Sarah filled out FAA Form 8710-13 and submitted it through the IACRA system. She anxiously awaited the arrival of her temporary remote pilot certificate, which arrived in her email inbox a few days later. Sarah was thrilled to finally hold the certificate in her hands, knowing that the permanent one would arrive by mail within the next 120 days.
As Sarah began to operate her sUAS for various projects, she made sure to keep track of the date when her recurrent training would be due. She knew that to maintain her certification, she would need to pass a recurrent knowledge test or complete an online training course every 24 months. Sarah marked her calendar and set reminders to ensure she would never let her certification lapse.
Two years later, Sarah found herself back at the testing center, ready to take her recurrent knowledge test. Having stayed current with the latest regulations and best practices, she felt confident in her abilities. Once again, Sarah passed the test with ease, ensuring her remote pilot certificate would remain valid for another two years.
Throughout her career as a remote pilot, Sarah remained committed to adhering to the eligibility requirements, certification processes, and recurrent training obligations. Her dedication to maintaining her knowledge and skills allowed her to build a successful business, providing aerial photography and inspection services to clients across various industries. Sarah's story serves as an example of how following the proper certification path can lead to a fulfilling and compliant career in the world of sUAS operations.
Chapter Quiz
Chapter 2: Eligibility and Certification quiz -
Test your knowledge with an consists of 7 questions covering multiple-choice and true/false formats. The content pertains to Eligibility and Certification in part 107. The skill level is categorized as easy.