As most of us know, those who would like to fly for commercial use (any flying where the pilot will be paid) must now pass a test from the FAA and score 70% or over to fly legally. Now, I am a few days into studying for the test and realize that there is really a decent amount to know.
After going through most of the official study guide, I've noticed this feels like a test for actual pilots flying planes. However, whether I feel that way or not, the test is so anyone flying a UAV is aware of the airspace and rules that come with it. The study guide is mainly a reminder to us pilots, but has plenty of information most UAV Pilots wouldn't know or even expect.
Sections Directly Dealing With Drones
- Chapter 3b: Effects of Weather on Small Unmanned Aircraft Performance
- Chapter 5: Emergency Procedures
- Chapter 8: Determining the Performance of Small Unmanned Aircraft
- Chapter 10: Aeronautical Decision-Making and Judgment
- Chapter 12: Maintenance and Preflight Inspection Procedures
- Appendix 1: Study References
This is obviously my personal opinion, but I do believe a lot of these are common sense. It is good to learn a little more about these things and understand what we can do to gain knowledge in this area so no one is hurt and nothing is damaged. I may not hurt myself if I crash, but I sure will hurt my wallet if I need to replace anything, which is one of the biggest reasons I know to fly safe and responsibly.
I would also advise everyone taking the test to get familiar with all of the acronyms used because there are plenty of them. In almost every paragraph in the study guide, something is abbreviated, and you will probably want to understand what that abbreviation means in case it comes up on the test. Again, the test will cost $150 to register for and consist of 60 multiple choice questions. You must take the test in one of the testing centers approved by the FAA. Also check out Becoming a Pilot for more.
Lead image by Flickr user Walter, used under Creative Commons.
$150 for being able to call myself a certified commercial pilot almost makes me want to take the test.
Better than thousands of dollars in civil fines and no insurance policy covering you when you crash or have a flyaway when you succumb to a friend asking you to help them out with "a quick drone shoot."
Im not doubting its necessity if you live in the us with its deeply rooted culture of suing,hefty fines and whatnot. $150 is not that much if youre doing it professionally.
I agree with all you guys. Best to get it and then you have the title and knowledge. Rather that than risk any fines or other trouble
I have my private pilot's license. Do you know if anyone with a pilot's license will need to take the test?
Hi, yes you will still have to take it. Even people who got the section 333 exception have to take the test. However, since you already have a private pilot's license, you may be able to take it online.
This is incorrect.
I'm not actually sure if you will or not if you already have a pilots license. There may be some sort of a loophole there so I would look into it.
Gilbert, NO, you do not have to take the 107 test that is being discussed here. If you have a pilot license, and a current BFR, you can take a special test only for us pilots that is about 30 questions long. It is a breeze to take. (And, if you miss a question you can re-answer it until you get it correct.) There is also an online (FAA) test prep for this pilot's only test. Once completed, you will have to schedule a time to take your log book and all of these new documents to the local FAA office.
Yes, you'll be good on the "difficult" info and just need to know a little more about drones. The Drone Guyz have compiled an extensive list of resources to help you pass the new drone
exam. I passed it Monday morning and you can too. Here is a link to the resources. http://thedroneguyz.com/drone-test/
I think a lot of people that don't want to be commercial pilots are missing out on the fact that this
license allows you to fly in so many more places. We cover that here. http://thedroneguyz.com/drone-pilot-license/
Thanks for the feedback!