How To Become a Professional Drone Pilot (in <8 Weeks)

Becoming a professional drone pilot can be a rewarding and exciting career path. Let’s be honest, drones are a hot topic these days and the drone industry is possibly the fastest-growing industry currently to be a part of. With so much upside and upward mobility (pun intended), pursuing a career in this field is an excellent choice.

However, in order to become a professional drone pilot, there are several steps you need to take, like passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. In this article, we’re going to outline the steps you need to take, what you can expect, and the best way to get started.

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DECIDE IF YOU’RE READY

Before you go and sell the dry cleaning business and purchase a new drone, you should first take some time to think about whether making a career change is right for you. It’s not impossible; this author did it at 41 years of age. So, before you dive in head-first, take some time to think about your and your family's needs, the amount of time required to be operating at a professional level, and if you’re up for the challenge. If you’re looking at dipping your toe in the pond as your first career choice, excellent choice. Either way, we want to help you understand what is involved so you can make the very best decision for yourself.


COMMIT TO LEARNING

Okay, now that you’ve put some serious thought into this endeavor, you’ll soon realize the first step in the process (unless you already own a drone) is to prepare for and pass the FAA’s Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. This test covers a wide variety of aeronautical knowledge and is something that you’ll definitely want to prepare for. But you won’t want to stop there. You’ll want to find some sort of continued education or training to keep up with regulatory changes so you’re always in the know.

First, let’s talk about the Part 107 Exam, as it will be your first step in your new career journey. This test is administered by an accredited FAA Testing Provider, and ranges in price slightly, between $150–$175, depending on where you go. You’ll have two hours to answer 60 questions, and need to score a 70% or higher (or 42 questions correct) in order to pass. Once passed, you’ll need to pass a recurrent knowledge exam online every two years.

You will be tested on five UAS operational topics, broken down as follows;

  • Regulations (15–25%)

  • Airspace Requirements (8–15%)

  • Weather (11–16%)

  • Loading & Performance (7–11%)

  • Operations (13–18%)



The FAA has further summarized the subject matter of the exam to contain:

  • Regulations pertaining to small unmanned aircraft systems, including rating privileges, flight operations, and limitations.

  • Operating requirements, airspace classification, and flight restrictions that impact small unmanned aircraft operations.

  • Aviation weather sources and the impact of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance.

  • Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance.

  • Emergency procedures to follow during a flight.

  • Crew resource management techniques to enhance flight safety.

  • Radio communication procedures to facilitate safe and efficient flight operations.

  • Methods to determine the performance of small unmanned aircraft.

  • The physiological effects of drugs and alcohol on flight operations.

  • The importance of aeronautical decision-making and sound judgment when flying small unmanned aircraft.

  • Best practices for airport operations when using small unmanned aircraft.

  • Maintenance and pre-flight inspection procedures for small unmanned aircraft.



A few additional requirements to take the Part 107 are;

  • Be at least 14 years of age.

  • Have a US government-issued ID.

  • Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.


While this test does cover some complex subject matter like reading sectional charts, understanding airspace, and micrometeorology, it is fairly straightforward. If you prepare for this test with a course like the 107ProPilot Academy’s 8-Week ProPilot Challenge, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Our 107 Test-Prep Course app is available on the Google Play and Apple App Stores and provides over 6 hours of video-based training, 50+ subject matter quizzes, 3 full-length practice tests, plus weekly Live Q+A with a licensed RPIC. Monthly, Annual, and Lifetime subscriptions are available; learn more here: https://www.flyproaerial.com/107propilot

Sample Lesson:

107ProPilot Academy Sample Lesson

When you’re ready, you can schedule to take your exam at of 700 accredited testing centers across the country here: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/test_centers.pdf




EQUIPMENT

As you embark on your new career as a commercial drone pilot, you’re going to need an aircraft to start logging “stick time” and hone your skills. Now, while it is easy to spend thousands of dollars on an sUAS, I encourage you to slow your roll. As you’re just starting out, look into acquiring a more economical system to practice on. You’d hate to crash your new $5k drone on your first flight. So get some practice on a smaller and more economical system.


Systems like the DJI Mavic Mini Series of drones can be purchased new for between $400–$1000, you could save even more money by looking into a used system on eBay. Here you might not only be able to save some money, but you might be able to find a full setup from someone who has graduated to a more robust system. Just be mindful; if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. 


A drone isn’t the only thing you’re going to need as part of your gear. There is ancillary equipment (both hardware and software) that you’ll eventually need, but will most likely acquire over time and not all at once. We’ve provided a list of some of the most commonly used items by drone pilots when in the field.



Ancillary Drone Equipment List:




PRACTICE

Finally the fun part—get out there and practice! An important part of keeping any skill sharp is practice, and being a drone pilot is no different. Get familiar with your aircraft, and learn what every button and setting does. Test out your emergency procedures. Learn everything you can about your aircraft, its limitations, and your own.


Here’s a list of some common Drone Pilot Practice Exercises:

  • Take-Off and Landing

  • Hovering (with and without GPS)

  • Up, Across, and Down (forward and inverse)

  • Square Box Pattern (forward and inverse)

  • Touch and Go

  • Figure Eights

  • Follow Me

  • Point of Interest (PoI)



FINAL THOUGHTS

As you can see now, there’s a bit to consider if you’re thinking of becoming a Part 107 Commercial Drone Operator. We don’t want to scare you away, we want to empower you to make the best decision for yourself. This industry is booming, and becoming a part of it is exciting. Whatever your niche is, there’s more than enough room, and if you’re serious about getting started, check out the 107ProPilot Academy and start studying!

ProAerial Media is a licensed drone service provider, offering aerial photography and videography, as well as other custom solutions like mapping, surveying, and inspections. Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel to see our video work, and our Instagram feed to view our photography and BTS stuff (@proaerialmedia). If you’re ready to fly, you can always book a flight from the ProAerial Media Store.

Thanks for reading. Take Flight. Take Pics. Get Clicks.

Scheduling & Cancellation Policy

All booking requests are subject to the following; 1. Federal Airspace Restrictions, 2. Scheduling Availability, and 3. Weather. ProAerial Media LLC will make every attempt to accommodate your preferred flight date/window, but, in the unlikely event we can’t—there’s no need worry. We’ll let you know right away (usually within 48hrs), if either airspace waivers or our teams schedule conflicts with your requested dates and/or flight location. If so, we’ll work to promptly reschedule or issue a full refund, whichever you prefer.

Should weather present a cause for concern, our team will alert you in the days leading up to your scheduled flight as part of our pre-flight communications. Weather-related flight cancelations receive priority rebooking, and are not eligible for refunds. The on-site Pilot in Command is the final authority on all flight matters, and has the final say regarding day-of weather related delays and cancellations.