Step-by-Step Guide to FAA Part 107 Certification
Introduction
Flying drones for fun is one thing — flying them for pay is another. If you want to turn your skills into a real business, the first official milestone is earning your FAA Part 107 certification. This license is what legally separates hobbyists from professionals and opens the door to commercial work — whether that means capturing real-estate footage, performing roof inspections, or mapping farmland.
At Flomaps, this step sits at the core of your journey: Train → License → Insure → Equip → Fly. By understanding how to navigate the Part 107 process clearly, you’ll save time, avoid common setbacks, and start your drone career on steady ground.
Trying to follow the “Gov’t” process is tedious and slow, so…
Section 1 – Context & Industry Background
The FAA’s Part 107 rule — formally known as the Small UAS Rule — governs nearly every paid or professional drone flight in the United States. Since 2016, anyone operating a drone for business purposes must hold this certificate. It covers airspace awareness, operational limits, and safety standards that protect both people and property on the ground.
Demand for certified operators has risen steadily as drones become indispensable across industries. Construction firms use aerial mapping to track site progress, real-estate agents rely on cinematic footage for listings, and energy companies hire pilots to inspect solar panels and powerlines. Many clients now require proof of certification before hiring a pilot or even allowing them on-site.
From a business perspective, the Part 107 credential isn’t just about compliance — it’s a trust signal. It tells clients you know how to plan safe flights, respect airspace rules, and deliver results professionally. For independent pilots, this certificate is the bridge between learning to fly and getting paid to fly.
Section 2 – Problem or Challenge
Many new drone operators underestimate how structured the licensing process actually is. A few of the most common challenges include:
- Scattered information. FAA resources are authoritative but dense, leaving first-time applicants searching multiple sites for forms, rules, and testing links.
- Test anxiety. The Part 107 knowledge exam is 60 multiple-choice questions covering everything from weather charts to aeronautical decision-making — subjects most newcomers haven’t studied before.
- Cost and scheduling confusion. While the exam itself costs about $175, finding an approved testing center and knowing what to bring can feel unclear.
- Lack of practical context. Pilots may memorize the rules but fail to connect them to real-world flying — such as requesting airspace authorization or logging flight hours.
Flomaps helps clarify this landscape so you can approach certification with confidence rather than guesswork.
Section 3 – Step-by-Step Solution / Process Map
Step 1 – Confirm You’re Eligible
Before applying, ensure you meet FAA’s minimum requirements: you must be at least 16 years old, able to read, write, and speak English, and physically and mentally fit to fly safely. These prerequisites establish accountability and align with aviation-safety standards.
Why it matters: Knowing you qualify keeps you from wasting time or money later in the process.
What comes next: Create your FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
Step 2 – Create an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
All applicants must register with the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system at iacra.faa.gov. This portal assigns your permanent FTN — the unique identifier you’ll use for all FAA exams and certificates.
Why it matters: Without an FTN, you can’t schedule the test.
What comes next: Enroll in study materials or training.
Step 3 – Study for the Part 107 Knowledge Exam
The exam tests your understanding of key topics:
- Airspace classifications and operating requirements
- Aviation weather sources and effects
- Drone loading, performance, and maintenance
- Crew resource management and emergency procedures
- Radio communication, charts, and decision-making
You can study through free FAA materials or structured online courses. Many operators find that guided video lessons and practice tests shorten study time dramatically.
Why it matters: Proper study ensures you not only pass but understand how to apply regulations on every job.
What comes next: Schedule your in-person test.
Step 4 – Schedule and Take Your Exam
Once you’re ready, book your test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (administered by PSI). Bring:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Your FTN
- Testing fee payment (about $175)
The exam lasts two hours; you need a 70% score to pass.
Why it matters: Passing the test is your official qualification milestone.
What comes next: Complete the certification paperwork.
Step 5 – Apply for Your Certificate in IACRA
Log back into IACRA, select “Remote Pilot Certificate Application,” and submit your results. You’ll also undergo a TSA background check. Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary certificate via email and a plastic card in the mail.
Why it matters: This step transforms your test result into an active FAA license.
What comes next: Register your drone and begin operations legally.
Step 6 – Register Your Drone and Label It
Visit faadronezone.faa.gov to register each drone you’ll use commercially. Each registration number must be clearly marked on the aircraft.
Why it matters: Registration ties accountability to each aircraft and proves compliance when working with clients or local authorities.
What comes next: Learn about recurrent testing and ongoing compliance.
Step 7 – Stay Current with Recurrent Testing
Your Part 107 certificate never expires, but you must complete a recurrent knowledge course every 24 months to remain current. The FAA now offers a free online recurrent training that refreshes your understanding of new rules, Remote ID, and night-flight procedures.
Why it matters: Regulations evolve quickly; staying current protects both your business and your clients.
What comes next: Integrate compliance checks into your workflow.
Step 8 – Apply Your License Professionally
Use your certification as a launchpad. Begin logging flights, building a demo portfolio, and exploring specialized niches such as aerial mapping or inspection work. Clients will often request your certificate number and a copy of your COI (certificate of insurance) for jobs — pairing licensing with insurance strengthens your credibility immediately.
Why it matters: Certification plus professionalism is what wins contracts.
What comes next: Move to the Insure phase of your Flomaps journey.
Section 4 – Tools, Training, or Resource Insights
Finding the right tools and study systems can make the certification process far less stressful.
Study Platforms & Apps
- Look for FAA-recognized or trusted training providers that offer structured video courses, practice tests, and progress tracking.
- Some include lifetime access so you can revisit materials when renewing.
Flight Simulators & Practice Apps
- Virtual simulators replicate drone control and airspace navigation. They help you connect book knowledge to muscle memory before your first real flight.
Official FAA Resources
Documentation & Tracking Tools
- Use digital logbooks to record flight time, maintenance, and test dates.
- Cloud-based storage systems simplify keeping copies of certificates and COIs for client requests.
Building these habits early turns compliance into a manageable routine instead of a stress point.
Section 5 – Trust & Clarity Section (“Flomaps Take”)
Flomaps Take: Getting certified isn’t just about checking a box — it’s about building a professional foundation you can stand on. Approach the Part 107 process like you would a construction project: follow the steps in order, inspect your work, and document everything. When you treat licensing as part of your business system, you’ll fly with confidence and get hired with credibility.
Section 6 – Next Step
Follow the detailed Flomap to obtain your License
Section 7 – Closing Summary
Every licensed pilot starts with a single decision to get certified. That moment shifts you from hobbyist to professional. With the FAA Part 107 certificate in hand, you’re ready to take on paid projects, build a reputation, and grow your business responsibly.
Every confident flight starts with understanding your tools and rules.
When you map your process clearly, every next step becomes easier to take.
