When got my first hobby drone I was blown away with how many rules and regulations there are. And on top of that, I felt like most blogs didn’t explain the information clearly, so I decided to write this blog post so that I can lay it out to you in a clear and simple way.
As a hobby or recreational drone pilot in the United States, you do not need a drone license, however, you do need to do a simple online registration if your drone weighs between 250 grams (0.55 pounds) or 55 lbs (25kgs.) The registration will cost $5 and it only takes a few minutes, here’s a full guide that will show you how to do it. On the other hand, if you’re flying your drone commercially, or you’re using your drone to make money, then you will need a drone license.
That being said make sure you keep reading. I’ll be covering rules you’ll need to be aware of before registering a hobby drone, and if you’re a commercial drone pilot, I’ll also cover how you can get your drone license.
Hobby/Recreational Drone Registration Process
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, if your drone weighs over 0.55 lbs or 250 grams then you’ll need to register it with the FAA, Federal Aviation Administration.)
However, if your drone weighs less than that, there is no requirement for you to register your drone. But keep reading, because you’ll still need to follow some very important FAA drone laws that I’ll mention below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I wrote an “over-the-shoulder” hobby drone registration guide, so if you’re ready to register your drone make sure you check it out.
If you want a summary, here’s how you can get started with the registration process.
Things you need to know before registering your drone.
- If you’re planning on making money with your drone, and that means even selling the images you take as stock footage, then you’ll have to get a drone license and you’ll need to follow a different registration process.
- You’ll need a credit card to make an online payment of $5 on the FAA’s website.
- You have to be at least 13 years or older.
- Your registration number only lasts 3 years, then you’ll have to do it again.
- If you have multiple drones, you only need to do this registration process once. Use the same registration number on all drones.
- Make sure you mark your drone with your provided registration number after the process has been completed.
- Make sure you know FAA drone laws. You’ll find a summary below.
Here’s how to begin the FAA recreational registration process:
- Simply go to the FAA drone zone here.
- Click on the “Register” button next to the “I fly under the exception for recreational flyers” section.
- Then follow the prompts. Again, once completed you’ll get your registration number instantly. If you need some more help on this process make sure you read my full guide.
Before you start the registration process, you’ll want to make sure you read and understand all FAA drone laws for hobby pilots. Here’s a quick summary on all of them:
- Don’t fly at or over 400 feet above ground level. This is a controlled airspace used by manned aircraft.
- Don’t intentionally fly your drone over people or vehicles.
- You must keep your drone in line of sight all the time.
- Stay out of the way of other manned aircraft and any emergency services.
- If you want to fly in controlled airspace, for example, if you live within a 5-mile radius of an airport, then you’ll need to ask permission. Keep in mind “asking for permission” is pretty simple and can be done online. I wrote a simple guide that will talk you through how you can “ask for permission” to fly in controlled airspace.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The FAA will be releasing an aeronautical knowledge and safety test in the near future. All recreational pilots that are registered will need to take it, so keep a lookout on any of their social media channels here.
How To Get A Drone Licence As A Commercial Drone Pilot
So you’re using your drone to make money by selling stock footage, through infections or even on your YouTube channel? Well according to the FAA, you’ll be considered a commercial drone pilot, and for you to continue making money with your drone legally, you’ll need to get your drone license under the UAS Part 107.
Before you start your application there are a few things you need to know, and steps you need to go through. I’ll try to describe them as best as possible below, however, if you want more of a visual aid then please watch the YouTube video above instead.
Things you need to know before getting your drone licence:
- To get a valid drone license you need to be 16 years or older.
- Remember that aeronautical knowledge and safety test that will be rolled out sooner or later for hobby drone pilots? To get your drone license, you’ll need to take this test every two years.
- You’ll need to pay a $5 registration fee, and around $150 to take the aeronautical knowledge and safety test. Keep in mind if you fail the test, you’ll need to pay this fee again to retake the test.
- Your drone still needs to weigh less than 55 lbs.
To get your license, the application can be broken up into three phases as described on this FAA website page.
Phase 01: Learning phase.
The first step is to become as familiar with the Part 107 laws here as much as possible. These are the same rules that you would need to become familiar with as a hobby drone pilot, however, since you’re going to be taking the knowledge test you would want to pay special attention to them
Phase 02. Pass the knowledge test.
- Once you’re familiar, it’s time to prepare for the knowledge test. There are a few steps that you need to go through to prepare for it.
- Study for the knowledge test. The FAA does provide study material here, however, there are also a lot of online courses that can help you through the process if you want some extra help.
- Concurrently you’ll need to create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating application profile. You’ll need this to book your knowledge test.
- Once you’re ready for the test, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. Remember, this test will cost you $150 just to take it.
- You’ll be notified on the spot if you passed or not. If you did pass, the center will give you an FAA 8710-13 form, and they’ll let you know how you can apply for a remote pilot certificate using that form.
- It could take a while for your remote pilot certification to come back, so be prepared to wait.
Phase 03. Register on the FAA drone zone website.
Now that you’re technically a legal drone pilot license holder, you’ll need to register yourself and your drone on the FAA drone zone. This process is very simple and will only take a few minutes.
- Go to the FAA drone zone here.
- Next to the “Fly sUAS under Part 107” section, click on the “register” button.
- Go through all the prompts.
- Once you receive your registration number you’ll finally be good to go.
- Make sure you mark your drone with your registration number. Here’s how to mark your drone.