The question of whether or not you need a licence to fly FPV drones has always been a problem for beginners. In the United States, navigating the skies with these innovative devices is not as simple as simply launching your drone into the air. Both hobbyists and commercial operators need to be aware of the licensing requirements set by regulators to ensure safety and compliance. Whether you are flying your drone for recreational or professional purposes, it is important to understand if you need a licence and which specific licenses are required.
This guide examines the various licensing requirements enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for FPV drone operations, as well as the additional Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses required for the use of certain communications equipment.
What Is a Drone License?
The FAA Part 107 rule is the rule for commercial drone operations in the U.S. A drone pilot’s license is part of this rule. And the drone pilot license is a license that allows you to operate commercial drones in the United States. In order to operate drones for commercial purposes, you must prove that you have obtained your drone certification, also known as Part 107 certification, with an FAA drone license.
There are several terms used for a drone license, including:
- Drone pilot license
- Part 107 license
- Commercial drone license
Do You Need an FAA License to Fly FPV Drones?
For recreational use, you do not need a license to fly an FPV drone. However, if you are using it for commercial purposes, you will need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA. The recreational flyers regulations are roughly as follows: to learn more, you can check the official FAA recreational flyers guidelines.
When Do You Need a Drone License？
It’s important to talk about the weight regulations even if the pilot certification requirement is dependent on the drone’s intended purpose rather than its size. Drones under 0.55 pounds (250 grams) in weight are exempt from registration requirements in the United States if they are operated for recreational purposes. Nevertheless, regardless of weight, all drones used for commercial purposes need to be registered. Operators of drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds and up to 55 pounds (about 25 kilograms) are required to register their devices and obtain a Part 107 license if they want to fly them for profit.
Recreational Flying
For hobbyists flying FPV drones recreationally, the rules are relatively straightforward. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds, you must register it with the FAA. Registration can be completed online for a nominal fee. Once registered, you receive an identification number that must be displayed on your drone.
Recreational flyers are expected to follow the FAA’s safety guidelines. FPV drone also falls under the category of recreational flying, so you should follow the rules below:
- Flying at or below 400 feet.
- Keeping the drone within visual line-of-sight.
- Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports.
- Never flying over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
- Flying only in Class G airspace unless authorized by the FAA.
- For FPV drones, maintaining visual line-of-sight typically requires a spotter who keeps the drone in view while the pilot wears goggles.
Learn all of the recreational drone regulations, check out the blog of FPV Drone Laws.
Commercial Flying
If you plan to use an FPV drone for commercial purposes, such as filming for a project or inspecting infrastructure, you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA Part 107. The process involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. This certification covers an understanding of airspace classification, weather sources, radio communication procedures, and emergency procedures.
In California: the TRUST Test is Required for Recreational Flyers
You must legally possess an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if you operate a drone for profit in California. This covers real estate marketing, surveying, inspections, and drone photography. The TRUST safety test is also required for recreational users operating drones weighing more than 250g. A license guarantees that operators are aware of weather patterns, flying limits, airspace classifications, and safety procedures. In the event of mishaps or privacy concerns, it also provides accountability. Proof of insurance and consent from property owners may also be necessary for many commercial jobs.
How to Get a Drone License?
Learn the Rules and Pass the Test
If you own an FPV drone and want to get a pilot’s license that applies to FPV drones, you can refer to Drone Pilot’s License Acquisition.
To get a Drone License (Part 107 Drone License ) for commercial drone operation, you must be 16 or older, proficient in English, and pass an FAA aeronautical knowledge test. Register on IACRA, obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), and schedule your test at an FAA-approved center. Study resources like the ASA Remote Pilot Test Prep Book can help.
If you’re a Part 61 certificate holder, complete an online training course, submit Form 8710-13, and visit a DPE or CFI for verification. After passing, you’ll receive a Remote Pilot Certificate, which must be renewed with online recurrent training every 24 months to stay compliant with FAA regulations.
What’s on the FAA Drone Certification Test?
The FAA test has 60-multiple choice questions. You have 2 hours to take the test, and you must get a 70% or higher to pass. There are 120+ concepts in the UAS Airman Certification Standards.
Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test Topic Areas – For First-Time Pilots Include:
- Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operations
- Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
- Radio communication procedures
- Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
- Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
- Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
- Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
- Airport operations
- Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
- Operation at night
Part 107 Small UAS Initial (Alc-451) Online Training Course – For Existing Part 61 Certificate Holders Will Cover These Topic Areas:
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
- Operation at night
- Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operations
- Effects of Weather on Small Unmanned Aircraft Performance
- Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
- Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
Register your Drone with the FAA.
Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. You’ll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy in order to register. Register your drone at FAADroneZone whether flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or Part 107.
Requirements for Drone License
The following procedures must be followed in order to obtain a commercial drone license(Part 107 Drone License):
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. You can register to take the test at any FAA-approved knowledge testing center.
- Apply for and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. This is about 10-15 minutes of online paperwork.
- Administration (this vetting happens automatically during your application process).
How Long Does It Take to Get a Drone License
It takes approximately six to eight weeks to process and send a permanent certificate. You can view current processing and issuance dates on the FAA website.
Do You Need a Ham License to Fly FPV Drones?
Beyond the FAA’s requirements, FPV drone pilots often use powerful video transmitters that exceed the power limits allowed for unlicensed use on the 5.8 GHz band, typically used for drone video feeds. To legally operate these transmitters, you need an Amateur Radio (Ham) License from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The official answer to the question of whether you really need a ham license to fly FPV is yes, you need at least a Level 1: Technician’s license to legally operate an FPV drone.
Most FPV VTX (Video Transmitter) systems function in the 5.8 GHz ham radio frequencies, which are commonly found between 5650 MHz and 5925 MHz. The FCC Part 97 rules, also referred to as amateur radio or ham radio regulations, govern these frequencies.
If you use these frequencies without the proper authorization, you risk fines and possibly even jail time.
Certain FPV systems make use of FCC Part 15 approved hardware. It is not necessary to have a ham radio license to use these systems. For example, the DJI FPV drone uses particular channels on Part 15 to function. But even with these devices—like the DJI FPV—if you want to operate them in high-power settings, you’ll need a ham radio license.
The Video TX/RX system is the main part of FPV drones that can call for an amateur radio license. Typically, these parts function on the 900MHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz frequencies. It might be permitted to use some devices in these frequencies without a license. Nonetheless, the FCC’s Part 97 regulations grant amateur radio operators unique rights that permit the modification and augmentation of equipment operating on these frequencies. This implies that you can lawfully operate over greater distances and with greater power.
Apart from ensuring your legality, this will enhance your skills in the pastime and provide you with an opportunity to delve deeper into the realm of amateur radio. Before using any FPV drones, we advise that you pass your ham radio license exam. In the majority of cases, you will need to have at least your Technician Level license.
Which Ham License Do You Need for FPV Drones?
Ham radio licenses for FPV are granted at several levels. But all you really need to do to legally fly an FPV drone is obtain a Technician Class license. In the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands, licensees of the Technician Class are granted full privileges. This makes it possible for you to employ transmitters with up to 1 W of output power. The kinds of ham radio licenses offered are as follows:
- Technician Class license: VHF and UHF access is provided by a technician license, which is ideal for beginning to use handheld radios.
- General License: An hamradio license at the General Class level provides access to numerous HF bands, enabling both domestic and international communication.
- Amateur Extra License: The FCC’s highest amateur level is called Amateur Extra License. Along with other exclusive rights, it grants you access to all frequencies allotted to the Amateur Service, including extra high-frequency bands.
Benefits of a Ham Radio License for FPV Drones
There are numerous benefits to obtaining a ham radio license, particularly for FPV drone enthusiasts. Here are some of the advantages:
- Enhanced Communication: With a ham radio license, you can communicate with other pilots, especially when flying in groups or navigating through areas with restricted airspace.
- Improved Range and Reliability: Ham radio frequencies offer better range and reliability compared to traditional frequencies used by most FPV equipment, ensuring clearer and more consistent communication.
- Legal and Responsible Operation: Operating with a ham radio license demonstrates a commitment to legal and responsible drone operation, fostering positive relationships with other RC enthusiasts and the general public.
- Exploration and Experimentation: Obtaining a ham radio license opens up a world of possibilities for radio communication and experimentation, allowing you to explore various frequencies and modes of operation.
- Access to Exclusive Frequencies: Licensed pilots gain access to certain frequencies and modes of operation that are not available to unlicensed individuals, expanding the scope of your FPV drone activities.
- Technical Skill Development: Pursuing a ham radio license provides an opportunity to develop technical skills and deepen your understanding of radio communication principles.
In summary, acquiring a ham radio license for FPV drone flying not only ensures compliance with FCC regulations but also enriches your flying experience and unlocks exciting new opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
How to Get a Ham License for FPV Drones?
Obtaining a Technician Class Ham license involves passing an examination that covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory. With this license, you can legally use the higher-powered transmitters necessary for enhanced FPV drone operations, allowing for greater range and reliability.
How Much Does a Drone License Cost?
Cost of FAA Drone License
The cost of a drone pilot license includes a $175 flat fee for the FAA drone licensing exam, which must be paid in full at the testing location when you schedule your appointment. Additionally, drone pilots are required to register their drones, which costs $5 for three years. Understanding the drone pilot license cost is essential for those planning to operate drones commercially under FAA regulations.
FAQs
Do You Need a Drone License for Recreational Flying?
Although it is much simpler to obtain, hobby pilots also require a certificate. If that describes you, you need to pass the FAA’s TRUST exam for recreational drones. Drone flying for fun requires completing a simple 45-minute online course that includes a required online test (which is actually fairly simple and essentially just common sense!).
Officially known as TRUST (short for The Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test), it is available for free online through one of the FAA-approved partner organizations, which includes organizations like The Boy Scouts of America and some online Part 107 course providers.
How Long Does a Drone License Last?
Until the FAA revokes it, the Part 107 drone license is a permanent certification. However, you can only use your privileges to operate commercially for 24 months following the completion of the Part 107 knowledge test. You must complete free ongoing training on the FAA website in order to maintain the validity of your certificate.