As of July 26, more than 100,000 enthusiasts have obtained a Remote Pilot Certificate to fly a drone for commercial and recreational (not qualifying as “model aircraft”) use, since the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) small drone rule went into effect on Aug. 29, 2016.
Under Part 107, the person actually flying a drone – formally an “unmanned aircraft system” (UAS) – must have a Remote Pilot Certificate, or be directly supervised by someone with such a certificate.
The majority of drone pilots get certified by studying online materials (PDF) and then passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center (PDF). The exam success rate is 92 percent, so the FAA said those taking the test should have no trouble if they study.
If you already have a Part 61 pilot certificate, and have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months, you have the option to take a small UAS online training course provided by the FAA to obtain your certificate.
It’s important to note that a Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. Anyone who earned their certificate at the end of August or in September 2016 should review the certification renewal requirements and prepare to take recurrent training or testing.