To fly a drone commercially in Alabama, you need to have a drone license (FAA part 107 certification). And to obtain the licence, you must pass a written exam administered by the FAA.
Steps to Get a Drone License in Alabama
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility guidelines
- Register to get your FAA Tracking Number
- Sign up for the Part 107 exam
- Dedicate time to study for the exam
- Sit for the exam and make sure you pass
- Apply to receive your drone license
- Complete the process by registering your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Ensure you meet the eligibility guidelines
Starting the drone license process, ensure you check all the eligibility boxes.
- Must be at least 16 years old to take the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, also known as the Part 107 or commercial drone pilot exam
- Must be mentally and physically fit to operate a drone
- Must have a solid grasp of the English language – reading, writing, understanding, and speaking. Even if English isn’t your first language, you can still take the exam
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register to get your FAA Tracking Number
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you must get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This requires an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile. Visit the IACRA website, register and fill in the required details including Airman Certificate Number, full name, and email address.
Also set up your username, password, and security questions, and remember to keep this information safe. After completing the steps, request your FTN on the IACRA website.
3. Sign up for the Part 107 exam
With an active IACRA profile and FTN, you’re ready to register for the Part 107 exam at a Knowledge Testing Center approved by the FAA. Registration is done via a platform called PSI. You’ll need to create a PSI account if you don’t have one.
Choose a convenient testing center, select a comfortable exam date, and ensure you have a government-issued photo ID for the day of the exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Birmingham Flight Center, PSI Examination Services-Birmingham, Sanders Aviation, and Wallace State Community College – Cullman. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to study for the exam
After registering for the UAG exam, it’s time to hit the books. The Part 107 exam covers a broad range of topics, including radio communication procedures, drone performance and loading, regulations, and operating requirements. The FAA regularly updates the test questions to reflect the current landscape of drones.
Remember, passing the first time saves you the retest cost of $175, so thorough preparation is key.
5. Sit for the exam and make sure you pass
On the exam day, wake up early, eat well, and refresh your memory with your study materials. Ensure you arrive at the testing center on time with your photo ID. You’ll receive all the testing materials and have two and a half hours to complete the 60 multiple-choice questions test.
Take your time and review your answers if time allows. Your results, which require a 70% pass mark, will be posted on the PSI website after approximately three weeks. If you fail, you can retake the exam after going through the same process and paying the retest fee.
6. Apply to receive your drone license
If you pass the exam, you need to use your IACRA profile again to complete Form 8710-13. After logging into the IACRA website, choose the Start New Application option, select Pilot for application type, and follow the prompts. The last step is to electronically sign the form.
After submission, your application will go to the TSA for a background check and you’ll receive an email with a temporary IACRA remote pilot certificate. The actual license will be sent after the FAA completes its internal processing.
7. Complete the process by registering your drone with the FAA
To wrap up the process, register your drone with the FAA at FAADroneZone. Ensure your drone operates in accordance with the Remote ID rule. You need to provide your physical and mailing addresses, email, phone number, the make and model of your drone, and specific Remote ID serial number if applicable. Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
Finally, you must be at least 13 years old, a US citizen or legal permanent resident to register a drone. For foreign operators, the issued certificate is a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Alabama.
For safe drone flying, you need to follow certain rules. These rules come from the FAA, your state, and your town.
The FAA rules are the same everywhere, but each state has its own rules, and so does Alabama. To know about the drone laws in Alabama, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Alabama, you can read our guides about getting a drone license in some other states as well:
FAQs
1. Do I require a drone license to operate a drone in Alabama?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Alabama. The license is known as a Remote Pilot Certificate, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
2. What licenses do I need to fly my drone in Alabama?
To fly your drone in Alabama, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Additionally, registration of your drone with the FAA is required if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs.
