To fly a drone commercially in Alaska, 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 Alaska
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Confirm your eligibility for the license
- Register to get an FAA Tracking Number
- Sign up for the necessary FAA exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
- Invest time in studying for the test
- Sit for the FAA exam and ensure you pass
- Finish and submit Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Confirm your eligibility for the license
Before applying, ensure you meet this criteria:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Proficiency in English is required
- Must be declared mentally and physically fit by the FAA
- Must pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge exam, also known as the Part 107 test
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register to get an FAA Tracking Number
Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, you’ll need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is obtained through an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) account.
After you’ve registered on IACRA and gotten your account active, log in and request your FTN.
3. Sign up for the necessary FAA exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
Your next move is to sign up for the necessary FAA exam at a Knowledge Testing Center. After IACRA issues your FTN, you can register to take the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test.
This test requires in-person attendance, so find a testing center near you and schedule a time that works best for you.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Angel Aviation, Blue River Aviation, Kenai Peninsula College – Kenai River Campus, and Land and Sea Aviation. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Invest time in studying for the test
Before sitting for the test, ensure you’re well-prepared. Spend time studying using trusted, professional resources, and take practice tests to familiarize yourself with potential exam questions.
Good test preparation courses often offer a money-back guarantee, so there’s nothing to lose by enrolling!
5. Sit for the FAA exam and ensure you pass
Now, it’s time for the exam. You have two and a half hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. Make sure you’re well-rested, nourished, and armed with a valid ID on test day.
Work at a good pace, double-check your answers, and remember that a 70 percent score is enough to pass the exam.
6. Finish and submit Form 8710-13
After passing, you’ll need to fill out and submit Form 8710-13 via your IACRA account. Provide all the required information, including your Knowledge Test Exam ID, and add your electronic signature before sending it.
Once submitted, wait for the FAA to process your application.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA via the FAADroneZone. You’ll need to provide your addresses, contact information, and drone details. Registration costs $5 per drone and lasts for three years.
Make sure to follow the Remote ID rule and remember that once a drone is registered, its registration cannot be transferred between operation types.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Alaska.
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 Alaska. To know about the drone laws in Alaska, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Alaska, 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 Alaska?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Alaska. 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 Alaska?
To fly your drone in Alaska, 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.
