To fly a drone commercially in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Apply for an FAA Tracking Number
- Register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Dive into study materials to prepare for the test
- Schedule and take the Part 107 exam at the center
- Pass the exam and complete Form 8710-13
- Print your certificate and remember to register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
To get a drone license in Arkansas, first, make sure you meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria.
- Be physically and mentally fit
- Age must be 16 years or older
- Proficiency in English to operate a drone safely
- Understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English fluently is required
- Efficient communication during drone operations is vital
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Apply for an FAA Tracking Number
To move ahead, apply for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) site. To register, click the link in the top right corner of the IACRA webpage and fill out the form. Make sure to save your FTN as it’s necessary for your aeronautics career.
Don’t worry if you don’t have an Airman Certificate Number, you can still register. After registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Save your FTN in a safe place for future reference.
3. Register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Now, register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center. To register, you will need to input your unique FTN and full name on PSI, the FAA’s testing center companion site.
FAA Knowledge Testing Centers are scattered throughout the United States, including Arkansas. It’s here you will sit for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test or the Part 107 exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Get Smart Testing Center, Flying C Aviation, NEA Testing Center – Jonesboro, and Summit Aviation – Bentonville. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dive into study materials to prepare for the test
Next, make sure to prepare well for the Part 107 exam. There are many free study resources online, but for comprehensive preparation, an online test prep course is recommended.
The test costs $175 per attempt. So, efficient preparation can save your money significantly.
5. Schedule and take the Part 107 exam at the center
After preparation, it’s time to take the Part 107 exam at the Knowledge Testing Center. Bring along your government-issued photo ID and take care of your physical and mental well-being to be in the right headspace for the exam.
The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering the FAA’s rules. It’s of two and a half hours duration, remember to pace yourself well to answer all the questions.
6. Pass the exam and complete Form 8710-13
After passing the exam, complete and submit Form 8710-13 through your IACRA profile. This is your application to get your license.
During the application process, input your Test Exam ID and follow the prompts.
Upon submission, the FAA will process your application. Meanwhile, the TSA will perform a security background check.
Last, print out your temporary Part 107 license from the confirmation email sent by FAA after passing the background check.
7. Print your certificate and remember to register your drone with the FAA
While waiting for your permanent license, register your drone at the FAADroneZone.
Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. To register, provide details like your physical and mailing address, email, phone number, drone make, model, and specific Remote ID serial number. Ensure your drone operates in accordance with the Remote ID rule.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Arkansas.
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 Arkansas. To know about the drone laws in Arkansas, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Arkansas, 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 Arkansas?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas?
To fly your drone in Arkansas, 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.
