To fly a drone commercially in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) eligibility criteria
- Sign up for a Federal Testing Number (FTN)
- Register yourself at a Knowledge Testing Center in Connecticut
- Dedicate time to study in advance
- Schedule and take the Part 107 exam
- Pass the test successfully and request your certificate through Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA to begin flying commercially
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) eligibility criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet this criteria:
- Should be physically and mentally sound
- Able to read, write, understand, and speak English
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Meeting these criteria will allow for proceeding with obtaining the drone license
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Sign up for a Federal Testing Number (FTN)
You need to get a Federal Testing Number (FTN) which is a unique identifier for pilots. To get one, register on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website free of charge.
Give your personal information like full name, birth date, and email and create two security questions and a unique login. You’ll then get an email confirmation from IACRA.
3. Register yourself at a Knowledge Testing Center in Connecticut
Register yourself at a Knowledge Testing Center in Connecticut. Use your FTN to register for the Part 107 exam at such centers. Use the PSI website to browse Connecticut Testing Centers and register for the exam. You will receive an email confirmation once done.
Make sure to schedule your exam according to your convenience.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-West Hartford, PSI Examination Services-Milford, Executive Air Service LLC, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy – New London (JSV00013). There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to study in advance
Prepare in advance. The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam tests your knowledge deeply. Study early to have a higher chance of passing the exam the first time.
5. Schedule and take the Part 107 exam
When ready, schedule and take the Part 107 exam which consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You have two and a half hours to finish. Remember to bring a government-issued photo ID.
The Testing Center will provide the necessary tools, but you can bring your calculator, E6B flight computer, plotter, and protractor. These will not be provided.
6. Pass the test successfully and request your certificate through Form 8710-13
You only need to answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass. If you don’t pass the first time, you can take the test again after paying the $165 fee with a two-week interval between tests.
Once you pass, log back into IACRA and fill out Form 8710-13 to request your certificate.You’ll get a temporary printable version of your Remote Pilot Certificate while your application is being processed.
7. Register your drone with the FAA to begin flying commercially
Finally, register your drone with the FAA to start flying. You’ll need to provide your physical and mailing address, email, phone number, the make and model of your drone, and specific Remote ID serial number. It costs $5 to register a drone under Part 107 and it’s valid for three years.
Remember, you have to be either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident and at least 13 years old to register a drone. Foreign operators are recognized as owners, not as having a U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Connecticut.
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 Connecticut. To know about the drone laws in Connecticut, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Connecticut, 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 Connecticut?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Connecticut. 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 Connecticut?
To fly your drone in Connecticut, 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.
