To fly a drone commercially in Delaware, 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 Delaware
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Understand the FAA’s criteria for drone licenses
- Open an IACRA account to get your FAA Tracking Number
- Locate and register for the drone license exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
- Study hard and prepare thoroughly for the exam
- Sit for the Part 107 test and aim to pass
- Submit Form 8710-13 for acquiring your certificate
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Understand the FAA’s criteria for drone licenses
To get a drone license in Delaware, you first have to understand the FAA’s eligibility criteria.
- At least 16 years old
- Proficient in English
- Mentally and physically fit to operate a drone
- Must pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, a yardstick for safe and proven pilots
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Open an IACRA account to get your FAA Tracking Number
The next step involves registering on the Integrated Airman Certificate and Rating Application (IACRA) website and getting your FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
Your FTN is like an ID card, it is unique to you and will be used across all FAA’s aviation activities. After signing up on the IACRA site, you will receive an email containing your FTN.
3. Locate and register for the drone license exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
Once you’ve got your FTN, locate a Knowledge Testing Center near you in Delaware to register for the drone license exam. This is done on the PSI website by inputting information including your postal code and type of exam.
However, before you can register for the exam, you need to create a PSI account. Once the account is created, you can register for your FAA exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Delaware State University, Dover AFB Flight Training Ctr, Delaware Technical Community College, and Harford Air Services LLC. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Study hard and prepare thoroughly for the exam
Next, prepare thoroughly for the exam. Taking the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam costs $165, so you want to pass it at the first attempt.
Failing means you’ll have to retake it, which will cost you more money and time. To avoid this, ensure you study hard and understand the exam requirements thoroughly.
5. Sit for the Part 107 test and aim to pass
On the day of the Part 107 test, ensure you bring along a government-issued photo ID and any other necessary tools.
The test will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions on FAA rules and you would need to answer at least 42 questions correctly to pass. It might take up to three weeks for your result to be posted on IACRA.
6. Submit Form 8710-13 for acquiring your certificate
After passing the exam, you’ll need to submit Form 8710-13 on IACRA’s website. This form acts as your temporary commercial certificate until your official drone license arrives by mail, which can take over a month.
Follow the application prompts on the website until you’re required to electronically sign. After passing your TSA background check, you’ll receive an email containing your temporary commercial drone license.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. To do this, you’ll need your physical and mailing addresses, email address, phone number, drone make and model, Remote ID serial number, and credit or debit card for registration fees. The registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. Once registered, the registration cannot be transferred between operation types.
You must be at least 13 years old to register, and if you’re not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, your registration will be considered a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Delaware.
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 Delaware. To know about the drone laws in Delaware, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Delaware, 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 Delaware?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Delaware. 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 Delaware?
To fly your drone in Delaware, 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.
