To fly a drone commercially in Georgia, 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 Georgia
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Check the FAA’s eligibility rules to ensure you qualify
- Create an IACRA account and request an FTN
- Sign up for your examination at a Knowledge Testing Center in Georgia
- Dedicate time to study for the test
- Sit for the Part 107 exam and ensure you pass
- Submit Form 8710-13 for processing your certificate
- Register your drone with the FAA after receiving your certificate
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Check the FAA’s eligibility rules to ensure you qualify
Ensure you’re eligible for a drone license by checking the FAA’s rules:
- Age must be at least 16 years old
- Must be fully proficient in English
- Should be mentally and physically healthy
- Need to pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, a commercial drone test administered by the FAA
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Create an IACRA account and request an FTN
Next step involves creating an IACRA account and getting an FTN. Go to the IACRA website and register. You will need to agree to the terms of service and then input a username, password, and answer two security questions.
Once account creation is complete, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Your unique FAA Tracking Number (FTN) will be issued. This number is critical for verifying your identity when registering for the Part 107 exam.
3. Sign up for your examination at a Knowledge Testing Center in Georgia
Get ready to sign up for the commercial drone test at a Knowledge Testing Center in Georgia. Use the PSI website to locate a center near you. After finding a suitable location, return to the homepage to register.
You’ll need to create a PSI account and provide your FTN and full name for verification. Once registered, select a testing date and time at your preferred center.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like The Flight School of Gwinnett, A.T.P. Inc. – PDK, Lanier Flight Center, and Global School of Aeronautics. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to study for the test
Put aside some time to prepare for the test. This isn’t just an assessment, it costs $165 per attempt, so you’ll want to pass the first time.
Online test prep courses can assist you in your preparation.
5. Sit for the Part 107 exam and ensure you pass
The UAG exam is a comprehensive test with 60 multiple-choice questions. Topics covered include drone limitations, emergency procedures, and radio communication among others. You will have two and a half hours to complete the test.
On the day of the exam, arrive early with your photo ID. You’re allowed up to 18 incorrect answers to pass, as you only need a score of 70%.
6. Submit Form 8710-13 for processing your certificate
Once you’ve passed the exam, submit Form 8710-13 on the IACRA site for processing your certificate. The results usually take between one and three weeks to appear. If you didn’t pass, you can retake the exam after two weeks but you’ll need to pay again.
Once you pass, you can request a printable version of your commercial drone certificate using FAA Form 8710-13. You’ll receive a permanent license in the mail after a few months, but you can use an interim license in the meantime.
7. Register your drone with the FAA after receiving your certificate
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. The information required includes your name, address, email, phone number, and details about your drone. The registration fee is $5 per drone and the registration is valid for three years.
You must be at least 13 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to register. For foreign operators, the FAA considers the certificate as ownership recognition, not a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Georgia.
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 Georgia. To know about the drone laws in Georgia, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Georgia, 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 Georgia?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Georgia. 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 Georgia?
To fly your drone in Georgia, 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.
