To fly a drone commercially in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the FAA requirements to ensure your eligibility
- Obtain an FAA Tracking Number for the registration process
- Find the nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center in Hawaii and register
- Study diligently for the Part 107 test to secure a passing score
- Take the exam and ensure you pass
- Fill in and send the signed FAA Form 8710-13 for further processing
- Receive your license, register your drone with the FAA, and start flying
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA requirements to ensure your eligibility
Make sure you meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 16 years
- Maintain mental and physical health
- Have a good understanding of English, necessary for taking the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, also known as Part 107
- Understanding, speaking, writing, and reading English is necessary for taking the exam
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number for the registration process
Next, apply for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). The FAA issues this to all new pilots and it helps to verify your identity when registering for the exam. You can obtain your FTN by signing up for a free account on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) portal.
Once you register on the IACRA website, you will receive your FTN. Keep this safe as you’ll need it throughout your pilot journey.
3. Find the nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center in Hawaii and register
Once you have your FTN, look for the nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center in Hawaii. You can find these centers via the PSI website, a testing platform in collaboration with the FAA. Make sure to select the UAG test for the exam type.
To register at the testing center, create a PSI account. You’ll need to input your full name and FTN, and once done, you can set a date and time for your exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like BK Consultant LLC, Kahului – University of Hawaii Maui College, PSI Examination Services-Honolulu, and Aviation Academy Hawaii. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Study diligently for the Part 107 test to secure a passing score
Start studying for your Part 107 exam now. It’s not cheap, so ensure you’re well-prepared! There are plenty of online courses that can help you understand the FAA drone rules and guidelines. These courses present the material in a format that’s easy to understand, and you can learn at your own pace.
Practice with real FAA test questions to build up your confidence before the exam.
5. Take the exam and ensure you pass
On the day of the exam, make sure to arrive well-rested and on time. The UAG exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which you’ll have two and a half hours to complete. You need to bring a government-issued photo ID with you.
If you don’t pass the exam, don’t worry. You can retake the test after two weeks, but remember, each attempt is charged.
6. Fill in and send the signed FAA Form 8710-13 for further processing
After passing the UAG exam, you need to fill in FAA Form 8710-13 on the IACRA website. This form is a request for a commercial drone license or Remote Pilot Certificate. You’ll need to provide your Knowledge Test Exam ID, a 17-digit identifier, among other details.
Once you’ve filled in and submitted the form, IACRA will send it to the FAA for processing, and to the TSA for a security background check.
7. Receive your license, register your drone with the FAA, and start flying
You’ll receive a printable Remote Pilot Certificate via email after you pass the background check. This is your temporary license; your permanent one will arrive in the mail in a few weeks. Meanwhile, you can use the temporary license.
You will also need to register your drone with the FAA. This registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. The FAA registration requires your physical and mailing address, phone number, email, drone make and model, and payment method. Once registered, start flying your drone!
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Hawaii.
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 Hawaii. To know about the drone laws in Hawaii, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Hawaii, 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 Hawaii?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii?
To fly your drone in Hawaii, 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.
