To fly a drone commercially in Idaho, 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 Idaho
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Verify your eligibility according to the FAA’s guidelines
- Obtain your FTN (FAA Tracking Number)
- Sign up for the required examination
- Prepare diligently for your exam
- Achieve success in the Part 107 test
- Submit the FAA Form 8710-13
- Finally, register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Verify your eligibility according to the FAA’s guidelines
Check if you’re eligible to take the Part 107 exam.
- This exam is issued by the FAA to pilots above 16 years old
- Full understanding of English is required
- Mental and physical fitness for drone flight is mandatory
- Passing this exam is crucial to attain a Remote Pilot Certificate
- Comprehensive knowledge of FAA drone guidelines is necessary, such as emergency procedures and airport operations
Understand that this exam is harder than the hobbyist test, so prepare yourself for detailed knowledge on airspace classifications, radio communication protocols, and drone loading.
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain your FTN (FAA Tracking Number)
To start the registration process, you’ll need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This unique identifier is used by the FAA for all aeronautic activities, including drone flying.
You obtain your FTN by creating a free account on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. Follow the registration steps, fill in your personal information, choose your security questions, create your username and password, and you’re good to go. You’ll receive a confirmation email to your registered ID. Login to your account and request your FTN.
3. Sign up for the required examination
After obtaining your FTN, you’re ready to register for the Part 107 test. For this, you’ll need a PSI account, another FAA partner that handles exams.
Follow the account creation prompts using your FTN and full name. Once your account is confirmed, you can use the Find a Test Center link on the PSI website to locate FAA Knowledge Testing Centers near you. Choose the most convenient center, pick a date and time, and register for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Avcenter Inc., Carmel Aviation, PSI Examination Services-Boise, and Mountain Home Air Force Base Education Center. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Prepare diligently for your exam
Preparation is key for the Part 107 exam, as it covers a wide range of knowledge and costs $165. Studying diligently increases your chances of passing on the first try.
There are multiple resources available, including free ones on the FAA website and various others on different platforms. Be cautious, though, as the quality of some resources might be questionable.
5. Achieve success in the Part 107 test
After thorough preparation, you’re ready to take the commercial drone exam. Plan your journey to the testing center, have a nutritious meal, and revise your study materials one final time.
Bring necessary documents such as your ID. The exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in two and a half hours. You need at least 70% to pass, and the results can be checked on IACRA’s website after several weeks.
6. Submit the FAA Form 8710-13
Upon passing the exam, apply for your commercial drone license on IACRA with Form 8710-13. Input the Application Type as Pilot and under Certifications, choose Remote Pilot.
You’ll need to input your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID found in your IACRA account. After filling the form, IACRA forwards your information to the TSA for a background check. On successful completion, you’ll receive an email with a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate. Your permanent license might take several weeks to a month to arrive.
7. Finally, register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. The registration requires your contact details, drone’s make and model, Remote ID serial number (if any), and payment details. There is a registration fee of $5 per drone valid for three years.
You must be at least 13 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to register a drone. For foreign operators, the issued certificate is a recognition of ownership and not of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Idaho.
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 Idaho. To know about the drone laws in Idaho, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Idaho, 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 Idaho?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Idaho. 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 Idaho?
To fly your drone in Idaho, 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.
