To fly a drone commercially in Illinois, 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 Illinois
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Confirm your eligibility according to guidelines
- Register for your FAA Tracking Number
- Sign up for the Part 107 exam
- Hit the books and study for the exam
- Sit the exam and make sure to pass
- Apply for and get your drone license
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Confirm your eligibility according to guidelines
Before applying, ensure you meet this criteria:
- At least 16 years of age
- Possess good English language skills to read, write, speak, and understand English
- Have a government-issued identification card to verify age and identity
- In excellent physical condition and free of any diseases that may make it difficult to fly a drone safely
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register for your FAA Tracking Number
Once you have confirmed the above, obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile.
Follow the instructions on the IACRA website to register and keep your login details safe as you will need them later. Request your FTN from the IACRA website after completing the steps.
3. Sign up for the Part 107 exam
After setting up your IACRA profile and getting your FTN, register for the Part 107 exam. This is a physical test taken at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
Use the PSI platform to find a testing center and register for the exam, make sure to have a valid government-issued photo ID with you.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Chicago, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Chicago, IT Expert System- Des Plains, and IT Expert System, Inc – Schaumberg. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Hit the books and study for the exam
Start preparing for the Part 107 exam using professional resources. A good preparation course will provide you with lessons, practice tests, and access to professionals if you need feedback or advice.
Most courses charge a one-time fee and offer a money-back guarantee, so they’re a worthwhile investment that will be useful even after the exam.
5. Sit the exam and make sure to pass
On the day of the test, ensure you get a good night’s sleep and eat well. Carry your government-issued photo ID, and any additional tools like protractors and plotters that might help.
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and you will have two and a half hours to finish it, aim to score at least 70 percent.
6. Apply for and get your drone license
After the exam, use your IACRA profile to complete Form 8710-13. Input your Knowledge Test Exam ID, a 17-digit unique number you receive after taking the Part 107 exam.
Sign the form electronically and wait for your application to be processed. You’ll receive a temporary certificate via email after a successful TSA background check.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need to provide your physical and mailing address, email address, phone number, drone make and model, and Remote ID serial number.
The registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. If you’re under 13 years old, someone older must register the drone for you.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Illinois.
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 Illinois. To know about the drone laws in Illinois, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Illinois, 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 Illinois?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Illinois. 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 Illinois?
To fly your drone in Illinois, 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.
