To fly a drone commercially in Iowa, 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 Iowa
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the eligibility guidelines for obtaining the drone license
- Register to get your FAA Tracking Number
- Sign up for the Part 107 examination
- Invest your time to study for the exam
- Attempt and successfully pass the examination
- Apply for the license and wait to receive it
- Finish the process by registering your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the eligibility guidelines for obtaining the drone license
Becoming eligible for drone piloting:
- Age requirement: Must be 16 or older as per FAA rules
- Language proficiency: Fluent in English
- Safety requirement: Capable of operating a drone safely
- Exam requirement: Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam to confirm understanding of drone operation
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register to get your FAA Tracking Number
Sign up for your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) on the Integrated Airman Certificate and Rating Application (IACRA) website. This FTN is a unique identifier used throughout your FAA aviation activities.
While registering, provide all the necessary personal information and create two unique security questions. Your FTN will be sent to you via email from IACRA.
3. Sign up for the Part 107 examination
Once you have your FTN, you can register for the Part 107 exam. This in-person test is taken at an FAA approved Knowledge Testing Center.
The FAA uses a platform called PSI for registration and to connect you to a testing center. Remember to carry a government-issued photo ID to the exam center.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like University of Dubuque Myers Library, P&N Flight & Charter, P&N Flight and Charter – Independence, and PSI Examination Services-Cedar Rapids. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Invest your time to study for the exam
Now it’s time to get studying. You should use professional resources and quality prep courses to prepare for the test.
A good Part 107 prep course will provide video and text lessons, practice tests, and access to professional advice. These courses usually come with a fee but are worth the investment.
5. Attempt and successfully pass the examination
On the day of the test, arrive at the Knowledge Testing Center with your government-issued photo ID. The test consists of 60 multiple choice questions and you have two and a half hours to answer them.
You need a minimum score of 70% to pass. After the test, you can check your results on the IACRA website.
6. Apply for the license and wait to receive it
After passing the test, go back to your IACRA profile to complete Form 8710-13. Input your Knowledge Test Exam ID, a unique 17-digit number you received after the Part 107 exam.
Once you electronically sign the form, IACRA will process your application. If you pass the TSA background check, you will receive an email with a temporary IACRA remote pilot certificate.
7. Finish the process by registering your drone with the FAA
The final step is registering your drone with the FAA. You will need to provide your physical address, email, phone number, make and model of your drone, and a specific Remote ID serial number.
The Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. The owner must be 13 years or older and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Once registered, the drone’s registration cannot be transferred.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Iowa.
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 Iowa. To know about the drone laws in Iowa, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Iowa, 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 Iowa?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Iowa. 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 Iowa?
To fly your drone in Iowa, 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.
