To fly a drone commercially in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s eligibility criteria
- Sign up for an FTN (FAA Tracking Number)
- Register at a Knowledge Testing Center in Kentucky
- Study for the Part 107 exam diligently in advance
- Sit for the Part 107 exam
- Pass the test and request your certificate through Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA and start flying commercially
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s eligibility criteria
Firstly, you need to be eligible per FAA criteria. This implies:
- Be physically and mentally fit for flying
- Have proficiency in the English language
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Maintain good health and have the ability to read, write, understand, and speak English to ensure safe drone operations
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Sign up for an FTN (FAA Tracking Number)
Your next task is to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from the FAA’s system. Register on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. It’s completely free and you’ll only need one FTN throughout your drone career.
You’ll have to provide your personal details to create your profile and then you’ll receive an email confirmation, and voila, you’ve got your FTN to use for all FAA activities.
3. Register at a Knowledge Testing Center in Kentucky
Now that you’ve got your FTN, you need to register at a Knowledge Testing Center in Kentucky. These centers are available all over the U.S. and are certified by the FAA.
To schedule your exam, you’ll need to register on PSI, the FAA’s testing center’s site, using your FTN and full name.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Office of Academic Testing, Lexington Testing Center, NexGen Aviation LLC, and Kentucky Airmotive Inc.. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Study for the Part 107 exam diligently in advance
Next, you need to prepare diligently for the Part 107 exam. Studying is essential and it’s beneficial to use professional resources. Though good quality prep courses might entail a cost, they are often considered worthwhile by aspiring pilots.
These courses provide access to comprehensive study materials and professional advice.
5. Sit for the Part 107 exam
The next big step is to sit for the Part 107 exam. Preparation is key here. Plan your travel, have a nutritious meal, and review your study materials one more time before the test day.
You’ll be given the necessary stationery. Make sure you’re aware of the test rules, including the restriction on personal items. The exam has 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2.5 hours.
6. Pass the test and request your certificate through Form 8710-13
Once you’ve passed the test, the next key step is to request your certificate through Form 8710-13 on the IACRA site. This form allows you to request a printable version of your commercial drone license.
After passing the TSA background check, IACRA will email you a printable drone license.
7. Register your drone with the FAA and start flying commercially
Finally, you need to register your drone with the FAA to start flying commercially. Registration requires your contact details, drone make and model, and Remote ID serial number if applicable.
There’s a $5 registration fee per drone, valid for three years. Make sure you fulfill the registration requirements like being 13 years or older and a U.S citizen or a legal permanent resident. Once the registration is done, you’re ready to take off!
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Kentucky.
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 Kentucky. To know about the drone laws in Kentucky, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky?
To fly your drone in Kentucky, 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.
