To fly a drone commercially in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility guidelines
- Register to get your FAA Tracking Number
- Sign up for the Part 107 exam
- Invest time in studying for the exam
- Sit for the exam and aim to pass
- Initiate the application process to get your license
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Ensure you meet the eligibility guidelines
Before applying, ensure you meet this criteria:
- Age must be at least 16 years old
- Proficiency in English required, as per FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) standards for all aspiring drone pilots
- Physical and mental fitness to operate a drone is necessary as per FAA’s criteria
This exam proves your understanding of fundamentals related to aeronautical knowledge.
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register to get your FAA Tracking Number
Once you meet the eligibility, the next step is to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Register on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website, which is an FAA domain for data validation and airman applications. It’s free to register.
Fill out your personal information, generate a unique login and password, and click ‘Register’. After registering, you will receive an email confirmation from IACRA, and you can view your FTN anytime by logging into your IACRA profile.
3. Sign up for the Part 107 exam
After obtaining your FTN, you will be able to register for the Part 107 test. You’ll need to create an account on PSI, an FAA partner that conducts exams. After verifying your FTN and identity, you can find a testing center near you using the PSI site.
Select the most convenient location, set the date and time for your exam, and you are officially registered to take the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Metairie, Gulf Coast Aviation, Fly By Knight, and Davis Aircraft Inc.. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Invest time in studying for the exam
Now, it’s time to prepare for your exam. The FAA Part 107 exam tests your knowledge as a potential drone pilot. We recommend using an online drone school for exam prep. The exam will cover topics ranging from nighttime drone operations to drone flight regulation rules and the effects of weather on drone performance.
Make sure you understand all these areas thoroughly before you sit for the exam.
5. Sit for the exam and aim to pass
When the test day comes, ensure you arrive well-rested and nourished. Take along a government-issued photo ID and any permitted tools. The exam will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer within two and a half hours.
To pass, you must answer at least 42 questions correctly, achieving a score of 70 percent. It may take up to three weeks for your results to be posted on IACRA.
6. Initiate the application process to get your license
After passing the exam, it’s time to apply for your license. Log into your IACRA profile and complete Form 8710-13. After filling out the form, sign it electronically. IACRA will process your application, which will then be sent to TSA for a background check.
If you pass the background check, you will receive an email with a temporary IACRA remote pilot certificate, which acts as a placeholder for your real drone license until the FAA completes its internal processing.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Lastly, register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need your physical address, email address, phone number, drone make and model, and any specific remote ID provided by the manufacturer. The registration fee is $5 per drone under Part 107 and is valid for three years. The person registering the drone should be at least 13 years old and a US citizen or legal permanent resident.
Once registered, the registration cannot be transferred between operation types (Part 107 or the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations). Remember that for foreign operators, the FAA treats the issued certificate as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Louisiana.
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 Louisiana. To know about the drone laws in Louisiana, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Louisiana, 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 Louisiana?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana?
To fly your drone in Louisiana, 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.
