To fly a drone commercially in Maine, 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 Maine
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Confirm your eligibility for the drone license
- Register to get an FAA Tracking Number
- Sign up for the drone exam at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Invest time to study for the exam
- Sit for the FAA exam and ensure you pass
- Complete and submit Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Confirm your eligibility for the drone license
Check if you’re eligible for the drone license.
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Need to possess good English-speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Must have a government-issued identification card to verify age and identity
- Assess physical and mental health – should be in good shape, free from diseases that could interfere with drone piloting
- Good awareness and hand-eye coordination are necessary
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register to get an FAA Tracking Number
Start the process for obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is done through an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile.
After creating your IACRA profile, fill in the necessary information, agree to the FAA’s terms of service, and then request your FTN. Keep your login details safe for later use.
3. Sign up for the drone exam at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Now that you have your FTN, sign up for the drone exam at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center. You can find these centers all over the state by visiting the PSI website and using the search function.
Once you find a center, create a PSI account using your name and FTN for identity verification, and then schedule your exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Maine Instrument Flight Inc., VTEC Training – South Portland, Southern Maine Aviation LLC, and DAE Aviation Enterprises Corp. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Invest time to study for the exam
Invest time to study for the FAA drone exam. There are many resources available to help you prepare, some of which come at a cost. A good course will offer lessons, practice tests, and access to professionals for feedback.
Many courses offer a money-back guarantee, covering the cost of the course and your next test attempt if you don’t pass.
5. Sit for the FAA exam and ensure you pass
On the day of the exam, make sure you’re well-rested and have eaten a good meal. Bring a government-issued photo ID and any other allowed tools. Most of the materials you need will be provided.
You’ll answer 60 multiple-choice questions within two and a half hours. You need to get at least 42 correct to pass. Your results will be posted on IACRA.
6. Complete and submit Form 8710-13
After passing the exam, log into IACRA and complete Form 8710-13 for your commercial drone license. Select “Start New Application”, choose “Pilot” then “Remote Pilot”, and follow the prompts.
Once you electronically sign and submit the form, the TSA will perform a background check. IACRA will then email you a temporary certificate. Your permanent license may take a few weeks to arrive.
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, phone number, drone make and model, and pay a $5 registration fee. This registration is valid for three years.
Registration requirements include being at least 13 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. For foreign operators, the certificate is a recognition of ownership, not a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Maine.
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 Maine. To know about the drone laws in Maine, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Maine, 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 Maine?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Maine. 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 Maine?
To fly your drone in Maine, 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.
