To fly a drone commercially in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements
- Obtain your FAA Tracking Number
- Locate the nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center to register
- Hit the books for the Part 107 test
- Attend the exam and make sure to pass
- Submit Form 8710-13 to acquire your certificate
- Get your license, start flying, and remember to register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements
FAA’s eligibility criteria for a drone license:
- Ensure to meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Proficient in English
- Possess valid government-issued identification
- Assess physical and mental health as flying a drone requires good health, keen situational awareness, and excellent hand-eye coordination
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain your FAA Tracking Number
Next, sign up for a free account on the FAA’s IACRA website to get your FAA Tracking Number.
This involves filling in your personal information, choosing a username, password, and answering two security questions. Once completed, you’ll receive a unique FTN via email.
3. Locate the nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center to register
Then, find your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center in Massachusetts using the PSI website.
Here, you can book your Part 107 exam. Make sure to register your name and FTN on the PSI website for your identity verification.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Boston Proper, Boston Training and Testing Center, Beverly Flight Center LLC, and East Coast Aero Club Bedford. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Hit the books for the Part 107 test
Start studying for the Part 107 test. Use professional resources and invest in a quality prep course, which usually provides video or text lessons, practice tests, and access to professionals for feedback.
Most courses also guarantee a refund if you don’t pass.
5. Attend the exam and make sure to pass
When the exam day comes, be ready and confident. The UAG exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed within two and a half hours.
Your results will be posted on IACRA, potentially taking up to three weeks.
6. Submit Form 8710-13 to acquire your certificate
Upon passing the exam, return to IACRA to complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a commercial drone license or Remote Pilot Certificate.
You’ll need to fill in your Knowledge Test Exam ID and digitally sign the form. This will be reviewed by the FAA and TSA for a security background check.
7. Get your license, start flying, and remember to register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA, providing necessary information like your address, email, phone number, drone make and model, and specific Remote ID serial number.
The registration fee is $5 per drone, valid for three years. Be aware that drone registration cannot be transferred between types of operations.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts. To know about the drone laws in Massachusetts, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts?
To fly your drone in Massachusetts, 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.
