To fly a drone commercially in Michigan, 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.
Contents
- Steps to Get a Drone License in Michigan
- Breaking Down the Steps
- 1. Understand the eligibility requirements for a drone license in Michigan
- 2. Sign up on IACRA to obtain your FTN
- 3. Locate and register at your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- 4. Dedicate time to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming exam
- 5. Study hard and ace the test
- 6. Complete and submit Form 8710-13
- 7. Register your drone with the FAA
- FAQs
Steps to Get a Drone License in Michigan
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Understand the eligibility requirements for a drone license in Michigan
- Sign up on IACRA to obtain your FTN
- Locate and register at your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Dedicate time to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming exam
- Study hard and ace the test
- Complete and submit Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Understand the eligibility requirements for a drone license in Michigan
First, make sure you meet the FAA eligibility criteria for drone pilots.
- Age should be 16 or older
- Fluency in English necessary – capable of understanding, reading, writing, and speaking
- Decent mental and physical health needed for operating a drone
- Requirement to pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge exam, known as the Part 107 test
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Sign up on IACRA to obtain your FTN
Once you ensure you meet the FAA criteria, you can get an FAA Tracking Number or FTN. To do this, you need to create a profile on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application or IACRA website.
After registration, you can use your IACRA login to request your FTN. Remember your username and password for future use.
3. Locate and register at your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Now is the time to register for your Part 107 exam. This has to be done at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center near you. You can find the nearest center by visiting the PSI website.
Create a PSI account by providing your full name and FTN. Once you’re registered, you can book your exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Southfield – Lahser Road, PSI Examination Services-Southfield, Michigan Institute of Aeronautics, and PSI Examination Services-Dearborn. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming exam
Next, start preparing for your test. You can study as much as you want, but aim for depth and understanding. There are professional resources available to aid your preparation.
A good prep course will provide 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 FAA test attempt.
5. Study hard and ace the test
After studying and understanding the material, you’re ready to take the exam. Plan your day in advance, eat a wholesome meal, and review your materials one last time.
The exam is a multiple-choice format with 60 questions to be answered within two and a half hours. Remember, a passing grade is 70 percent. You can check your results on the IACRA website after a few weeks.
6. Complete and submit Form 8710-13
Having passed your exam, it’s time to complete Form 8710-13 on the IACRA website. Input your Knowledge Test Exam ID, a unique 17-digit number from your Part 107 exam.
Afterwards, sign the form electronically. Your application will be processed by the TSA, who will conduct a background check. If you pass, you’ll receive a temporary IACRA remote pilot certificate via email.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
You need to register your drone with the FAA. Prepare your details like physical address, email, phone number, drone make and model, and Remote ID number.
The registration fee is $5 per drone and is valid for three years. Once your drone is registered, you cannot switch its registration between operation types. You need to be 13 years or older to register, and if you’re a foreign operator, your certificate will be recognized as a certificate of ownership.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Michigan.
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 Michigan. To know about the drone laws in Michigan, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Michigan, 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 Michigan?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Michigan. 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 Michigan?
To fly your drone in Michigan, 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.
