To fly a drone commercially in Montana, 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 Montana
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Ensure you meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Obtain an FAA Tracking Number
- Register for the Part 107 exam
- Enroll yourself in a study course
- Attempt and pass the Part 107 exam
- Fill out and submit Form 8710-13
- Finish by registering your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Ensure you meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
To get a drone license, first, ensure you’re eligible.
- Age must be 16 years or older
- Mentally and physically capable of using a drone
- English comprehension is required for reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, even if it is not the first language
- Being proficient in English, the primary language used during the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) or Part 107 exam, is crucial
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number
Then, you need an FAA Tracking Number or FTN to register for the Part 107 exam. To get this, you must create an account on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
Once your account is active, you can log in to request your FTN.
3. Register for the Part 107 exam
With your IACRA account and FTN in hand, you can register for the Part 107 exam. This involves signing up on the FAA’s PSI platform and choosing a convenient Knowledge Testing Center and date for your exam.
Remember to bring a government-issued photo ID to the exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Northstar Jet Inc., Holman Aviation Co, Summit Aviation Inc., and Rocky Mountain College Aviation. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Enroll yourself in a study course
Before the exam, it is smart to enroll in a study course. The Part 107 exam covers a wide range of topics, such as drone regulations, operating requirements, and radio communication procedures.
Studying well can save you the cost of retaking the $175 exam.
5. Attempt and pass the Part 107 exam
On the day of the exam, arrive early at the testing center with your photo ID. You will have two and a half hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions.
You must get at least 70% of the questions right to pass. If you fail, you can retake the exam by revisiting the previous steps.
6. Fill out and submit Form 8710-13
After passing the exam, fill out and submit Form 8710-13 via your IACRA account. Include your electronic signature and Knowledge Test Exam ID, a 17-digit code, to apply for your license.
When this form is processed, you will receive your temporary flight certificate via email.
7. Finish by registering your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA by providing your physical and mailing address, email, phone number, drone make and model, and its specific Remote ID. This costs $5 per drone and lasts for three years.
If you’re under 13 years old, someone 13 or older must register the drone, and if you’re a foreign operator, your certificate will be recognized as ownership proof, not U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Montana.
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 Montana. To know about the drone laws in Montana, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Montana, 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 Montana?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Montana. 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 Montana?
To fly your drone in Montana, 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.
