To fly a drone commercially in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Register for an FTN
- Sign up at a Knowledge Testing Center
- Kick-start your advance study
- Take the Part 107 exam
- Pass the test and request your certificate through Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
To qualify for a commercial drone license, the FAA sets some criteria.
- Age must be at least 16 years old
- Must be physically and mentally fit enough to safely operate a drone
- Must have a solid understanding of English – including reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending fluently regardless of whether English is the first language or not
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register for an FTN
The next step is to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which is needed to book your exam at a New Jersey Knowledge Testing Center. You must create an account on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website, which is an FAA platform.
The registration is free. Fill in your personal details, select the roles relevant to you, and agree to IACRA’s terms of service. After successful registration, you will receive a unique FTN.
3. Sign up at a Knowledge Testing Center
Once your IACRA account becomes active, find a test center where you can take the FAA exam. It’s worth mentioning that the FAA doesn’t provide online testing services. You need to physically visit a testing center.
The FAA will guide you to the authorized Knowledge Testing Centers where you can register for the exam. Choose a date and time for the exam that suits you best.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-New Providence, PSI Examination Services-Rochelle Park, America’s Training Center LLC, and AVNA Learning Center – Secaucus. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Kick-start your advance study
Before the big exam, engage in some intensive study. The FAA Part 107 exam evaluates your comprehensive knowledge as a prospective drone pilot. The FAA doesn’t provide any study materials, so you may want to consider an online drone school for exam preparation.
The Part 107 exam covers topics such as nighttime drone operations, airport operations, radio communication procedures, emergency procedures, weather effects on drone performance, and more.
5. Take the Part 107 exam
Now, it’s time to take the Part 107 exam. If you succeed, you have moved a significant step forward, and if you fail, don’t worry. You can retry the exam after waiting for 30 days.
A score of 70 percent or more means you’ve passed the exam, which is indeed a cause for celebration.
6. Pass the test and request your certificate through Form 8710-13
After passing the test, you have to request your certificate usingForm 8710-13. This can be done through the IACRA website, where you’ll find the option to start a new application. You will need to input your Knowledge Test Exam ID during this process.
After submitting your application, you will need to undergo a TSA background check. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a temporary license via email, which you can print and use until you receive your official Remote Pilot Certificate by mail.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
The final step is to register your drone with the FAA. For registration, you need your physical and mailing address, email, phone number, the make and model of your drone, and any specific Remote ID serial number provided by the manufacturer. The registration fee is $5 per drone under Part 107 and is valid for three years. If you are under 13, someone 13 or older must register the drone.
Also, you must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident for registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in New Jersey.
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 New Jersey. To know about the drone laws in New Jersey, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond New Jersey, 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 New Jersey?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey?
To fly your drone in New Jersey, 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.
