To fly a drone commercially in New Mexico, 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 Mexico
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Understand the FAA’s criteria
- Create an IACRA account to get your FAA Tracking Number
- Find a Knowledge Testing Center and register for the exam
- Start preparing for the exam
- Attempt the Part 107 test and ensure you pass
- Fill out Form 8710-13 and receive your certificate
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Understand the FAA’s criteria
FAA’s Commercial Drone Pilot Eligibility Criteria:
- Confirmation of being at least 16 years old
- Good grasp of the English language in terms of reading, speaking, writing, and comprehension
- Mental and physical capability to operate a drone
- Satisfying these prerequisites does not guarantee a license
- Required to pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test, also known as the Part 107 exam
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Create an IACRA account to get your FAA Tracking Number
Next, you need to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. Register on this site (it’s free) and fill out the necessary personal information, including your full name, birth date, gender, and email address. Set up two security questions and generate a unique login and password.
Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation from IACRA, and you can see your FTN anytime by logging into your IACRA profile.
3. Find a Knowledge Testing Center and register for the exam
The third step is about finding a Knowledge Testing Center where you can take the Part 107 exam. Use the PSI website to search for the nearest Knowledge Testing Center in your area. You must have a PSI account to schedule an exam.
Once PSI verifies your eligibility using your FTN, set up an account and pick a date and time to take your Part 107 exam. It’s recommended to set a date a few weeks away to give enough time to study.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Farmington, PSI Examination Services-Santa Fe, Del Sol Aviation, and PSI Examination Services-Albuquerque. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Start preparing for the exam
Now, it’s time to prepare for the exam. You can take the Part 107 exam multiple times, but each attempt incurs a $165 fee.
To get ready, consider using the FAA’s free study materials or enroll in an online drone school offering Part 107 prep courses. These courses are designed to teach you everything you need to know about the FAA’s drone flight rules to pass your exam on the first attempt.
5. Attempt the Part 107 test and ensure you pass
When test day arrives, make sure you have your government-issued photo ID ready. Try to get a good night’s sleep and consume an energizing meal. Arrive early at the Knowledge Testing Center to review your materials.
The Part 107 exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, covering various topics like emergency procedures, airport operations, drone performance, etc. You have two and a half hours to complete the test, with a minimum passing score of 70 percent.
6. Fill out Form 8710-13 and receive your certificate
Once you pass the test, log back into your IACRA account and fill out Form 8710-13 to obtain a temporary printable version of your Remote Pilot Certificate.
This is temporary as the FAA has to process your application and mail your permanent license, which can take more than a month. But with the temporary license, you can start flying your drone.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Lastly, register your drone with the FAA. You need to provide your physical and mailing address, email address, phone number, drone make and model, and Remote ID serial number (if applicable). The Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
The drone owner must be 13 years or older, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. For foreign operators, the FAA considers the issued certificate as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in New Mexico.
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 Mexico. To know about the drone laws in New Mexico, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond New Mexico, 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 Mexico?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in New Mexico. 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 Mexico?
To fly your drone in New Mexico, 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.
