To fly a drone commercially in New York, 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 York
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Request an FAA Tracking Number
- Register for the Part 107 exam
- Enroll in a study course
- Take and pass the Part 107 exam
- Complete Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
Start by making sure you meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria.
- Age must be at least 16 years old
- Fluency in English
- Both physically and mentally fit to operate a drone
- Passing the commercial drone exam, also known as the Part 107 exam, is a key requirement.
This test is tougher than the hobbyist test. It requires knowledge about FAA drone guidelines, including emergency procedures, airspace classifications, radio communication protocols, airport operations, and drone loading.
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Request an FAA Tracking Number
If you’re a first-time pilot, you need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This number will stick with you throughout your aeronautical career. You can get your FTN through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. You’ll need to create an account, verify your information, agree to the terms, and generate your user profile.
Once your account is created, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your FTN.
3. Register for the Part 107 exam
After securing your FTN, you’re ready to register for the Part 107 exam. This exam cannot be taken online, so you must locate a Knowledge Testing Center close to you. You can find various centers across the country on the PSI site.
Once you’ve found a suitable center, register for the FAA exam using PSI’s website. You’ll need to verify your eligibility by inputting your FTN and full name. After registration, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your test date and time.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Bronx, PSI Examination Services-Brooklyn, Vaughn College Of Aeronautics-Technology, and Aviation High School. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Enroll in a study course
Next, enroll in a study course to prepare for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam. The exam includes various topics related to drone piloting, such as radio communication procedures, drone performance and loading, regulations, and operating requirements.
The test is updated regularly to reflect changes in drone technology and FAA rules, so it’s crucial to study thoroughly to pass the first time.
5. Take and pass the Part 107 exam
Once you’ve studied, you’ll take the UAG exam. It’s a comprehensive test with 60 multiple-choice questions, covering areas such as weather sources, drone limitations, emergency procedures, etc. You’ll have two and a half hours to complete the exam.
On the exam day, ensure to arrive early with your government photo ID. You can get up to 18 questions wrong and still pass, as you need a score of 70 percent.
6. Complete Form 8710-13
After passing the test, it’s time to complete Form 8710-13 to get your license.
You’ll need to log back into IACRA and fill out the form with your test exam ID. After completing the form, add your electronic signature and submit it.
Once the FAA and TSA process your information and perform a background check, you’ll receive an email with your temporary flight certificate. This temporary license allows you to start flying your drone while you wait for your permanent FAA Remote Pilot Certificate to arrive in the mail, which typically takes 6 to 10 weeks.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, you’ll need to register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need information such as your physical and mailing address, email address, phone number, and your drone’s make and model. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
To register, you need to be at least 13 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. If you’re a foreign operator, your certificate will be considered a recognition of ownership, not a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in New York.
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 York. To know about the drone laws in New York, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond New York, 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 York?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in New York. 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 York?
To fly your drone in New York, 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.
