To fly a drone commercially in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Obtain an FAA Tracking Number
- Register yourself at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Dive into studying for the test
- Attempt the Part 107 exam
- Complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
Make sure you are eligible for the license.
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Needs to have proficiency in English to read, write, speak, and understand
- Show a government-issued ID to confirm age and identity
- Assess physical and mental health to ensure capability of flying a drone
- Stay in good shape and clear of conditions that could impair capability of flying a drone
- Good spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination are required
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number
Start by obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), your unique identifier for FAA aviation activities. Get your FTN by registering at the Integrated Airman Certificate and Rating Application (IACRA) website for free.
Follow the registration instructions on the IACRA site, complete the security questions, create a username and password, and confirm your account. Your FTN will be sent to your email.
3. Register yourself at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Now, register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center. The FAA has these testing centers across the country and you can locate them through the PSI website. Provide your FTN and full name for verification.
After registering on PSI, you will receive confirmation via email. Log into your account and schedule the test at a convenient date and time.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like A BCY Solution, Alpha One Air Service, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Charlotte, and PSI Examination Services-Charlotte. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dive into studying for the test
Start studying for the Part 107 exam. The amount of time you spend studying depends on you, but it’s generally recommended to use professional resources and courses. Quality prep courses usually charge a one-time fee.
These courses offer lessons, practice tests, and access to professional advice. Many even offer a money-back guarantee, which includes a refund for your next FAA test attempt.
5. Attempt the Part 107 exam
On the day of the Part 107 exam: Make sure you know the test location, leave early, and eat a light, nutritious meal. The FAA exam has 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have two and a half hours to finish it.
Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID for verification. Don’t worry if you don’t pass the first time; you can retake the test after two weeks, but remember, each attempt is paid.
6. Complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13
After passing the test, complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13 on the IACRA website. Follow the prompts and complete the required information. You will need your Knowledge Test Exam ID for this.
The TSA will then perform a background check, and you will receive your temporary license via email from IACRA. This temporary license functions as the official Part 107 license until your permanent one arrives.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Lastly, register your drone with the FAA. The registration fee is $5 per drone and is valid for three years. You need to provide your contact details, drone make and model, and possibly a specific Remote ID serial number.
Remember, owners must be at least 13 years old, U.S. citizens, or legal permanent residents. For foreign operators, the FAA considers the issued certificate as an ownership recognition, not a U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in North Carolina.
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 North Carolina. To know about the drone laws in North Carolina, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina?
To fly your drone in North Carolina, 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.
