To fly a drone commercially in North Dakota, 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 Dakota
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the eligibility criteria for drone licensing
- Obtain your FAA Tracking Number
- Locate and register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center in North Dakota
- Sit for your drone licensing exam
- Achieve a passing score on the exam
- Complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the eligibility criteria for drone licensing
Before applying, ensure you meet this criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Understand English
- Feel mentally and physically capable to operate a drone
- Prepare for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test, also known as the Part 107 exam
However, meeting these criteria doesn’t automatically guarantee a license
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain your FAA Tracking Number
To proceed further, obtain your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile. Fill out your details on the IACRA website and agree to the FAA’s terms of service.
Once you’ve done this, you can request your FTN on the IACRA website. Remember to keep your login details safe for future usage.
3. Locate and register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center in North Dakota
With your FTN, you can register for the Part 107 exam at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center in North Dakota. You can find these centers by visiting the PSI website, a testing platform partnered with the FAA.
After finding a center, register with PSI by creating an account and then schedule your exam date and time.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like PSI Examination Services-Bismarck, UND Aerospace Foundation, Fargo Jet Center, and Fargo, ND Training and Testing Center. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Sit for your drone licensing exam
Sit for the drone licensing exam which covers various drone-related topics. The exam isn’t free and costs $175 per attempt. There are online test prep courses available to help you pass the exam in the first try.
Remember, failing the exam means you have to retake it, which could add up to your expenses.
5. Achieve a passing score on the exam
Once you’re prepared, take the commercial drone exam to earn your Remote Pilot Certificate. The exam is 60 questions long and you’ll have two and a half hours to complete it.
A passing grade is 70 percent or more. You can check your test results on the IACRA website, but it may take a few weeks to appear.
6. Complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13
After passing the exam, complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13 to apply for your license. You can do this through your IACRA profile. Once you have submitted your application, the FAA will process it.
The TSA will also perform a security background check on you.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Lastly, register your drone with the FAA. You will need to provide your contact details and information about your drone. The registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
If you are under 13 years of age, someone who is 13 or older must register the drone. If you are a foreign operator, the FAA will consider your certificate as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in North Dakota.
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 Dakota. To know about the drone laws in North Dakota, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond North Dakota, 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 Dakota?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in North Dakota. 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 Dakota?
To fly your drone in North Dakota, 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.
