To fly a drone commercially in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Understand the eligibility requirements for a drone license
- Register yourself on IACRA to get your FTN
- Find and sign up at your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Dedicate time to prepare for the license exam
- Make sure to ace your test
- Submit Form 8710-13 with your test results
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Understand the eligibility requirements for a drone license
Get to know the FAA’s eligibility requirements for drone licenses.
- Age must be 16 years or older
- Must have a good command of English including speaking, reading, writing, and understanding
- Physical and mental health should be sound, as per FAA standards
- Need to pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge exam, commonly known as the Part 107 test
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Register yourself on IACRA to get your FTN
Sign up on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). It’s unique to you and required for your drone career. It’s a simple process of filling out your personal details and creating a secure login.
Once you’ve finished registration, you’ll receive an email confirmation. You can always view your FTN by logging into your IACRA profile.
3. Find and sign up at your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Now, find an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center near you using the PSI platform and register for the Part 107 exam. It’s an in-person test, so ensure to pick a suitable date and a convenient location.
Make sure to have a government-issued photo ID, as it’s required for the test.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Legacy Aviation LLC, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Philadelphia, PSI Examination Services-Philadelphia, and PSI Examination Services-Bristol. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to prepare for the license exam
Study for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam. It’s designed to test your knowledge, and prepping well will increase your chances of clearing it in the first attempt.
The better you understand the material, the safer and more efficient you become as a drone pilot.
5. Make sure to ace your test
On the test day, don’t forget to carry your government-issued photo ID. The test comprises 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have two and a half hours to complete it. You’ll need to answer at least 42 questions correctly to pass.
Once you’ve completed the test, give yourself a break while you wait up to three weeks for the results, which will be posted on IACRA.
6. Submit Form 8710-13 with your test results
After passing the FAA exam, you can print out Form 8710-13 from the IACRA website. This is your temporary commercial drone license until you receive your actual license in the mail.
After applying and signing electronically, you’ll get a confirmation email containing your temporary license and instructions on how to print it out.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need your physical and mailing addresses, phone number, email, and details about your drone, including the make, model, and specific Remote ID serial number. The registration costs are $5 per drone and last for three years.
You must be 13 years or older, a U.S. citizen, or a legal permanent resident to register a drone. For foreign operators, the FAA considers your certificate as a recognition of ownership, not a U.S. registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania. To know about the drone laws in Pennsylvania, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
To fly your drone in Pennsylvania, 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.
