To fly a drone commercially in South 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 South Carolina
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements
- Obtain your FAA Tracking Number
- Locate your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center and register
- Engage in serious study for the Part 107 test
- Sit for the exam and aim to pass
- Mail a signed FAA Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet this criteria:
- Must first meet the FAA requirements
- Must be 16 years or older
- Should have a good command of English
- Mental and physical fitness necessary for safe drone operation
- Need to prepare for and pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam to ensure fitness to fly a drone
This test ensures you are fit to fly a drone.
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Obtain your FAA Tracking Number
Next, create an account on the IACRA website to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This unique number is essential for taking the aeronautical knowledge exam. After completing the registration form and accepting IACRA’s terms of service, you get your FTN.
Keep this number safe as it will be required throughout your career in aeronautics.
3. Locate your nearest FAA Knowledge Testing Center and register
Now register for the commercial drone exam. To do this, sign up for an account with PSI, providing your FTN and personal details. Once PSI verifies you, you can schedule your exam at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center near you.
Choose a suitable date and time and gear up for the Part 107 exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Kocch Testing Centers of America – Spartanburg, Central Carolina Technical College – Sumter, S.T.A. for U.S. Army Fort Jackson – JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) 2023, and PSI Examination Services-Columbia. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Engage in serious study for the Part 107 test
The Part 107 test is not easy. It covers various topics including drone loading, preflight inspection procedures, and emergency procedures. The cost per attempt is $175, so you need to prepare well.
Online test prep courses can be beneficial and ensure you pass at the first try.
5. Sit for the exam and aim to pass
The exam day is crucial. Start off with a healthy meal and a quick revision. Ensure you get to the testing center on time with a valid photo ID. You’ll be given two and a half hours for the 60 multiple-choice questions.
Take your time to answer correctly and review before submitting. After the test, patiently wait for your results to be posted on PSI.
6. Mail a signed FAA Form 8710-13
Having passed the exam, log into your IACRA profile and complete the FAA Form 8710-13. Input your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from the Part 107 exam. After filling and electronically signing the form, IACRA will process your application.
You’ll then be subjected to a TSA background check and if you clear, you’ll receive a temporary remote pilot certificate.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need your personal and contact details, as well as your drone’s make, model and Remote ID. The registration fee is $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
You must be 13 years old or older, a US citizen or legal permanent resident to register. For foreign operators, the certificate issued is a recognition of ownership.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in South 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 South Carolina. To know about the drone laws in South Carolina, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond South 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 South Carolina?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in South 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 South Carolina?
To fly your drone in South 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.
