To fly a drone commercially in South 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 South Dakota
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 suitable study course
- Clear the Part 107 exam successfully
- Complete and submit Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
Starting the drone license process, ensure you check all the eligibility boxes.
- Must be at least 16 years old to take the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, also known as the Part 107 or commercial drone pilot exam
- Must be mentally and physically fit to operate a drone
- Must have a solid grasp of the English language – reading, writing, understanding, and speaking. Even if English isn’t your first language, you can still take the exam
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Request an FAA Tracking Number
Next, get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is a must-have for registering for the Part 107 exam. To get your FTN, open an IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) account. If you already have one, just log in and request your FTN. The registration process is simple, and you can skip entering your FAA certificate number, if it’s your first time.
Once you’ve got your FTN, you’re set to move to the next step.
3. Register for the Part 107 exam
Now you’re ready to register for the Part 107 exam. This test is taken in-person at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center, which are found throughout the U.S.
To schedule your exam, you’ll need to register for an account on PSI, the FAA’s testing center website, entering your unique FTN and full name.With this done, you’re ready to prepare for the exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Legacy Aviation – Tea, Lake Area Technical Institute, Riggin Flight Service, and South Dakota State University Aviation Resource Center. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Enroll in a suitable study course
To up your chances of passing the exam, enroll in a study course. The cost for each test attempt is $175, so passing first time around is a win for your wallet. While free study resources exist online, a paid Part 107 online test prep course is recommended for comprehensive understanding.
Well-prepared and confident, you’re ready to face the exam now.
5. Clear the Part 107 exam successfully
Arriving at the exam, give yourself plenty of time. Maybe take the route a day before to familiarize yourself. Rest well the night before, have a nutritious meal prior to the exam, and leave yourself time for a quick last-minute review. The Part 107 exam has 60 multiple-choice questions, and you get two and a half hours to answer them. Don’t worry if you don’t get your results immediately, they’ll be posted on your IACRA account within three weeks.
Meanwhile, keep the exam out of your mind and await your results.
6. Complete and submit Form 8710-13
Once you’ve successfully cleared the Part 107 exam, it’s time to apply for your temporary commercial drone license. Complete and submit FAA Form 8710-13 through your IACRA account. Follow the prompts, sign your application electronically, and submit it.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct a background check, after which IACRA will email you a printable temporary license. Use this printed license until your official one arrives by mail, which typically takes 6-8 weeks.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Lastly, register your drone with the FAA. You’ll need details like your physical and mailing address, email, phone number, make and model of your drone, and specific Remote ID serial number, if applicable. The Part 107 registration fee is $5 per drone and lasts three years. The owner should be at least 13 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Remember, once registered, the drone’s registration can’t be transferred between operation types (Part 107 or the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations).
That’s all about the drone licensing process in South 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 South Dakota. To know about the drone laws in South Dakota, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond South 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 South Dakota?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in South 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 South Dakota?
To fly your drone in South 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.
