To fly a drone commercially in Vermont, 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 Vermont
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
- Apply for an FAA Tracking Number
- Register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
- Study hard for your exam
- Take the Part 107 test
- Pass the test and complete Form 8710-13
- Print your certificate and register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the FAA’s eligibility criteria
To fly a commercial drone in California, you first need to ensure you’re eligible.
- Must be at least 16 years old
- In good physical and mental health
- Competent in English, even if it’s not the first or main language
- Capable of safely operating a drone
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Apply for an FAA Tracking Number
The next step is to apply for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) using the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. Sign up and fill in the necessary details on this site, agreeing to their terms of service.
Once you’ve registered and received a confirmation email, you’ll get your FTN, a unique identifier that’s essential when registering for the Part 107 exam.
3. Register at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
After you get your FTN, register for the commercial drone exam at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center through the PSI platform. Create an account and verify your identity using your FTN.
Once your account is confirmed, you can schedule your test at a center near you. Choose a convenient date and time, and that’s when you’ll sit for the Part 107 exam.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Burlington Technical Center, Vermont Flight Academy, DAE Aviation Enterprises Corp, and Monadnock Aviation Inc. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Study hard for your exam
Now, it’s time to study hard for your exam. Use tried and tested resources to prepare as much as you can. Many professionals recommend opting for a quality prep course, even if it comes at a cost.
These courses usually provide comprehensive resources, practice tests, and professional advice. Plus, many come with a money-back guarantee if you fail to pass the exam.
5. Take the Part 107 test
The day has come to take the Part 107 test. Prepare by reviewing your study materials and bringing the necessary items like a valid ID and calculator. Be aware that personal items are not allowed during the test.
You’ll have two and a half hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. Aim for at least 70% to pass. The results will be available on IACRA’s website after a few weeks.
6. Pass the test and complete Form 8710-13
Once you pass the test, go back to your IACRA profile to complete Form 8710-13. Follow through the prompts, providing your Knowledge Test Exam ID, a 17-digit unique number you receive after the Part 107 exam.
After electronically signing the form, your profile will be processed, and following a background check by the TSA, you’ll receive a temporary remote pilot certificate via email.
7. Print your certificate and register your drone with the FAA
Finally, print your certificate and register your drone with the FAA. The registration process requires information like your addresses, phone number, the make and model of your drone, and registration fees.
The registration fee is $5 per drone, and it is valid for three years. Once registration is done, it can’t be transferred between operation types. The drone owner should be 13 years or older and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Vermont.
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 Vermont. To know about the drone laws in Vermont, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Vermont, 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 Vermont?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Vermont. 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 Vermont?
To fly your drone in Vermont, 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.
