To fly a drone commercially in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s eligibility criteria
- Sign up for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
- Register yourself at a Knowledge Testing Center located in West Virginia
- Dedicate time to study and prepare for the test in advance
- Schedule and take the Part 107 exam at the center
- After passing, submit a request for your certificate through Form 8710-13
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s eligibility criteria
Start by checking if you meet FAA’s eligibility requirements.
- Must be 16 years or older
- Capable of understanding how to fly a drone
- Proficient in English – reading, writing, speaking and understanding
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Sign up for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
After ensuring you meet the criteria, it’s time to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). You will need an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile for this.
Once registered and agreed to FAA’s terms, input your Airman Certificate Number, the issuing date, your name, and email. Also set up your username, password, and security questions. Remember to keep this information for future use. After completion, request your FTN on the IACRA site.
3. Register yourself at a Knowledge Testing Center located in West Virginia
Next, you need to register at a Knowledge Testing Center in West Virginia where you’ll take the Part 107 exam in person. You can find the nearest center on the PSI website. You must have a PSI account to schedule an appointment for the test.
Give your FTN, first and last name for verification. After approval, select a test date and time, keeping ample time for preparation.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Pierpont Community and Technical College – Bridgeport, Pittsburgh Flight Training Center, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, and PSI Examination Services-Cambridge. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to study and prepare for the test in advance
Before the test, make sure you dedicate significant time for studying and preparing. The test charges $165 per attempt, so it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly to pass in the first go. Online test prep courses for Part 107 can be really helpful.
5. Schedule and take the Part 107 exam at the center
On the day of the test, arrive at the FAA Knowledge Testing Center well in time. The test, Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG), is a multiple-choice type with 60 questions to be answered within two and a half hours.
Materials like blank paper, a dry-erase marker, and a pencil will be provided, but you can bring your own measuring tools. Your results will be posted on IACRA within three weeks.
6. After passing, submit a request for your certificate through Form 8710-13
After passing the test, you need to apply for your certificate through Form 8710-13 on your IACRA profile. Under “Start New Application”, choose Pilot under Application Type and Remote Pilot under Certificates.
Moving on, fill in your Test Exam ID and other prompted details, and then provide an electronic signature. After submission, the FAA and the TSA will process your application and perform a security background check respectively.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. Provide your contact details, drone information, and make the payment of $5 per drone which is valid for three years. Remember, if you’re under the age of 13, someone older must register the drone for you.
For foreign operators, the FAA issues a recognition of ownership certificate rather than a U.S. aircraft registration certificate.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in West Virginia.
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 West Virginia. To know about the drone laws in West Virginia, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond West Virginia, 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 West Virginia?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia?
To fly your drone in West Virginia, 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.
