To fly a drone commercially in Wisconsin, 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.
Contents
- Steps to Get a Drone License in Wisconsin
- Breaking Down the Steps
- 1. Understand the FAA’s criteria
- 2. Make your IACRA account for tracking
- 3. Seek and sign up for the exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
- 4. Dedicate time to prepare for the exam
- 5. Attempt and pass the Part 107 test
- 6. Complete and mail Form 8710-13 to receive your certificate
- 7. Register your drone with the FAA
- FAQs
Steps to Get a Drone License in Wisconsin
Follow these simple and straightforward steps to easily obtain the drone license:
- Understand the FAA’s criteria
- Make your IACRA account for tracking
- Seek and sign up for the exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
- Dedicate time to prepare for the exam
- Attempt and pass the Part 107 test
- Complete and mail Form 8710-13 to receive your certificate
- Register your drone with the FAA
Breaking Down the Steps
1. Understand the FAA’s criteria
Ensure you’re eligible for a drone license by checking the FAA’s rules:
- Age must be at least 16 years old
- Must be fully proficient in English
- Should be mentally and physically healthy
- Need to pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, a commercial drone test administered by the FAA
For more information, you can visit the official FAA website.
2. Make your IACRA account for tracking
Next, create your IACRA account. This will give you your FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which is required throughout your career in aeronautics. The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website is where you sign up for your FTN, check test results, and apply for your license.
Registration is straightforward, and once complete, you’ll receive your FTN.
3. Seek and sign up for the exam at a Knowledge Testing Center
Now, look for and sign up for the UAG exam at a Knowledge Testing Center. Your FTN will allow you to schedule the Part 107 exam. The FAA’s Knowledge Testing Centers, located across the country, conduct the commercial drone exam.
To register for the exam, you need to verify your FTN and identity, after which you’ll receive an email confirmation.
You can take the test at numerous approved Knowledge Testing Centers, like Duffys Aircraft Sales & Leasing Inc., Fox Valley Technical College – Appleton, Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation, and University of Wisconsin Testing Service – Oshkosh. There are plenty more options that you can find on the PSI website.
4. Dedicate time to prepare for the exam
Then, set aside time to study for the exam. The Part 107 exam covers all aspects of drone piloting, from radio communication procedures to drone performance and regulations. Changes in drone technology and FAA rules mean the test questions frequently change.
Studying hard will help you pass the test in the first go, saving you the cost of a retest.
5. Attempt and pass the Part 107 test
When your test day arrives, ensure you’re well-rested, nourished, and arrive early at the testing center with your photo ID.
The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have two and a half hours to complete it. After your test, you’ll need to wait for about three weeks for the results. A passing score is 70 percent or more.
6. Complete and mail Form 8710-13 to receive your certificate
After passing the exam, you’ll need to complete and mail Form 8710-13 on the IACRA website to get your drone license. After filling out the form, you’ll have to wait for the TSA to perform a security background check on you.
You’ll receive a temporary drone pilot license by email, which will be replaced by a real license after the FAA completes internal processing.
7. Register your drone with the FAA
Finally, register your drone with the FAA. To register, you’ll need your contact details, drone details, a credit or debit card for the $5 registration fee, and be a at least 13 years old. The registration is valid for three years.
For foreign operators, the FAA considers the certificate as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
That’s all about the drone licensing process in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin. To know about the drone laws in Wisconsin, refer to our easy guide.
And if you’re thinking of taking your drone adventures beyond Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin?
Yes, you do require a drone license to commercially operate a drone in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
To fly your drone in Wisconsin, 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.
