2. Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test – initial knowledge test areas include:
a. Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
b. Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
c. Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
d. Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
e. Emergency procedures
f. Crew resource management
g. Radio communication procedures
h. Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
i. Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
j. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
k. Airport operations
l. Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
3. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*
a. Register using the FAA IACRA system
b. Login with username and password
c. Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
d. Follow application prompts
e. When prompted, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (NOTE: it may take up to 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA)
f. Sign the application electronically and submit to the Registry for processing.
4. A confirmation email will be sent when an applicant has completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.
5. A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete. * Applicants who do not wish to complete FAA Form 8710-13 online may choose the paper process. Please note that the processing time will be longer if a paper application is used since it requires in-person approval and signature by a designated pilot examiner (DPE), an airman certification representative (ACR), or an FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI), and must then be mailed to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for final review and signature. Additionally, a temporary remote pilot certificate will not be provided to the applicant.
Instructions for completing the paper application process may be found in Chapter 6, Section 4 of the Part 107 Advisory Circular.
Existing Pilots - What to Expect
Eligibility:
• Must hold a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61
• Must have completed a flight review within the previous 24 months
Remote Pilot Certificate Requirements:
• Must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
• Valid for 2 years – certificate holders must pass either a recurrent online training course OR recurrent knowledge test every two years
Application Process
1. Complete the online training course "Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) ALC-451" available on the FAA FAASTeam website – initial training course areas include:
a. Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
b. Effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
c. Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
d. Emergency procedures
e. Crew resource management
f. Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
g. Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures