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Pilots > Become a Remote Pilot

Unlock a World of Opportunities:
Become a Remote Pilot

Remote pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The remote pilot certificate is your license to fly drones for hire and get paid. There are countless opportunities for sUAS, UAV, or drone operators.

Unlock a World of Opportunities:
Become a Remote Pilot

Remote pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. The remote pilot certificate is your license to fly drones for hire and get paid. There are countless opportunities for sUAS, UAV, or drone operators.

What is the Part 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation and is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. This includes pilot certification, safety regulation, airspace and air traffic management, and aeronautical navigation.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107 is the Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule. 14 CFR 107 contains the operational rules for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, UAV or “drones”). This rule includes operational limitations, requirements for certifications and responsibilities of the remote pilot in command, and aircraft requirements. 

Is the Remote Pilot Certificate Right for Me?

If you would like to operate drones as a hobby, then a remote pilot certificate may not be necessary. Refer to guidance from the FAA here Opens in new window to operate drones recreationally. However, to operate drones for hire, obtaining an FAA Part 107 certificate is the first step to earning a living as a drone pilot. Many different industries require certified remote pilots to fly drones for their operations, including:

  • Photography and Videography
  • Civil/Government
  • Agricultural
  • Real Estate and Construction
  • Aerial Surveys
  • Disaster Relief
  • Engineering
  • Aerial Inspection
  • Aviation

If you would like to operate drones as a hobby, then a remote pilot certificate may not be necessary. Refer to guidance from the FAA here Opens in new window to operate drones recreationally. However, to operate drones for hire, obtaining an FAA Part 107 certificate is the first step to earning a living as a drone pilot. Many different industries require certified remote pilots to fly drones for their operations, including:

  • Photography and Videography
  • Civil/Government
  • Agricultural
  • Real Estate and Construction
  • Aerial Surveys
  • Disaster Relief
  • Engineering
  • Aerial Inspection
  • Aviation

Am I Eligible to Become a Remote Pilot?

In order to qualify for the remote pilot certificate, you must:

number one
Be at least 16 years old
number two
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
number three
Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
number four
Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge exam

Note: Part 61-certified pilots do not need to sit for the UAG knowledge exam. Select ‘Learn More’ below for more information.

Interested in Becoming a Remote Pilot?
Learn More About the Privileges and Requirements
Experience the Gleim difference yourself.
Try Our Remote Pilot Online Courses

Gleim has always been my go-to for online aviation training. I have been using them since 2015 and I highly recommend them and all their online products. I passed my FAA knowledge exam with a 90. I am now moving on to my flight ratings. Thank you Gleim!

Aaron T