One growing part of the video production world is drone photography and videography. Whether you want to fly a drone for recreation, or for commercial purposes, it’s required that you register your drone. Additionally if you plan on flying commercially, you also need to get a drone pilot license.
The registration and licensing processes are listed out on the Federal Aviation Association website (FAA), but it can be confusing if you’re new to the process. However, we made a simplified guide to help you out.
Before you get started, there are some general restrictions that the (FAA) has put in place in order to be a registered drone pilot.
Pilot Restrictions
Must be 16 years or older
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam
If you meet the first three requirements, then you can proceed to the actual licensing process.
Step 1: Register
The first step is just to register, and create a profile with the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application. This will enable you to get an FAA tracking number as well. You need to do this so that you can register for an exam to get your drone license.
Step 2: Schedule an Exam
Once you’re all registered and you have an FAA tracking number, you can sign up for a time to take the exam at your nearest exam center. You can check out the website here to find a testing center close to you, and register for an exam time. Make sure you sign up for the “Unmanned Aircraft General” (UAG) exam. Also make sure you bring a government-issued photo ID with you to the exam.
Step 3: Study for and Pass the Exam
The next step is to prepare for the exam. There are lots of online courses and study guides to help you out. There are free options like the official FAA study guide pdf, and paid courses (both books and videos) that you can find online. There are lots of free options out there, so we recommend finding the best cost free option for you (whether that’s the FAA pdf, or a course on YouTube).
Step 4: Send a Certificate Request
Once you’ve passed your exam, now you need to send a request form to get your actual pilot certificate. You’re going to go back to the IACRA website where you first created your account, and create a new application for a “remote pilot”. You’re going to need to fill out a 17-digit confirmation number from your test results, so you’ll need to wait to register until that number appears in your IACRA account.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation
After you request your pilot certificate, the TSA will conduct a security background check. You should get a confirmation email when that check is complete. That confirmation email will also send you a temporary pilot certificate that you can use to start flying your drone. Then in anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months, you should receive your physical pilot certificate in the mail.
Step 7: Register Your Drone
Before you finally get to flying your drone, you also want to make sure you register your drone. Head to the FAA website here to register your drone so you can finally start flying!
Step 8: Fly Your Drone
Now that you have your pilot certificate and you’ve registered your drone, now you can go out and actually fly it! Remember to look up drone regulations wherever you’re going to be flying, so you know what additional permits you might need to fly in certain areas. Also remember to bring your pilot certificate with you when you fly. When you first get started, go to a big open space where you can practice flying and get used to different maneuvers. Then once you’re comfortable you can try flying in tighter spaces so that you’re ready for anything on your video or photo shoots.
While this process might seem daunting at first, it’s important to be an informed and aware drone pilot. This registration and testing process will hopefully give you the knowledge you need to be able to go out and fly your drone safely in any appropriate situation. Take it step by step, and before you know it you’ll be getting beautiful footage from the sky!
If you want help with your own project, or want a drone photographer or videographer, check out our own drone work and contact us about your project!