A remote Pilot in Command (PIC) must possess an FAA issued remote pilot certificate for flight operations under the Part 107 UAS rule. Typically, the PIC would be the person operating the aircraft, but the Part 107 rule does allow for operations by someone who would be under the direct supervision of a person that holds a remote pilot certificate. “Direct Supervision” requires that the PIC is able to immediately take direct control of the UAS to quickly address a hazardous situation. This would generally require the PIC to be in close proximity to the person operating the aircraft.
Additionally:
- A mission commander is not required
- A Visual Observer may be used, but is not required
- A medical certificate is not required for a remote pilot certificate. A person may not, however, participate in the operation of a UAS if they know or have reason to know that they have a physical or mental condition that could interfere with the safe operation of the UAS.
An FAA issued remote pilot certificate can be obtained in one of two ways:
No Prior Certifications
- Take the Airmen Information Knowledge Test
- Acquire the necessary knowledge to pass the test either by self-study or by taking a course (in-person or online) to prepare.
- Take the test at an official FAA testing center. In Gainesville, tests are given at the University Air Center. There is a $150 fee for taking the test.
- If the test is passed, complete an application for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Form 8710-13). The online process (https://iacra.faa.gov/iacra) is highly recommended (see appendix B for details), however, a paper application process is also available.
- After the online application is submitted there is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) vetting process to complete a background security check of the applicant. Once the TSA vetting process is completed, the applicant will receive an email notifying them that a temporary certificate can be printed. This is valid for up to 120 calendar days.
- After other FAA processing is complete, a permanent certificate will be issued to the applicant. • The aeronautical knowledge test must be completed once every 24 calendar-months for the certificate to continue being valid.
- If a person fails the aeronautical knowledge test, they must wait at least 14 calendar days before applying to retake the test.
Prior Pilot Certifications
If a person holds a part 61 pilot certificate (a student pilot certificate does not qualify), and has completed a flight review within the previous 24 calendar-months they may use the following process in-lieu of taking the Airmen Information Knowledge Test:
- Complete the online course (Part 107 small UAS) located within the FAA Safety Team web site (www.faasafety.gov) and receive a completion certificate
- Complete an application for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Form 8710-13). The online process is highly recommended and be found at https://iacra.faa.gov/iacra/ , however, a paper application process is available.
- Contact a FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) to make an appointment to validate the applicant’s identification. The applicant must present the completed 8710-13 form, the online course completion certificate, and proof of a current flight review.
- After verifying the application, the FSDO representative will issue a temporary remote pilot certificate.
- After other FAA processing is complete, a permanent remote pilot certificate will be issued to the applicant.
- There is a $50 fee for the application process.
Note: As an alternative to contacting the FSDO, a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), an Airman Certification Representative (ACR), or a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) may also validate the applicant’s identification, however a CFI will not be able to issue a temporary remote pilot certificate.