A few months ago I saw an ad in my email about becoming a drone pilot. I was intrigued, and thought the idea of doing something different would be fun and adventurous and amazing, so I decided to give it a try. I started this blog to document my adventures, so I needed to pass the FAA Part 107 Exam. If you’re planning to fly for any sort of business or industry, or even showcase your photography and videos on a YouTube channel, a FAA Part 107 Certification is required. If you’re going to be compensated in any way for flying, you’ll need this certification. Given that I had no flight experience, it was daunting, at first, but with preparation and solid study habits, I passed the test with no problem. In this post, I’ll talk about some tips and strategies to help you succeed too.

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The FAA provides information on becomming a drone pilot, which I’ve linked here. https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot.

Of course, there’s a lot of information on the FAA site, so take your time going through it.

Enrolling in an online course can provide structure and guidance throughout your study. Here’s a link to the course I took. https://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/

Speaking of practice exams, make it a habit to answer sample questions. Before taking the exam, I completed 60 questions each day, which helped me identify areas that I needed additional study. Answering multiple-choice questions regularly will build your confidence and improve your test-taking skills.

Utilize additional materials apart from the study guide provided by the FAA, and materials from your online course. YouTube tutorials were very helpful in understanding our airspace system, as well as air traffic patterns. I also used the FAA Part 107 Test Supplement, linked here. This is the book (or a similar edition) of it, that will be given to you to refer to when answering questions.

As the exam date approaches, allocate time to review all the topics. Focus on areas where you struggled during the practice exams and reinforce your understanding. Take your time and make sure you understand the concepts. You’ll need a minimum of 70% correct answers to pass the test, but you’ll be much better off if you’re making in the high 80’s to 90% on the practice exams.

You’ll need to register for the test and make an appointment. You can choose a testing center near you when you register. On the day of the exam make sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast and arrive early at the test center. Stay calm. You’re allowed to take a magnifying glass with you in order to see the small details in the test supplement, but no other personal items are allowed in the testing area. I was able to leave my keys and phone with the test proctor and retrieve them afterward. Read each question carefully and pay attention to details. Trust in your preparation and believe in your ability to succeed.

Passing the Part 107 exam requires careful preparation, commitment and dedication. Stay focused, and you’ll reach your goal and pass the test!