USA FAA license questions

[richtroy]

Has anyone gotten the USA FAA remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating?
What benefits do you get from that license? Wha can you do that an unlicensed person cannot?
How long does it take to study for the test?
What costs are involved?




Sent from my iPad using MavicPilots

 

[f3honda4me]

The one real benefit is that you can legally do drone work for money. There are actually more restrictions on commercial flight than hobbyist flight. Cost for the exam is $150. Takes a week or so to study, it's a pretty easy test.

 

[Robert Mitchell]

I am part 107 certified. It is a fairly extensive test and does take a little study and as stated above it is $150.

The benefit is, if you fly for any commercial purpose, you are legal, and don't need to worry about an FAA agent knocking on your door with a big fine. Also a lot of businesses will not even look twice at you if you don't have that rating. Many authorized operators and businesses that use them are starting to report non certified operators to the FAA.

Also, if you are part 107 certified, you can apply for special airspace authorization to fly within controlled airspace near airports. Usually recreational operators can simply call the tower for permission anyway, but sometimes it is denied. Other waivers are available to 107 operators also such as BLOS and night operations.