Question about Part 107 license

[Gratton]

I looked on the FAA site but didn't see the answer to my question.

If I understand correctly, the license is good for 2 years, is that correct?

Now my question is, does the renewal require taking the test again and is it the same cost?

Thanks,
MikeG

 

[brett8883]

I looked on the FAA site but didn't see the answer to my question.

If I understand correctly, the license is good for 2 years, is that correct?

Now my question is, does the renewal require taking the test again and is it the same cost?

Thanks,
MikeG

2 years yes.

It’s the same cost, the process is nearly identical, but the test is shorter and on fewer subjects but I wouldn’t take that to mean it’s easier. Fewer questions means you have fewer questions you can get wrong and still pass.

 

[dawgpilot]

Strictly speaking, the license itself is good for your life and doesn't expire. However, you need to show evidence that you've passed the initial or recurrent exam in the last 24 months to be legal to fly under Part 107.

 

[Gratton]

Strictly speaking, the license itself is good for your life and doesn't expire. However, you need to show evidence that you've passed the initial or recurrent exam in the last 24 months to be legal to fly under Part 107.

Seems like an odd way to do it. Why not just make the license good for 2 years.

Also seems fairly expensive to do on the off chance you might want the option to sell a picture from time to time.

MikeG

 

[dawgpilot]

Seems like an odd way to do it. Why not just make the license good for 2 years.

Also seems fairly expensive to do on the off chance you might want the option to sell a picture from time to time.

MikeG

It's how most other FAA airman certificates (like Private Pilot, etc) work. The certificates don't expire, but you have show that you've met currency requirements in the last two years.

Also the FAA has proposed to change the recurrent 107 exam to an online test that would be free or minimal cost, so the ongoing expense should be less in the future once they fully adopt the new regulation.

 

[Ragnar]

I looked on the FAA site but didn't see the answer to my question.

If I understand correctly, the license is good for 2 years, is that correct?

Now my question is, does the renewal require taking the test again and is it the same cost?

Thanks,
MikeG

I'm a professional helicopter pilot, I have to take what's called a biannual flight review...it generally consists of an oral examination and flight test...it's not really a pass, fail (unless you really have no clue, or fly like crap) the 107 is similar just no flight portion. Your 107 certificate doesn't expire but if you don't take the biannual exam then technically you have expired....don't get caught.....the FAA really isn't out to bust anyone...the are pilots also and don't want to see more restrictions put on pilots...have a nice day!!
Ragnar

 

[Vic Moss]

Seems like an odd way to do it. Why not just make the license good for 2 years.

Also seems fairly expensive to do on the off chance you might want the option to sell a picture from time to time.

MikeG

As others said, that's how aviation is done in the U.S.

As far as expense, that's a call you have to make. And it's much cheaper than all other areas of aviation when it comes to staying current.

The eventual plans will be to have an online renewal with certain classes or mandates in order to stay current. There would be no need to take the UGR test at $160. But when the new system comes out is anyone's guess.

 

[Martysticks]

Once you pass your Part 107 exam, your privileges expire 24 months from the date you passed. For example, if you passed the test on August 18th, 2020, your privileges expire on August 31, 2022. To remain current, the recurrent exam is fewer questions (I believe 40 as opposed to 60) and you need the same passing grade, 70%. It is taken at the same type of center you took your initial and the cost would be the same.

 

[theDRONEranger]

The certification is valid for a two calendar year period. The license is yours to keep, and caress, and hug, and hold for life. Bragging rights in you older age! The testing cost will vary depending where you go. Some have found a reduced fee by using out of the way testing sites. You should never pay over $150 total. Again, some have paid much less. The FAA does NOT charge you for the test. The individual testing sites do the charges, NOT the FAA.

 

[Kyle76]

I paid $160 a few weeks back. Could’ve traveled farther for under $100, but I was in a hurry.

 

[lookout]

Now if we could just get the people in the cars to take a refresher every time they get a renewal on their license.

It's just a way to get your fingerprints now.

 

[Mavic Mac]

Old thread I know - but a question I hope somebody can give me an answer for.

Between moving and family matters my Part 107 was issued 9/11/2019. If I understand it correctly privileges expired 9/11/2021.

My question- since I was still licensed two months ago does that qualify me for renewal or since it was 2 years and 2 months (past the 24 month) since I got my license do I need to start all over again.

Please no speculation or guesses

 

[Vic Moss]

Old thread I know - but a question I hope somebody can give me an answer for.

Between moving and family matters my Part 107 was issued 9/11/2019. If I understand it correctly privileges expired 9/11/2021.

My question- since I was still licensed two months ago does that qualify me for renewal or since it was 2 years and 2 months (past the 24 month) since I got my license do I need to start all over again.

Please no speculation or guesses

You do not need to be current to take the new Recurrent training on faasafety.gov.

Go ahead and take it, and once you do, you're legal to fly again!

 

[Chaosrider]

Seems like an odd way to do it. Why not just make the license good for 2 years.

Also seems fairly expensive to do on the off chance you might want the option to sell a picture from time to time.

MikeG

This is pretty directly modeled on the BFR for Part 61 pilots.

Your license never expires, but you have to have a BFR (Biennial Flight Review) within the last 24 months to be able to legally fly.

It's not officially called a BFR anymore, but the requirement still exists.

There's an interesting update, which I became aware of when I got my BFR to simplify getting my 107 earlier this year. It used to be, it was very explicitly a review, and not a test. You couldn't actually flunk it, although I'm sure there was murkiness about that on the edges.

Now, an instructor can decline to sign you off for your two year flight review if they think you suck as a pilot, and just log the time as instruction. You can flunk it now, even thought it's not officially logged as a "flunk".

TCS

 

[Mavic Mac]

You do not need to be current to take the new Recurrent training on faasafety.gov.

Go ahead and take it, and once you do, you're legal to fly again!

Thank you !

 

[Deleted member 93449]

The FAA has made the recurrent study material and test available on line for free on the FAA website. You read through and listen to the material, take short quizzes along the way and then take a final exam. It takes about two hours to complete the process. Once you pass the exam they email a notification to you that can be used as proof of currency.