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The Part 107 License Exam is FREE for some folks. Do you qualify?

LoudThunder

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The Part 107 License Exam is FREE for some folks. Do you qualify?

Much of this has already been posted, however, this is being submitted as one concise, all-inclusive set of instructions…

Certain groups of people, depending on their affiliation with various organizations, may not have to pay the $175.00 fee to take the Part 107 License Test… Additionally there are almost a hundred more exams also being offered Free.

These groups include members of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC), the U.S. Military, the DOD, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS))…

And included within these groups are: Active-Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve component personnel of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy; U.S. Military retirees; U.S. Military dependents; Department of Defense (DOD) civilians; and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) civilians.

The authority for this is listed below…

U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, National Policy, Subj: Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests, Order 8080.6H, Dated 22 Sept 2017.

I am a Retired Veteran of the US Armed Forces so my experience is with the education benefits offered at military installations and this supported my research; therefore, it deals primarily with those who are associated with the U.S. Military and those who have unescorted access onto a Military Installation.

If you are not within this group, those associated with the US Military and you are employed within one of the other above mentioned groups, you should contact your human resource department concerning your education benefits and your access to these free tests.

First off, No matter which group you are associated with, the following link lists all the Exams you may be eligible to take at No Cost (FREE…).

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix -- May 18, 2021…

By the way, the Part 107 License Exam (Test Code - UAG -- Unmanned Aircraft General - Small) is listed on Page 15, after nearly a hundred other exams you can take for Free…

In so many words, you will navigate to the PSI True Talent Scheduling System and you will then be sent to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) Website to register with the FAA to be issued an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) that the FAA will associate with you from now on (If you do not already have an FTN). After you get the FTN, you will navigate back to the PSI True Talent Scheduling System and register and verify your eligibility with them. Then you will be given the opportunity to schedule a test. You will want to know the closest military installations so you input the required distance, otherwise the scheduling system will only find the available test locations near you and you will pay the $175 fee…

Here is a Web Site to find a Testing Site near you…

List of FAA Drone Testing Centers

First, you will need to navigate to the PSI True Talent Scheduling System to verify your eligibility.

PSI True Talent Scheduling System

As you scroll down the page and read the instructions, you will be directed to go to the "Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) Website" to be issued a FAA Tracking Number (FTN).

Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) Web Page…

IACRA is an FAA web site that allows people to apply for new Airman Certificates, or to upgrade their existing certificates. The entire application process takes place on the website, including electronic signing of applications, and at the end of the process all the necessary documents will be sent electronically to the Airman Registry.

After you have completed your registration with the FAA and have been issued your FTN (looks like C-1234567), you will be directed back to the PSI True Talent Scheduling System and with your FTN, you will now have to register with them.

Once you have completed the registration process, you will be able to schedule an Exam. If you want a Free Exam, you must take it at a Military Installation and if any Exam Dates are available, you may then choose a date and time. The Scheduler will also list all other exams available within the Time Frame and Distance you specified. However, if these Exam Sites are not on a Military Installation, they are a Commercial Test Facility and you will have to pay the $175 Fee.

As you can see in the example of the schedule read out that I checked the FREE Exam is clearly marked. If there is no reference to it being Free, it isn't…

schedule.png

I did not schedule a test so I cannot say what happens after you Click the SCHEDULE Button as I am only getting the footwork done in preparation to taking the test

To ensure the exam is free, you may have to Google the phone number, (for example "Fort Podunk or Zoomie Air Force Base Education Center"…). Additionally, if no dates come up on the scheduler at the Military Installation, you might have to ask if they are still testing…

Fort Eustis, Virginia, (home of the Army Transportation School and the Army Aviation Logistics School) came up as one of the possible Test Facilities, but they stopped the testing when the pandemic hit and they have no intention to re-start. It is Home of their Helicopter School and the personnel cannot get advanced aviation certificates, figure that one…

Back on point, a member asked about Disabled Veterans. I am not the "Gate Guard" I can only guess from what I have read over the years…

If you are a Veteran with a Service Connected Disability and you were medically retired, you might still qualify…

The DoD recently announced the rules for how newly eligible veterans and caregivers (spouses, significant others, etc…) will be able to gain "unescorted " base access to take advantage of the Commissary, Exchange, and MWR facilities (and Education benefits???).

Veterans with a service-connected disability will need a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC, to be able to gain access to the bases and use these facilities.

The VHIC must state the veteran’s eligibility. For example, the card must have a designation for Purple Heart, Former POW, or Service Connected rating. This is indicated on the card itself.

VA Health Benefits…

Next, if you are eligible for these privileges, read the following link…

Disabled Veterans and Caregivers to Gain Access to Exchanges, Commissaries, and Recreation Facilities…

So, this ID would give you access to the base and you should be eligible to take the test on a military base or post.

The requirements to take the test does not stipulate a Military ID Card… See this link…

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix -- May 18, 2021…

When I spoke the Testing Proctor, they were more concerned that I have "unescorted" (not needing someone to escort me…) and that I bring a government photo ID (I asked if a driver's license was OK and she said if it's our countries driver's license?) and that I wear a mask… She also went into detail about what I can and what I cannot bring to the test (no pens, no pencils, no paper, only a "4-banger" calculator, etc…).

Finally, if you do not qualify for this FREE Exam, you might still be able to take the Commercial Exam ($175.00) without cost. Depending you your situation, unemployed, disabled, under employed, etc… You would need to do all the footwork yourself and contact various Fraternal Organizations, Benevolent Associations, Church, and Civic organizations where many are happy to help out…

Good Luck to All…
 
While I suspect that most of us don't qualify for free testing, it might be helpful to let people know that most testing facilities are private, and charge the full fee of (now) $175. I'm not sure what the connection is to the FAA but I found a testing site in Chicago that is somehow directly affiliated and think I only paid $90. They do testing for a lot of companies and organizations, but I was happy to save the $70. Since the other facilities had price increases I suspect this one did too. I don't even remewmber how I stumbled on this one. I was all set to go out to Palatine but they had limited dates and times and then I found this one and was shocked that the fee could be so much lower.

For those in the Chicago area looking to test the facility is:
PSI - CHICAGO
332 S. MICHIGAN AVE
CHICAGO, IL

Phone (312) 583-1792
Site ID LAS60604
 
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While I suspect that most of us don't qualify for free testing, it might be helpful to let people know that most testing facilities are private, and charge the full fee of (now) $175. I'm not sure what the connection is to the FAA but I found a testing site in Chicago that is somehow directly affiliated and think I only paid $90. They do testing for a lot of companies and organizations, but I was happy to save the $70. Since the other facilities had price increases I suspect this one did too. I don't even remewmber how I stumbled on this one. I was all set to go out to Palatine but they had limited dates and times and then I found this one and was shocked that the fee could be so much lower.

For those in the Chicago area looking to test the facility is:
PSI - CHICAGO
332 S. MICHIGAN AVE
CHICAGO, IL

Phone (312) 583-1792
Site ID LAS60604

This is true of any PSI location. I had to travel a bit farther to a PSI location but it was well worth the price difference.
 
While I suspect that most of us don't qualify for free testing, it might be helpful to let people know that most testing facilities are private, and charge the full fee of (now) $175. I'm not sure what the connection is to the FAA but I found a testing site in Chicago that is somehow directly affiliated and think I only paid $90.
This is true of any PSI location. I had to travel a bit farther to a PSI location but it was well worth the price difference.

I have follow-Up information that may make all of this moot…

However; back on point…

Effective July 1, 2021, PSI and the FAA completed contractual negotiations and established mechanic certification applicant pricing for the next three years. The price for all FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKT), regardless of location, will be one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175).

The shared revenue for third-party testing facilities will be one hundred ten dollars ($110) to PSI, and sixty-five dollars ($65) to the testing site.

Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) Contract has been awarded to PSI Services

So, if you find a testing facility that charges less than the $175 fee, then they are "eating" the difference and not getting all they can charge, Bravo!!!
 
I have follow-Up information that may make all of this moot…

However; back on point…

Effective July 1, 2021, PSI and the FAA completed contractual negotiations and established mechanic certification applicant pricing for the next three years. The price for all FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKT), regardless of location, will be one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175).

The shared revenue for third-party testing facilities will be one hundred ten dollars ($110) to PSI, and sixty-five dollars ($65) to the testing site.

Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) Contract has been awarded to PSI Services

So, if you find a testing facility that charges less than the $175 fee, then they are "eating" the difference and not getting all they can charge, Bravo!!!

I just went through the steps on the PSI website to schedule an appointment and sure enough, even a PSI location is $175. That's a LOT of money and almost double what I paid at a PSI location in March 2021! What a bummer. Thankfully the recurrent exams can not be taken for free online.
 
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Do you have a pilot's license?
Yes, and I know that's the short track and a free exam. I'm out of currency right now, and I need to perform an annual inspection and install ADS-B, etc. so I was looking at something in the more near term, otherwise it will be a few months before I get in a position to do the Part 61 track.
 
Yes, and I know that's the short track and a free exam. I'm out of currency right now, and I need to perform an annual inspection and install ADS-B, etc. so I was looking at something in the more near term, otherwise it will be a few months before I get in a position to do the Part 61 track.
Do you have a current BFR? A part 61 license and a current BFR is all you need.
 
Do you have a current BFR? A part 61 license and a current BFR is all you need.
Sorry, I should have been more specific than "I'm out of currency right now". I do not have a current BFR. I was hoping to get a drone business up and running ASAP in parallel to getting my airplane and myself back to current, but it looks like I should probably just focus on those two first, then fast track the Part 170 license through the FAA for free.
 
Sorry, I should have been more specific than "I'm out of currency right now". I do not have a current BFR. I was hoping to get a drone business up and running ASAP in parallel to getting my airplane and myself back to current, but it looks like I should probably just focus on those two first, then fast track the Part 170 license through the FAA for free.
Got it. Fastest way could be to go get a BFR in a rental plane then do the online testing. You could have that done in a week.
 
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perhaps this is no longer the case.
I am sorry to say that I have no idea what is the case now. I gave up trying to get Langley AFB and Fort Eustis to offer the FREE exam. They kept falling back on the "Pandemic Excuse" I paid the $175 to a civilian Test Facility and I quit trying to figure out how the Langley Base Education Officer could run the office from home because he did not come into the office…
 
I'm grinding hard for the Part 107 license exam, I'm stoked to hear that it's free for some peeps. This is a sick chance for us drone enthusiasts to chase our dreams without breaking the bank. It's crucial to fully grasp the rules, regs, and safety protocols when it comes to flying drones commercially, and this exam ensures we're responsible operators. With the exam being more accessible now, it opens the door for more peeps to dive into this field and help it grow. I'm hyped for this opportunity and gonna make the most of it, no doubt...
 
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I'm hyped for this opportunity and gonna make the most of it, no doubt...
Please read the posting just above your posting. I gave up trying to get the military bases to offer the free exam to those authorized to enter the installations. In Oct 2022, I just gave up and paid the fee, Perhaps things have changed since then, but do not count on it. Call all the military installation's education offices in your area ( I have three in my area...) and ask them if; and then ask them why not... Good Luck!
 
I'm grinding hard for the Part 107 license exam, I'm stoked to hear that it's free for some peeps. This is a sick chance for us drone enthusiasts to chase our dreams without breaking the bank. It's crucial to fully grasp the rules, regs, and safety protocols when it comes to flying drones commercially, and this exam ensures we're responsible operators. It's much ore harder than usual study tasks I get ready by this source https://eduzaurus.com/free-essay-samples/the-distance-between-us/ for example. With the exam being more accessible now, it opens the door for more peeps to dive into this field and help it grow. I'm hyped for this opportunity and gonna make the most of it, no doubt...

Please read the posting just above your posting. I gave up trying to get the military bases to offer the free exam to those authorized to enter the installations. In Oct 2022, I just gave up and paid the fee, Perhaps things have changed since then, but do not count on it. Call all the military installation's education offices in your area ( I have three in my area...) and ask them if; and then ask them why not... Good Luck!
Okay, thank you!
 
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