Subsequent up in our “Ask Drone Lady” collection is a query about whether or not worldwide drone pilots nonetheless want a Half 107 license within the U.S. to fly drones commercially — even when they’re licensed of their residence nation. If in case you have a query for Drone Lady, contact her right here.
I’m primarily based within the UK and drone licensed commercially over right here however will probably be visiting the U.S. in Might and hoping to make use of the drone. As I perceive, I would want to take the Half 107 check in a U.S. testing middle after which register my drone within the U.S. to fly. Is that this appropriate, and is it potential to finish the Distant Pilot Certificates and not using a U.S. tackle or authorities ID?
Sure, I like multi-part query! There are just a few items happening right here: first about whether or not or not you have to take the Half 107 check (there’s probability you received’t must) and if you have to register your drone (you most likely have to).
Do overseas pilots want a Half 107 license to fly within the U.S.?
The brief reply as as to if worldwide drone pilots nonetheless want a Half 107 license? Possibly. For those who’re flying for enterprise (aka being profitable off that flight) then you definitely want a license. However if you happen to’re simply bringing your drone for enjoyable, no Half 107 license wanted!
For those who’re flying drones for enjoyable (leisure flying): For those who’re simply zipping round together with your digicam drone and taking fairly photos, you don’t want a Half 107 license. That’ll prevent loads of burden by way of each money and time.
Although, you’re not fully off the hook. To fly drones as a leisure pilot within the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration nonetheless requires that you simply comply with the FAA’s pointers for leisure flyers, which embrace registering your drone, passing the TRUST examination (that is an internet, free and simple check that you might shortly do from residence within the UK), and flying solely inside FAA pointers.
Simple!
For those who’re flying drones for enterprise (business flying): For those who plan to make use of the drone for any enterprise or business goal within the U.S. — like capturing mapping knowledge or promoting photographs — then you definitely’ll have to do some advance planning (and finding out, and saving cash).
Alas, you continue to want a Distant Pilot Certificates (RPC) issued by FAA to fly your drone commercially within the U.S., because the FAA doesn’t at present acknowledge any overseas RPC or equal.
Which means you’ll must go to one of many FAA Data Testing Facilities. Virtually each main U.S. metropolis has one. There, you’ll take the FAA’s aeronautical data check, which generally has a testing payment of about $150. You possibly can schedule your test-taking appointment upfront, on-line.
To get that FAA Half 107 Distant Pilot Certificates, you’ll want to attain 70% or higher. In 2024, the move fee on the FAA’s drone check was 84.2%, with pilots scoring on common 79.95%.
For a one-off enterprise journey, this could possibly be an annoying burden. Fortunately, the Distant Pilot In Command does not have to be the one working the drone. They simply have to be current throughout the flight. For those who’re working your drone for enterprise, it is perhaps much less effort to achieve out to your community of drone pilots. From there, see you probably have any U.S. licensed contacts who would be capable to be current throughout your mission so that you’re nonetheless flying legally.
What overseas pilots have to know to acquire a Half 107 license
The FAA permits overseas pilots to acquire the Half 107 certification, because it’s not simply restricted to U.S. residents and authorized residents.
To take the check and get your license, you don’t want a U.S. tackle, nor do you want a U.S. government-issued ID. Nonetheless, you have to to supply a government-issued photograph ID from your own home nation, similar to a passport or nationwide id card, on the testing middle. This will probably be used to confirm your id throughout the check.
Drone registration within the USA
In virtually all instances, additionally, you will have to register your drone with the FAA — that’s irrespective of whether or not you’re flying for enjoyable or for enterprise.
You possibly can simply do that on-line by means of the FAA DroneZone portal, which doesn’t require you to be a citizen or to have a U.S. tackle. Merely enter your worldwide tackle when filling out the registration type.
So what’s the exception? That’s in case your drone weighs underneath 250 grams, such because the DJI Mini 4 Professional, the DJI Flip and the DJI Neo. Within the U.S., drones underneath 250 grams don’t have to be registered with the FAA if you happen to’re solely flying them for leisure operations. Moreover, drones underneath 250 grams don’t have to be Distant ID compliant.
Good luck together with your go to to the USA, and completely happy flying!
If in case you have a query for Drone Lady, contact her right here.
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Lady
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e mail.
