The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 covers non-recreational uses of drones weighing less than 55 pounds. All drone pilots are required to have a license if they are using their drones for paid work or for non-recreational purposes. This includes industries like emergency management, law enforcement, real state and land management, aerial photography, and agriculture. In agriculture, drones are primarily used for crop monitoring and scouting and checking on livestock. Spray drones are also becoming an important tool in agricultural operations.
How do I get ready for the exam?
Nebraska Extension is offering the Part 107 Remote Exam Prep Course across Nebraska for a second year. This course will be offered at various locations across the state from January through April 2025. This is a one-day (eight hour) course to prepare individuals to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications.
Pre-registration is required with a $275 registration fee. Online registration closes the Monday before each event. Study materials, and light breakfast and lunch will be provided. An educational discount is available to students and educators through an application process available on the registration link.
This course will be held at the 4-H building in Auburn on March 7th, Lancaster County Extension Office on April 11th and Nebraska City High School on April 18th (check the flyer below for other locations). Registration is available online at https://go.unl.edu/ep2c. For more details, contact Dirk Charlson at 402-460-0742. Dirk is the Nebraska Extension educator and course instructor who has 10 years of experience flying drones and teaching drone courses.
If you are or planning to be an agricultural spray drone pilot, Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is an important step towards that goal. Although this course does not specifically address spray drone regulations, you will still gain all the knowledge needed to successfully pass the Part 107 drone exam.
What is the exam like?
Before taking the exam, you will create a profile with Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). Once you create a profile, you will receive an FTN (FAA tracking Number) and use your FTN to schedule your FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam through PSI True Talent. There are eight FAA approved testing locations in Nebraska, and the exam fee is $175.
The in-person exam can be completed on a computer where there are 60 multiple choice questions, and you will have 2 hours to complete it. To pass the exam, you need a minimum score of 70%. The exam covers a range of topics, including regulations, airspace and requirements, weather, loading performance and operations.
I passed the exam, now what?
After passing the exam, you will submit an application for the remote pilot certificate through IACRA. Once your application is submitted and you successfully pass a background check, you will receive a temporary remote pilot certificate, which is valid for up to 120 days. Your permanent certificate will be mailed to you.
The Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire. However, you are required to complete a free, online recurrent training course every 24 months to continue legally flying your drone for commercial operations.
