Update: Drone Pilot Ground School now offers lifetime access! Enroll in the Drone Pilot Ground School: dronepilotgroundschool.com/?affcode=23044_gg36yibc Get $50 off by using the code: RICKER50 Approved FAA Testing Centers: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/faa-drone-testing-centers Starting March, 2021, recurrent testing will be handled differently (free and online). This does not change the process for the initial test. Check out this article for more info: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/faa-issues-final-rulings-on-remote-id-flying-at-night-and-over-people-moving-vehicles/
I also used Drone Pilot Ground School, but good lord, he needs to get a pop filter. I had to download all the videos and edit the audio to get rid of the pops as it would just drive me crazy. If he wants, I will be happy to edit the audio to his videos because for $300 it was pretty awful quality.
Hector, nope, no experience with the drone needed. Pretty funny considering that probably has one of the biggest impacts on safety and precautions. Oh well!
Adam, I spoke with him and he's actually in the process of re-recording all of the videos, and the amount of videos will be going from 35ish to about 75 with better audio/video quality and branching away from the powerpoint slides. The new format will go live in February with new practice questions as well.
I spent a total of $25 on study materials 2 paid test prep apps, 1 free, the FAA study guide, and watching several videos on areas I didn't fully understand. Scored 95% on the first try.
I highly recommend this! It is super convenient, well organized and fun to do with the whole family; my kids are learning with me chilling on the couch. The course provides a lot more value then just studying for a test and it will continue to be a great refresher and reference; I have not even finished exploring all of it and I am already very happy with their work. Thank you guys!
Ed thank you for posting this. Getting your Part 107 is essential if your using your drone for any time of financial gain. Unfortunately I used Drone Launch Academy - everything was good but their practice tests were way off - I passed but barely. Your training looks excellent ! Keep up the great videos !
I took Drone Pilot Ground school because of your previous video and passed. Then we became friends, then we made videos together, and now I'm commenting on your video! Life's weird.
Ok, well I just happened on ur channel, and happen to be looking to take 107, CHRIS,. The Mavic pro by dji was what I been saving g for for ever, I love that thing, I know about the mavi 2, not in my price range, then I saw a clip of a couple going up the West coast and parrot gave them a drone to use and it blew me away. I know these aren't the drones you guys use, can you help me out, that my price range, should I keep saving? It's been forever I want my drone. Any advice? I see all the jokes coming. That's why I NEVER Comment, this is very important to me. Thank you, I will subscribe now.
Ed, Went to the same school and did great on my knowledge test. Drone Pilot Ground School is the perfect choice for anyone who is serious about flying drones for a living. I just passed the test and look forward to my FAA credentials coming in the mail soon. Great video.
Thanks, I did drone pilot ground school and passed... could not have passed without them... made a great score.. thanks for your video... wish you would do more like having a drone business tutor class
Great video! I really appreciate you sharing this information. Even though I think this whole thing it's ridiculous, I'm glad to see that it CAN be done.
Thanks for the great video. Noticed drums and guitars in background. Guitar player here myself from way back in the 80's lol Can't wait to get my license.
What an amazing garden shot at the credits! Very interesting and informative. You have inspired me to seriously consider it. I like the part where you bluffed the cop into taking your side with your card! Quick thinking!
I enrolled in ground pilot ground school using your code in August where I passed my test at the Erie International Airport just a couple weeks later. All because I was confronted about making videos for Howard Hanna real estate. Was the best decision I made. My card took two months to get to me as well.
Thank you for this video. Very helpful for a newby. I went to the Drone Pilot Ground School website and read that you now have lifetime access to the content. Just thought you’d like to know it’s changed from 5 years to lifetime. Thanks again and love your video contents. Keep up the great work!!
I’m going through that course now. I had originally started with the actual FAA course, but it was tough learning. Drone Pilot Ground School is much easier for people who don’t have any aeronautical experience.
Hi Ed... it looks quite easy to get this permit in US if this is only knowledge test. In my country (Poland) to get UAVO (Unmanned Aerial Veh. Operator) only for VLOS (visual line of sight) flights beside test (incl. extras like flight physics) you need to pass flight test in ATTI mode (!). As a side note, you can not take Mavic to do the test as it flights only in GPS. This flight test requires you to perform predefined flight tracks in 30m x 30m square... like a circle around, hover over the centre pole, flight 8 inside this square, etc.... and this must be done with wind blowing (in ATTI)... so before the test beside studying and practising you have to pray for good, not too windy weather. Thanks for another good video!
Your room looks like one of mine, got guitars and an Alesis DM10 in the corner too... lol Now I’m getting ready go for my commercial as well. Good video, thanks!
People who get them are so damn proud of themselves!!! I have multiple rigs one that is 30k Been filming for 15years all over the world. Never I repeat never have I got questions about a 107.
@@D-Shuffl3 not too difficult. Make sure you take the practice tests. I personally took all the practice tests offered by DPGS and before taking my actual 107 I was getting 98s on the DPGS tests. Also remember to learn sectional charts. A majority of the test will be sectional charts so ensure that you know them well. If you feel confident and get good scores on the practice tests, and if you feel like you can read and interpret a sectional chart well, you should be perfectly fine. Good luck!!
Hey Ed, signed up for DPGS, studied, and passed on the first try with a 92%. Cost was steep but I feel like it is worth the money to have all the info laid out and organized. Plus its a lifetime course and I will need to refer back to it to re-up my licence. Thanks again!
If you have not covered these topics yet I would like to suggest two: 1) the LAANC feature of the AirMap app, and commercial drone pilot insurance through membership with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). These would compliment this video which completely addresses other suggestions I provided you earlier. Btw, I am working my way through a Part 107 Exam Prep Course by King Schools. 🤓👍🏼
Thanks, Ed, great stuff. I asked about this in a comment on your recent, "Let's Talk" video, and you delivered! I took a practice test and passed with an 85. I have a maritime captain's license, and a lot of that knowledge helped. I am definitely going to take a course before I go test - I don't just want to pass - I want to know this stuff inside and out. Thanks again!
Hi Ed! You got such Of great videos man! Very informative and educational. I am going to start studying for the Part 107. I have been putting it off but now that I saw your video I am all in. Thank you for all the great videos. Have a great day!
Sounds very similar to ham radio testing. KA7DOG here! I’m an extra class ham radio operator and I appreciate all of the information. I’m going to begin studying for the FAA certification because I’d like to assist local law enforcement with search and rescue.
It's amazing that the FAA went from the old paper license as with my FAA A&P license to the new plastic license any no picture. The FAA A&P plastic license has an image of an old Boeing 737-200 so outdated.
I just passed my test with 85%. Facilitator was very nice and encouraging! I used an app on iPhone called “Prepware Remote Pilot” it cost $4.99 and it helped a lot, was totally worth it for me. Along with other RUclips videos.
Some good info, thanks! Just starting out on the path since I just recently became aware of the requirements now for earning money from flying since I needed to up my game in my videography business. So many potential customers lost because I couldn't provide aerial footage. I'm almost overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material that has to be learned. Luckily some transfers over from my army training.
I have my private pilot license and the process was extremely easy. 2 hours of study plus the test. Much simpler than the PPL written and orders of magnitude simpler than the Instrument written.
Great video man. Awesome story about the cranky neighbors! I passed the test last week and I have my temporary certificate. Cant wait to get the card and flash that bad boy around ;-)
Hey Ed, I've found that Remote Pilot 10.com is a great source for the Part 107 as well. Up to date videos and the price is 150.00 for life. They have a separate section for returning Pilots as well as new ones. Ken Heron has a code you can use I will not write it out of respect for you. I think there are lots of sources but the 2 mentioned are by far the best. DPS does offer a little more in depth explanations of material so it's worth the fee. I just found RPS first.Really good. One question, what was the cost of your Licesene wwhen you got it?
Great info, Ed. Can you clarify what you were saying at 10:00 - if I'm a licensed pilot and I am flying within 5 miles of an airport, but I'm UNDER the controlled airspace, do I need to notify ATC?
Thanks! In that case no, you don't need to notify. If you WERE in controlled airspace it would be more than just notifying however...you'd have to get FAA authorization. But notifying would only be necessary for uncertified pilots in your situation.
Ed, thanks for the videos they are great and informative. I've started studying for the UAS Part 107 this week, but I'm thinking seriously about signing up for the Drone Pilot Ground School. I believe it will ensure I get all the info needed to pass the test the first time. Again, keep up the videos! Mike Casey
Bass traps in the corners of the room, a set of perhaps Rolands? yea, I know, this is not about that. I play Rolands with SSD Platinum 4. May enroll in the ground school only because your a fellow musician.
Hi! Is it better to get familiar with the drone you plan on purchasing before getting licensed or is it necessary? Also, do you recommend a videography course? I have some goals in mind and trying to organize which ones I should begin with. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks a bunch!
Very helpful and useful video, thanks for making this. I have only recently acquired one and have found the requirements even for just recreational flying to be a bit more than I had anticipated. Around here where I live, it seems like almost every possible space is within the radius of an airport. I guess I need to finalize registration and figure out how to go through the notification process in order to fly.
Not at all, there are only very limited areas in Brooklyn where you can fly, two being AMA fields that require the local AMA chapter to chaperone you on to the field.
I have a Mavic Pro... been flying for recreation but am thinking of taking the test. What is a ball park for how much money you can make? Getting paid to PLAY sounds good to me!
Hey that's cool heh I live in Raleigh. I'm looking at getting my part 107. I work for an engineering company and I want to do aerial photography for them.
Probably less stress to work for a company (unless your boss is a dick or the hours are horrible). But it's more satisfying to work for yourself, and you get paid better for the same work. For instance, working for a company may only pay me a consistent $50,000 a year. That's a dependable paycheck, you know what you're get every month, no surprises, and you get to go home and relax and not think about work. But maybe instead you're freelance and you get to NAME your price per project. Now you're making $100,000+ a year (no limit really), and you get paid for the real VALUE of your work, not just a wage or salary. However, maybe $70,000 of those earnings were in the warm weather months of May through October and you're starting to worry about having no bookings in December and January. So you double down on advertising, update your website, network with others, etc. and before you know it you're worked every evenings and putting in way over the 40 hours you would have worked as a simple employee. Oh and that drone just wrecked? You're paying for it, not the company you work for. So there's a give and take, and there are freedoms found in both paths. I think the more satisfying path is that of a freelancer. And if you can budget and save, it's not so difficult in the slower months.
I passed yesterday! I'm so excited. One thing you mentioned in this video was that I'd have to register my drone being Part 107 certified. What if this drone is not being used for commercial purposes? Would I still have to register is commercially? (A real estate job I am applying for will provide the drone and necessary equipment so I do not have to use mine)
Congrats! I still register my drones commercially for $5 each on the chance that I would use that drone as a backup for commercial projects. But if there's literally no chance that would happen, then perhaps I wouldn't do that. But recreational drones still need a cert number on it, but that number refers to the pilot and not the drone. I personally haven't ever registered anything recreationally, so I'm not sure if you need to pay another $5 for a recreational pilot registration or not...if you do, might as well just pay that $5 for another commercial drone registration. Your call.
Ed Ricker Thanks for your quick response! If it’s only $5 for a commercial drone registration then I’ll just do it to avoid any trouble, or just in case I happen to use it for commercial projects.
I heard you say you are from Pinehurst and went to Fayetteville. I live just north of Bragg and would like to meet you and see what you do, and more importantly get your view on the economics of drone flying. Would you be willing to meet?
Not necessarily a certain amount of questions will get a passing grade on every test. That is what i thought when i took the test the first time and got 45 right 15 wrong, 75 %. And failed. I called the testing facility back after figuring this out and they agreed that it seemed as if i should have passed so they gave me the number of the place that scores the test. And they told me that the questions are of different values and that is why 75 % right did not necessarily mean passing, so i learned that and the experience for my $150. Took it two weeks later and passed with flying colors !!
I actually registered my Mavic in December 2016 before I even took the FAA test. I knew I'd have to register regardless (recreational or not) and selected Commercial Registration since I knew I'd be using it for work in the future. Just my own personal experience. Good luck!
Hmmm, well difficult depends on how much one studies...it can be a breeze if you put in the effort up front. But there's some calculations and some fine details with interpreting the sectional charts that could be considered tedious. Not really difficult however...there's just some stress involved with the fee and knowing you REALLY don't want to have to take the test again.
Yes it's still valid, at least for the initial test taking experience! Recurrent exams can be done online now for free, but that's after 2 years. Yes I do real estate, promo videos, weddings, etc. and will use a drone for part of the shots.
Update: Drone Pilot Ground School now offers lifetime access! Enroll in the Drone Pilot Ground School: dronepilotgroundschool.com/?affcode=23044_gg36yibc
Get $50 off by using the code: RICKER50
Approved FAA Testing Centers: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/faa-drone-testing-centers
Starting March, 2021, recurrent testing will be handled differently (free and online). This does not change the process for the initial test. Check out this article for more info:
www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/faa-issues-final-rulings-on-remote-id-flying-at-night-and-over-people-moving-vehicles/
I also used Drone Pilot Ground School, but good lord, he needs to get a pop filter. I had to download all the videos and edit the audio to get rid of the pops as it would just drive me crazy. If he wants, I will be happy to edit the audio to his videos because for $300 it was pretty awful quality.
Ed Ricker Vlogs do you need to have experience with a drone to take the test or can you pass the test and than get a drone?
Hector, nope, no experience with the drone needed. Pretty funny considering that probably has one of the biggest impacts on safety and precautions. Oh well!
I agree, Adam. Hopefully he'll re-record especially as he needs to update his video with future FAA regulation revisions.
Adam, I spoke with him and he's actually in the process of re-recording all of the videos, and the amount of videos will be going from 35ish to about 75 with better audio/video quality and branching away from the powerpoint slides. The new format will go live in February with new practice questions as well.
I spent a total of $25 on study materials
2 paid test prep apps, 1 free, the FAA study guide, and watching several videos on areas I didn't fully understand. Scored 95% on the first try.
Which test preps are they?
Kenneth Princesa 3DR (free), Remote Pilot for Android, and AirFX for iPhone.
Kenneth Princesa facebook.com/groups/543875692958590/?ref=share
Thanks for the info.
How long did you spend studying tho?
I highly recommend this! It is super convenient, well organized and fun to do with the whole family; my kids are learning with me chilling on the couch. The course provides a lot more value then just studying for a test and it will continue to be a great refresher and reference; I have not even finished exploring all of it and I am already very happy with their work. Thank you guys!
"Hey buddy! You got a license to do that?" "Yes."
Ed thank you for posting this. Getting your Part 107 is essential if your using your drone for any time of financial gain. Unfortunately I used Drone Launch Academy - everything was good but their practice tests were way off - I passed but barely. Your training looks excellent ! Keep up the great videos !
I took Drone Pilot Ground school because of your previous video and passed. Then we became friends, then we made videos together, and now I'm commenting on your video! Life's weird.
Best comment ever!
It is a small world!
Lol the 30 questions were a joke, I don't see why y'all need a ground school
Chris is here too! Woo! Love both youtube channels :D
Ok, well I just happened on ur channel, and happen to be looking to take 107, CHRIS,. The Mavic pro by dji was what I been saving g for for ever, I love that thing, I know about the mavi 2, not in my price range, then I saw a clip of a couple going up the West coast and parrot gave them a drone to use and it blew me away. I know these aren't the drones you guys use, can you help me out, that my price range, should I keep saving? It's been forever I want my drone. Any advice? I see all the jokes coming. That's why I NEVER Comment, this is very important to me. Thank you, I will subscribe now.
Ed,
Went to the same school and did great on my knowledge test. Drone Pilot Ground School is the perfect choice for anyone who is serious about flying drones for a living. I just passed the test and look forward to my FAA credentials coming in the mail soon.
Great video.
Thanks Ed, is this still current info? or can you now do the test online? Thanks Juan.
Yes you still have to go to an FAA testing facility for the test unfortunately.
Thanks, I did drone pilot ground school and passed... could not have passed without them... made a great score.. thanks for your video... wish you would do more like having a drone business tutor class
Reminds me of taking the bar exam. Good information. Thank you
Great video! I really appreciate you sharing this information. Even though I think this whole thing it's ridiculous, I'm glad to see that it CAN be done.
Thanks for the great video. Noticed drums and guitars in background. Guitar player here myself from way back in the 80's lol Can't wait to get my license.
What an amazing garden shot at the credits! Very interesting and informative. You have inspired me to seriously consider it. I like the part where you bluffed the cop into taking your side with your card! Quick thinking!
I thought about upgrading from recreational pilot. Your the first video I watched on the info. Thank you.
I enrolled in ground pilot ground school using your code in August where I passed my test at the Erie International Airport just a couple weeks later. All because I was confronted about making videos for Howard Hanna real estate. Was the best decision I made. My card took two months to get to me as well.
Thank you for this video. Very helpful for a newby. I went to the Drone Pilot Ground School website and read that you now have lifetime access to the content. Just thought you’d like to know it’s changed from 5 years to lifetime. Thanks again and love your video contents. Keep up the great work!!
I’m going through that course now. I had originally started with the actual FAA course, but it was tough learning. Drone Pilot Ground School is much easier for people who don’t have any aeronautical experience.
Flying for dummies?
Shill? Is that you, Shill? LOL.
Big J I know it has been a year, but what did you think about it
I really appreciate the breakdown and the valuable information that you have passed along.
Hi Ed... it looks quite easy to get this permit in US if this is only knowledge test. In my country (Poland) to get UAVO (Unmanned Aerial Veh. Operator) only for VLOS (visual line of sight) flights beside test (incl. extras like flight physics) you need to pass flight test in ATTI mode (!). As a side note, you can not take Mavic to do the test as it flights only in GPS. This flight test requires you to perform predefined flight tracks in 30m x 30m square... like a circle around, hover over the centre pole, flight 8 inside this square, etc.... and this must be done with wind blowing (in ATTI)... so before the test beside studying and practising you have to pray for good, not too windy weather. Thanks for another good video!
It worked once I typed it out as opposed to copying and pasting. Thanks again; clear concise and informative!
Very good information. I have several FAA certificates and the test questions you described are typical government test. Well done
Ed, you are doing great work and rapidly becoming my go-to-guy...Thank you & Throttle Up !
Your room looks like one of mine, got guitars and an Alesis DM10 in the corner too... lol
Now I’m getting ready go for my commercial as well. Good video, thanks!
People who get them are so damn proud of themselves!!!
I have multiple rigs one that is 30k
Been filming for 15years all over the world. Never I repeat never have I got questions about a 107.
I'm 16 and Drone pilot ground school gave me a high school scholarship! I will be testing my part 107 tomorrow !!
Edit: just got my 107 !! (:
How difficult was the test... would u say?
@@D-Shuffl3 not too difficult. Make sure you take the practice tests. I personally took all the practice tests offered by DPGS and before taking my actual 107 I was getting 98s on the DPGS tests. Also remember to learn sectional charts. A majority of the test will be sectional charts so ensure that you know them well. If you feel confident and get good scores on the practice tests, and if you feel like you can read and interpret a sectional chart well, you should be perfectly fine. Good luck!!
Ready to test. Nearest testing site is 400 miles away, overnight trip. I will wait.
New Regs late September 2018. King Schools does a good job for schooling.
Hey Ed, signed up for DPGS, studied, and passed on the first try with a 92%. Cost was steep but I feel like it is worth the money to have all the info laid out and organized. Plus its a lifetime course and I will need to refer back to it to re-up my licence. Thanks again!
If you have not covered these topics yet I would like to suggest two: 1) the LAANC feature of the AirMap app, and commercial drone pilot insurance through membership with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). These would compliment this video which completely addresses other suggestions I provided you earlier. Btw, I am working my way through a Part 107 Exam Prep Course by King Schools. 🤓👍🏼
Great video brother.. just moved back to Fayetteville from Nashville.. Had no clue you were close...
Thanks, Ed, great stuff. I asked about this in a comment on your recent, "Let's Talk" video, and you delivered!
I took a practice test and passed with an 85. I have a maritime captain's license, and a lot of that knowledge helped. I am definitely going to take a course before I go test - I don't just want to pass - I want to know this stuff inside and out.
Thanks again!
Hi Ed! You got such Of great videos man! Very informative and educational. I am going to start studying for the Part 107. I have been putting it off but now that I saw your video I am all in. Thank you for all the great videos. Have a great day!
Very useful video. Thanks for taking the time to make it!
Sounds very similar to ham radio testing. KA7DOG here! I’m an extra class ham radio operator and I appreciate all of the information. I’m going to begin studying for the FAA certification because I’d like to assist local law enforcement with search and rescue.
It also reminds me of having to have a radio operators license to go along with the private pilots' license. Today, no radio license is required!
hi there James, KC2EOT here, Jeff, 73...
It's amazing that the FAA went from the old paper license as with my FAA A&P license to the new plastic license any no picture. The FAA A&P plastic license has an image of an old Boeing 737-200 so outdated.
So they give you the testing supplement book to help you with the test? or the book is the test?
Thank you for making this video. Very personable and informative.
I just passed my test with 85%. Facilitator was very nice and encouraging! I used an app on iPhone called “Prepware Remote Pilot” it cost $4.99 and it helped a lot, was totally worth it for me. Along with other RUclips videos.
That's the Gray's Creek Airport! That's where I took my flight instructions for private pilot license!
This was full of great info. Luckily I came across it. And I live in NC so it was extra helpful.
Some good info, thanks! Just starting out on the path since I just recently became aware of the requirements now for earning money from flying since I needed to up my game in my videography business. So many potential customers lost because I couldn't provide aerial footage.
I'm almost overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material that has to be learned. Luckily some transfers over from my army training.
"...although it didn't stop some people"...wink! You are such a hoot!
And you're a drummer to boot ... awesome
im waiting on mine idk who long it takes
I have my private pilot license and the process was extremely easy. 2 hours of study plus the test. Much simpler than the PPL written and orders of magnitude simpler than the Instrument written.
Great video man. Awesome story about the cranky neighbors! I passed the test last week and I have my temporary certificate. Cant wait to get the card and flash that bad boy around ;-)
Thanks!
Thank you Sir.
I do have one question and that is, what part did you find to be your most challenging?
I'm struggling with weather.
great resources, I'm planning to pass mine here in about 2 weeks :)
how'd it go?
Due to COVID do you know if they are still doing in person test?
Hey Ed, I've found that Remote Pilot 10.com is a great source for the Part 107 as well. Up to date videos and the price is 150.00 for life. They have a separate section for returning Pilots as well as new ones. Ken Heron has a code you can use I will not write it out of respect for you. I think there are lots of sources but the 2 mentioned are by far the best. DPS does offer a little more in depth explanations of material so it's worth the fee. I just found RPS first.Really good. One question, what was the cost of your Licesene wwhen you got it?
Great video Ed! Just what i needed! Very informative
Ed, great information, thank you! Where are those formal gardens at the end of this piece????
Thanks Charlie! That was part of Sandhills Community College (Pinehurst, NC) in their horticulture gardens.
Great video. Very informative. Exactly what I wanted to know presented in a pleasant format. I thank you for your work!
Just got mine today
Great video ED, THANKS
So you jump through all these hoops and then in 2 years you have to do it again???
Great info, Ed. Can you clarify what you were saying at 10:00 - if I'm a licensed pilot and I am flying within 5 miles of an airport, but I'm UNDER the controlled airspace, do I need to notify ATC?
Thanks! In that case no, you don't need to notify. If you WERE in controlled airspace it would be more than just notifying however...you'd have to get FAA authorization. But notifying would only be necessary for uncertified pilots in your situation.
Thanks. I'll be using your referral link when signing up for the course. Appreciate the help!
Nice step by step instructions"!!! I will Subscribe"!!!
Great video. Just starting out on P4. Will look into getting license once I get used to it. Subbed.
Thanks Ed. This is a very good video on the Part 107 certification process. Airport Manager, ACV
Ed, thanks for the videos they are great and informative. I've started studying for the UAS Part 107 this week, but I'm thinking seriously about signing up for the Drone Pilot Ground School. I believe it will ensure I get all the info needed to pass the test the first time. Again, keep up the videos! Mike Casey
If I am flying a DJI Mavic 2 Pro for fun and recording myself some memories, do I need a license?
No. Just keep it out of areas like airports, inner cities, etc.
Bass traps in the corners of the room, a set of perhaps Rolands? yea, I know, this is not about that. I play Rolands with SSD Platinum 4. May enroll in the ground school only because your a fellow musician.
Hi! Is it better to get familiar with the drone you plan on purchasing before getting licensed or is it necessary?
Also, do you recommend a videography course? I have some goals in mind and trying to organize which ones I should begin with. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks a bunch!
You need to take the test every time your certification spired.....?
Yes every two years, although the recurrent test taking process is changing soon and might be able to be done online instead of in-person.
Very helpful and useful video, thanks for making this. I have only recently acquired one and have found the requirements even for just recreational flying to be a bit more than I had anticipated. Around here where I live, it seems like almost every possible space is within the radius of an airport. I guess I need to finalize registration and figure out how to go through the notification process in order to fly.
Great information, is there an audio version of the training manual? Thank you, subscribing!
Super helpful video, I've been putting off looking into this. Really appreciate this!
It looks as though, since you made this video, that Drone Pilot Ground School has made their membership a lifetime access, vs only 5 years. Sweet!
Is it legal to fly anywhere in New York City with this license?
Not at all, there are only very limited areas in Brooklyn where you can fly, two being AMA fields that require the local AMA chapter to chaperone you on to the field.
Use the APP on your smartphone callEd Hover. It’s shows you exactly where you can’t fly
Thank you very much Mr. Ricker
Good info Ed. Thanks. I'm curious to know what you do about insurance. I'm not certified yet but am thinking ahead. Thanks.
I’m 13 but I plan to become a drone pilot lieutenant after high school, this is good information to start
Lots of helpful info. Thanks for the post.
What about for the recurring exam which is every 2 years correct? Also, do they provide material for that or is it the same as the original exam?
Very informative, thank you.
So if I want to fly for fun I don't have to register?
I have a Mavic Pro... been flying for recreation but am thinking of taking the test. What is a ball park for how much money you can make? Getting paid to PLAY sounds good to me!
Is there any school that provides practice for the actual flying?
Well done.
do you have to have an flying test like in a pilot license for the drone license?
Hey that's cool heh I live in Raleigh. I'm looking at getting my part 107. I work for an engineering company and I want to do aerial photography for them.
Great video, great info, thank you
Thanks for the podcast
thanks for the information
Now that you have a license do you carry insurance?
From your experience is it better to do freelance drone work or work for a company
Probably less stress to work for a company (unless your boss is a dick or the hours are horrible). But it's more satisfying to work for yourself, and you get paid better for the same work.
For instance, working for a company may only pay me a consistent $50,000 a year. That's a dependable paycheck, you know what you're get every month, no surprises, and you get to go home and relax and not think about work.
But maybe instead you're freelance and you get to NAME your price per project. Now you're making $100,000+ a year (no limit really), and you get paid for the real VALUE of your work, not just a wage or salary.
However, maybe $70,000 of those earnings were in the warm weather months of May through October and you're starting to worry about having no bookings in December and January. So you double down on advertising, update your website, network with others, etc. and before you know it you're worked every evenings and putting in way over the 40 hours you would have worked as a simple employee. Oh and that drone just wrecked? You're paying for it, not the company you work for.
So there's a give and take, and there are freedoms found in both paths. I think the more satisfying path is that of a freelancer. And if you can budget and save, it's not so difficult in the slower months.
Thank you for explaining about the Written Test Procedures but who or what actually teaches you how to physically control a drone in the air?
I passed yesterday! I'm so excited.
One thing you mentioned in this video was that I'd have to register my drone being Part 107 certified. What if this drone is not being used for commercial purposes? Would I still have to register is commercially?
(A real estate job I am applying for will provide the drone and necessary equipment so I do not have to use mine)
Congrats!
I still register my drones commercially for $5 each on the chance that I would use that drone as a backup for commercial projects. But if there's literally no chance that would happen, then perhaps I wouldn't do that. But recreational drones still need a cert number on it, but that number refers to the pilot and not the drone. I personally haven't ever registered anything recreationally, so I'm not sure if you need to pay another $5 for a recreational pilot registration or not...if you do, might as well just pay that $5 for another commercial drone registration. Your call.
Ed Ricker
Thanks for your quick response!
If it’s only $5 for a commercial drone registration then I’ll just do it to avoid any trouble, or just in case I happen to use it for commercial projects.
I heard you say you are from Pinehurst and went to Fayetteville. I live just north of Bragg and would like to meet you and see what you do, and more importantly get your view on the economics of drone flying. Would you be willing to meet?
Not necessarily a certain amount of questions will get a passing grade on every test. That is what i thought when i took the test the first time and got 45 right 15 wrong, 75 %. And failed. I called the testing facility back after figuring this out and they agreed that it seemed as if i should have passed so they gave me the number of the place that scores the test. And they told me that the questions are of different values and that is why 75 % right did not necessarily mean passing, so i learned that and the experience for my $150. Took it two weeks later and passed with flying colors !!
hi Ed. how long took to you to receive your plastic certificate after you receive the temporary?
Hi, it takes about 2 months for most people including me.
Ed when did you register your drones commercially... after you printed your temp or after you received your plastic? Thanks in advance!
I actually registered my Mavic in December 2016 before I even took the FAA test. I knew I'd have to register regardless (recreational or not) and selected Commercial Registration since I knew I'd be using it for work in the future. Just my own personal experience. Good luck!
Outside of all of the studying you did......how difficult was the actual test itself?
Hmmm, well difficult depends on how much one studies...it can be a breeze if you put in the effort up front. But there's some calculations and some fine details with interpreting the sectional charts that could be considered tedious. Not really difficult however...there's just some stress involved with the fee and knowing you REALLY don't want to have to take the test again.
How long does it take to become a drone pilot?
Thanks Ed for the info!
I have PPL, maybe I should make video about it!?
Hi Ed. Is this information still valid today?? I am thinking of taking the training. Do you make money with your drone??
Yes it's still valid, at least for the initial test taking experience! Recurrent exams can be done online now for free, but that's after 2 years.
Yes I do real estate, promo videos, weddings, etc. and will use a drone for part of the shots.