American Wings Flight Academy
Become a Drone Pilot
American Wings Flight Academy’s Commercial Drone Remote Pilot Course teaches you everything you need to qualify to fly drones under the FAA’s Part 107 regulation. Give yourself the best chance to pass the FAA exam on your first try.
Did you know?
To fly a drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you need a Remote Pilot Certificate
The certificate shows you understand the regulations, operating requirements and procedures to fly a drone safely.
To become a commercial drone remote pilot, you must:
- Demonstrate knowledge consistent with the privileges of the Remote Pilot Certificate with a small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) rating, and the ability to manage the risks of flight as remote pilot-in-command (PIC)
- Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)
- Be at least 16 years old
- Read, speak, write and understand English
- Be in a physical and mental condition to fly a drone safely
Keeping your Remote Pilot Certificate
- Your certificate must be easily accessible during all UAS operations.
- Certificate holders must complete online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to keep their aeronautical knowledge current.
Why complete the Commercial Drone Remote Pilot Program at American Wings Flight Academy?
Part 107, the FAA commercial drone regulation, allows drone pilots to fly for business purposes. A license to fly under Part 107 is the equivalent of a Commercial Driver License (CDL) for trucking.
What is FAA Part 107? In June 2016, the FAA published remote pilot certification and operating rules for civil small unmanned aircraft under 55 pounds. At the time, Part 107 didn’t allow operations at night or over people or moving vehicles without a waiver. Since April 21, 2021, with the Operations Over People rule, Part 107 pilots may fly at night and over people and moving vehicles without a waiver, as long as they meet the rule’s requirements.
The main requirement is passing the FAA’s Airman Knowledge Test, Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG): a 2-hour, 60-question test that takes extensive study. It costs $175 to take the exam, and $175 again for each retake. Our course includes everything you need to pass, including a practice exam with 250+ questions. On completion you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion endorsed by an FAA Licensed Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), plus help registering for your FAA exam.
Trained by FAA Licensed Certified Flight Instructors. The exam covers complicated aviation topics that need in-depth explanation. All of our instructors are commercial drone operators and highly trained FAA Licensed CFIs, real pilots with thousands of hours of commercial flight experience. You’ll also have access to our Chief Instructor for questions throughout the course.
FAA Part 107 curriculum
A curriculum designed by industry experts to ensure the most professional training possible.
Topic 1
Regulations under FAA Part 107
- Pilot in command
- Registration and eligibility requirements
- Conditions for safe operations
- Night operations under Part 107
- Waiver policy
Topic 2
Airspace classifications
- National Airspace System
- Air traffic control
- Clearances and permissions
- Uncontrolled airspace
- Controlled airspace
Topic 3
Flight restrictions
- Restricted areas
- Filing NOTAMs
- Special use airspace
- Military training routes
- VFR versus IFR flight rules
Topic 4
Chart study
- Reading sectional charts
- Chart legend
- Navigation basics
- Chart interpretation
- Difficult chart test questions
Topic 5
Airport operations for drone pilots
- Operating near an airport
- Traffic patterns
- Heliports
- Towered and non-towered airports
- Runway markings and signage
Topic 6
Radio communications for sUAS pilots
- Controlled tower communication procedures
- Phonetic alphabet
- Airport Terminal Information Service
- Self-announce procedures
- UNICOM/MULTICOM
Topic 7
Aviation weather for drone pilots
- Internet weather briefings
- Micrometeorology
- Reading METARs
- Stages of a thunderstorm
- Types of cloud formations
Topic 8
Maintenance and preflight procedures
- Scheduled maintenance
- Unscheduled maintenance
- Preflight inspection
- Record keeping
- FAA inspection and testing
Topic 9
Crew resource management and aeronautical decision making
- Requirements of pilot in command
- Situational awareness
- Hazardous attitudes
- Effective communication
- Risk management for drone pilots
Topic 10
sUAS loading and performance
- Basic aerodynamics
- Aircraft loading
- Weight and balance
- Stability and control
- Center of gravity
Topic 11
Hazards to flight and emergency procedures
- Reporting in-flight emergencies
- Fail-safe procedures
- Airborne inspections
- Wildlife hazards
- Lithium battery hazards
Topic 12
Physiology for drone pilots under Part 107
- Impacts of drugs and alcohol
- Vision impairment
- Determining fitness for flight
- Physiological considerations
- Part 107 regulations requirements
Topic 13
Preparing for the Part 107 exam
- Registering for the Airman Knowledge Test
- 250+ FAA test questions
- Best study practices
- Applying on IACRA
- Applying for the Remote Pilot Certificate
After the course: we’ll help you through the process
Step 1
Get an FAA Tracking Number
Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile before registering for a knowledge test.
Step 2
Schedule your test
Book the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Knowledge Test online or at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. If testing in person, bring a government-issued photo ID.
Step 3
Pass the test
Use your course materials and practice exam to prepare.
Step 4
Apply for your certificate
Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate using the electronic IACRA system.
Ready to become a drone pilot?
Register for the self-paced virtual course, or call us with questions.