Remote pilot certificate requirements

A remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating is the individual qualification used to act as remote pilot in command (RPIC) under Part 107. An applicant generally must be at least 16, able to read, speak, write, and understand English (with the regulation's stated exceptions), and physically and mentally able to safely operate the aircraft. These are legal qualifications, not a promise that every flight is appropriate: the RPIC must still be competent with the particular aircraft, controls, procedures, and mission.

The certificate attaches to a person, not to a drone, business, or customer. A company can own aircraft and hire pilots, but it cannot substitute its name for the responsible RPIC. The RPIC may directly manipulate controls or supervise another person manipulating them, while retaining responsibility for the operation. A person may also use a qualifying existing pilot certificate and the applicable FAA online training route instead of taking the initial knowledge test; verify the current FAA process before relying on that path.

For the initial knowledge-test route, create an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) in IACRA before scheduling through PSI. The current PSI UAG bulletin describes 60 scored questions plus five unscored validation items, two hours, and a 70-percent passing score. PSI reports the test specification areas as regulations 48%, airspace 20%, weather 5%, loading and performance 2%, and operations 25%. Those figures describe the current exam blueprint; do not use older percentage tables found in an appendix of the ACS as if they were still the current allocation.

After passing, use IACRA to submit the remote pilot certificate application and retain the Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) and FTN. FAA conducts the required security vetting, including TSA review, as part of processing. A passing score alone is not the certificate: follow the application status and use only the temporary or permanent certificate issued through the FAA process. PSI's identification and scheduling requirements can change, so check its current applicant bulletin before test day.

A remote pilot does not renew the certificate on the same repeating medical or flight-review cycle as a manned-aircraft pilot. Instead, before exercising Part 107 privileges, the remote pilot must satisfy the recurrent knowledge-training requirement in §107.65 at least once every 24 calendar months, or the applicable alternative for a qualifying Part 61 pilot. The course covers current knowledge areas and results in a completion record; keep evidence available. Recurrent training refreshes knowledge, but it does not cure an expired authorization, missing aircraft registration, or lack of proficiency with a specific system.

Before each mission, check for changes in applicable regulations, airspace status, temporary restrictions, weather, aircraft condition, and client constraints. A certificate is permission to serve in the role when the other requirements are met, not a blanket approval for a location or maneuver. If a task needs controlled-airspace approval, a waiver, or an operation-specific exception, obtain that separately before launch.