There are so many amazing attractions in Washington that can be explored by drone. Before you start, double-check that you have a drone license.
How do I get a drone license in Washington?
Here's how to get your drone license in Washington:
- Prove you're eligible to become a commercial pilot
- Register your FAA tracking number
- Make an Appointment at the Washington FAA Knowledge Test Center
- study
- Successfully take the Part 107 exam
- Send FAA Form 8710-13.
Are there more steps in your process than you expected? Most new pilots feel that way.
There are so many forms to fill out to become a certified drone pilot that it can be a little confusing, but if you want an overview of the process, you're in the right place.
We'll explain what you need to know so you can become a Washington certified pilot in no time!
Here's how to get your drone license in Washington:
Becoming a licensed drone pilot in Washington State starts with knowing what certification you want. One option is a remote pilot certificate, which is a commercial license that comes with all the responsibilities and freedoms of being able to fly a drone and make money.
The second choice is a recreational license or TRUST certificate. You don't have to take a tough test to get a hobbyist license (there's still a test, but it's free and all incorrect answers are flagged before you send the test), but you do give up commercial use of your drone.
So did you choose a commercial license? Many pilots take this route, which requires much more time, money, and preparation, but it is well worth it. Here's what you need to do:
By proving your qualifications advertisement pilot
The FAA is the regulatory agency for air traffic in the United States. It sets rules for who can be a commercial pilot to ensure everyone using the skies is as safe as possible, from drones to manned aircraft like commercial airplanes.
That's why the FAA has strict rules about who can be a commercial drone pilot. In addition to passing the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam, you must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, and mentally and physically responsible enough to use a drone safely.
Register your FAA tracking number
Now that you are confident that you can become a commercial drone pilot, you need to obtain an FAA tracking number, also called an FTN, and register in the FAA system. You will use this as an identifier when browsing for licenses.
An FTN cannot be destroyed once it has been licensed. This is how the FAA determines whether you are flying legally and takes action if you are not.
You can obtain an FTN by creating an account with the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application, better known as IACRA. This is a free, FAA-sponsored resource that can be used multiple times during the process of earning a commercial certificate.
Let’s take a look at how to create an account with IACRA.
- Please visit this link.
- Click Next. It is registered Click the link below the Username and Password box and above the FAA Employee Login button.
- Choose the right role for you based on your experience and qualifications. At least click. applicant.
- Please review the IACRA Terms of Service in the yellow box. If you agree, click the button.
- complete Privacy This section asks for your email address, gender, and name.
- Select from the menu of security questions and answer two of them.
- Enter your IACRA username and password. The password must be at least 12 characters and contain a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers.
- click It is registered.
- Open your inbox. Within a few minutes, you will receive an email from IACRA confirming your account.
- Log in to IACRA to review your information. You will have FTN.
Okay, but what about that? Certificate information part time job? No, I haven't forgotten. If you choose to apply, you don't have to worry about any drone certifications you don't have yet.
However, if you selected a different role, please add that information.
Make an Appointment at the Washington FAA Knowledge Test Center
Since the FTN is an identifier, it will be useful for the next part of registering to take the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam.
The only way to do this is through the FAA Knowledge Test Center. The FAA doesn't offer the test online (maybe they never will, who knows?), so you'll have to find a knowledge testing center around Washington and take it there.
You will need a PSI account to explore the Knowledge Test Center. Here's how to make it:
- Click here to visit the PSI website.
- by scrolling Create an account Click the button and click.
- Please enter your FTN and full name to verify your identity. click Continue.
- If PSI allows, proceed to create an account by entering your email address, name, new username, and password. click Continue.
- In the meantime, while you wait for an email from PSI, download an authentication app that uses multi-factor authentication.
- Open the email from PSI and click the link. You can now log in to your account.
- Choose Find a test center It is located in the top menu of the PSI homepage.
- Please enter your Washington zip code.
- Choose USA Select your country from the dropdown.
- Select the distance you want to search for a knowledge test center from the dropdown. You can choose between miles and kilometers.
- Choose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle General – Small (UAG) From test Fall down.
- click find.
- Select a knowledge testing center near you and schedule your exam appointment.
study
Next, it's time to relax and start studying for the Part 107 exam. Putting your nose to the grindstone is never fun, but it's necessary for tests like this. The commercial drone exam costs $175 per attempt, so you'll want to pass on the first try if possible.
Luckily, it's possible, especially when you take advantage of Droneblog's beginner-friendly training courses. That's right. We've curated a list just for you, filled with 5-star courses like Altitude University and Drone Launch Academy.
You couldn't ask for a better resource to help you prepare for the Part 107 exam and all the questions the FAA will ask about procedures, regulations, and restrictions. Course material is taught by FAA staff and other aviation experts.
You can take practice quizzes that reflect what you'll see on the actual exam, and you can even ask your instructor if you have questions about the course materials. Best of all, if you don't pass, you'll receive a full refund for your course and have your next exam paid. This is what gives us confidence that this course will help you master the Part 107 concepts.
Successfully take the Part 107 exam
If you have enrolled in one of the study materials I recommend, you will be prepared for the UAG (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle General – Small) exam. That said, I understand you might still be nervous. This is expected.
Take a breath and remember that you know the material. Now we're presenting it.
The test consists of 60 questions, each of which is multiple choice. You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to review and respond to the entire exam booklet. Please note that questions you miss will be treated as incorrect answers.
A government-issued ID card is required to enter the Knowledge Test Center testing site. Most pilots bring a driver's license, but any other photo ID will suffice, as long as it is valid.
IACRA will publish test results. You will be notified that your results are ready, but don't be surprised if it takes up to a few weeks. That's normal and it doesn't mean IACRA has forgotten you or anything.
How do I know if I passed? You must score at least 70%. If you haven't arrived yet, you can retake the exam within two weeks of your first test date.
Send FAA Form 8710-13.
Once you finally show your boss your Part 107 exam, you can finalize it by sending Form 8710-13 to IACRA.
This FAA form is a license request. Access the application by selecting: Start a new application, Other route informationand Start application. There are two menus to choose from. pilotfirst being Application typeand the second certification.
Once you submit the form, processing will begin. IACRA will issue a temporary certificate because it will process your request more quickly. This will solve your problem until the FAA mails you a permanent license.
I have a drone license in Washington. What should I do now?
First of all, congratulations on getting to this point! You now have a commercial drone license in Washington. This is a significant achievement.
However, you cannot start flying until you register your drone. Once you've taken care of that, you'll need to learn Washington's drone laws that you must follow whenever you fly.
Let's start locally.
- Kitsap County allows the launch and landing of drones in the area only with permission from the Navy.
- Thurston County and Olympia ban drone use except for “emergency fire response operations, emergency law enforcement, and national defense activities.”
- Bellevue also bans drone use except at Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park, the latter of which requires an on-site request.
- Snohomish County bans drones in county parks unless used in designated areas.
- Seattle bans drones from city parks.
Statewide, WAC 352-32-130 bans drones in state parks.
Now you know the laws surrounding drones, but what else is missing? Well, if you don’t have insurance yet, you need to get it. Although it's not required by law, you can't be too careful when doing drone exploration. Especially if you are still learning how to fly. Mistakes will happen, and when they do, it doesn't have to be a huge financial hit.
The final consideration on the list is preparing to renew your drone license. I know, it's still a long way off, but those two years will be gone before you know it, so you'll need a plan.
These days, you can easily renew your Part 107 license by taking the free FAA exam online. Yes, you no longer have to pay $175. or No longer take the stressful Unmanned Aerial Vehicle General – Small (UAG) exam every two years.
In this post, we'll walk you through the entire process so you're ready.