Unlocking FAA Part 107: A Simple Checklist for Hobbyist Drone Pilots

So you’ve been flying your drone for a while now. Maybe you got it for fun, just buzzing around the park, taking cool shots of your neighborhood. Then one day a friend asks, “Hey, can you fly my wedding?” or you see a side hustle online where people pay good money for aerial photos. That’s when you start hearing about something called Part 107. It sounds scary, like a government test from a spy movie. But here’s the thing: it’s not that bad. I’m Jordan Mitchell from Skyward Pilot, and I want to walk you through a simple checklist that helped me get my Part 107 certificate without pulling my hair out.

First, let’s get real about why this matters. If you’re a hobbyist and you ever want to make even a single dollar with your drone, you need Part 107. The FAA doesn’t mess around. Flying for fun is one thing, but the second money changes hands, you’re a commercial pilot in their eyes. I’ve seen too many people get slapped with fines because they thought “I’m just helping a friend.” Nope. The rule is clear. At Skyward Pilot, I always tell folks: get the license first, then figure out the money part. It saves headaches.

Alright, let’s break this down into a checklist you can actually follow. No fluff, just steps.

Step 1: Know What’s on the Test

The Part 107 test is mostly about rules and weather. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist. The FAA wants to make sure you understand airspace, reading charts, and basic weather stuff like clouds and wind. They also ask about drone loading and performance – like how much weight your drone can carry and how battery drain affects flight time. Sounds boring, I know. But trust me, once you learn it, you’ll be a safer pilot.

I remember studying for this and thinking, “Why do I need to know about METARs?” That’s weather report codes. But then I flew near a lake and the wind shifted suddenly. That METAR knowledge saved me from crashing into a tree. So yeah, it matters.

Step 2: Get a Good Study Resource

Don’t just Google random stuff. There are tons of free and cheap resources out there. I used the FAA’s own study guide (it’s free online) and a YouTube channel that explains airspace with funny cartoons. At Skyward Pilot, I recommend starting with the FAA’s “Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.” It’s dry but it covers everything. Then watch a few video courses. Some are paid, but there are plenty of free ones that are good enough.

Pro tip: look for practice tests. Take them over and over until you’re getting 90% or higher. The real test is multiple choice, and the questions are very similar to the practice ones.

Step 3: Register for the Test

You don’t take the test at the FAA office. You go to a testing center – like a PSI or CATS facility. It’s the same places where people take real estate exams or pilot tests. You need to create an account on the FAA’s IACRA website and get a FTN (FAA Tracking Number). Then schedule your test online. It costs about $175. Yeah, it stings a little, but think of it as an investment.

When I scheduled mine, I picked a Tuesday morning because I figured fewer people. The room was quiet. The proctor was nice. I just sat at a computer and answered 60 questions. You have two hours, but I finished in about 45 minutes. Most people finish early.

Step 4: What to Bring

Bring a government-issued ID. That’s it. You can’t bring your phone, watch, or notes. They give you a whiteboard and marker for scratch work. Some questions need a little math – like converting feet to miles or calculating how long your battery lasts. I had one question about weight and balance that made me draw a little diagram. Don’t panic. The math is basic.

Step 5: After You Pass

You don’t get a physical card. You get a temporary certificate right there. Then the FAA sends you a plastic card in the mail a few weeks later. But you can start flying commercially the same day with that temporary paper. That’s what I did. I landed a small gig shooting real estate photos the next weekend. Felt good.

Now, here’s something Skyward Pilot readers always ask: “Do I need to renew?” Yes, every 24 months. You take a free online recurrent test. Much easier than the initial one. So don’t stress about that yet.

Step 6: Keep Your Hobby Spirit

One thing I want to say: getting Part 107 doesn’t mean you have to become a serious business person. You can still fly for fun. You just have more options. You can sell your footage, fly for local events, or even start a small side business. And you’ll be legal, which means you can sleep at night.

I still fly my little Mavic Mini just for sunrise shots sometimes. The license didn’t change my love for flying. It just made me smarter about it.

So if you’re on the fence, go for it. Use this checklist. Study a little each day. Don’t overthink the weather questions. And remember, Skyward Pilot is here to help you every step of the way. You’ve got this.