How to Become a Drone Pilot: A Simple Guide for 2026

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wished you could fly? Well, you can. You don’t need a plane or a helicopter. You just need a drone.

Becoming a professional drone pilot is one of the most exciting choices you can make today. It opens doors to new jobs, better pay, and a lot of fun. But I know what you are thinking. “Where do I start?” or “Is it hard to get a license?”

I have been in this industry for over 10 years. I have helped many people just like you go from zero experience to a paid professional. In this article, I will walk you through exactly how to become a drone pilot.

We will cover the drone pilot license, the costs, and how to pass the exam on your first try.

Why Choose a Drone Pilot Career?

Before we talk about the how, let’s talk about the why. A drone pilot career is not just about taking cool photos. It is a serious business.

Here are a few industries that need you right now:

Real Estate: Agents need aerial photos to sell houses.
Construction: Managers use drones to track progress on building sites.
Agriculture: Farmers use drones to check on their crops.
Filmmaking: Directors need epic shots from the sky.

If you want to make money doing this, you cannot just buy a drone and fly. You need permission from the government. In the United States, this means you need an FAA drone license.

A Real-Life Story: The Mistake Smart People Make

I want to share a quick story so you don’t lose money like my friend Mike did.

Mike is a smart guy. He works in tech and has been flying drones for fun in his backyard for years. When he decided to get his license, he was confident. He told me, “I know how to fly. I don’t need to study that much.”

He walked into the testing center without doing a proper FAA Drone Exam Practice Test. He thought the test would ask about joysticks and camera angles.

He was wrong.

The test asked him to read a Sectional Chart (a map for pilots). It asked him about Class B airspace and radio frequencies. Mike froze. He guessed on almost every question and failed. He lost his $175 testing fee and had to wait weeks to try again.

Don’t be like Mike. Being a good flyer does not make you a licensed pilot. You need to study the rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Part 107 Drone License

The official name for the license is the “Remote Pilot Certificate,” but most people call it the Part 107 drone license. Here is the simple path to getting it.

1. Check if You Qualify

The rules are simple. To get your license, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone.

2. Study for the Knowledge Test

This is the most important part. You have to pass a test called the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)” exam.

You need a solid plan. You should look for a Drone Exam Study Guide 2026 that is up to date. Old guides might have outdated rules. The test asks about:

Airspace rules (Where you can and cannot fly).
Weather patterns.
Loading and performance.
Airport operations.

A Quick Tip for Success:

Many students find the airspace maps very confusing. If you try to guess the answers, you might fail. I have seen it happen too many times.

If you want a clear path to passing, I created a specific resource for you. I put together a set of practice questions that mimic the real exam. It helps you see exactly what the test looks like before you walk into the testing center.

You can check out my full FAA UAS Part 107 Practice Questions Course on Udemy. It breaks down the logic so you aren’t just memorizing; you are learning.

3. Register and Take the Exam

Once you feel ready and have reviewed the Drone Exam Questions 2026, you need to sign up.

Create an account on the FAA IACRA website (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application).
Schedule your test at a PSI testing center.
The cost is usually around $175 paid to the testing center.

4. Apply for Your License

After you pass the test (you need a score of 70% or higher), you go back to the IACRA website and apply for your new drone pilot license. The TSA will do a background check. Once that is done, you get your temporary certificate by email.

Hobby vs. Commercial: Do You Need a License?

Many people are confused about when they need a license. Use this table to decide:

Feature	Hobby Flyer (recreational)	Commercial Pilot (Part 107)
Goal	Just for fun	To make money or help a business
Test Needed	The TRUST Test (Simple)	Part 107 Drone License (Harder)
Cost of Test	Free	Approx. $175
Can you get paid?	No	Yes
Registration	Must register drone if over 250g	Must register every drone

Drone Pilot Training: How to Prepare

Proper drone pilot training is the key to passing. The FAA test can be tricky. They use wording that can trip you up.

Here is my best advice: Practice, Practice, Practice.

You need to see the questions often. You need to understand why an answer is correct. Reading a textbook is boring and hard to remember. Solving questions is active and sticks in your brain.

I know budgets can be tight. If you aren’t ready to buy a full course yet, I still want to help you. I have created a free resource where you can get 100 free questions and a PDF. This is a great way to start your faa 107 practice test free preparation.

Get your 100 Free Practice Questions and PDF here.

FAQs About Becoming a Drone Pilot

Here are some common questions I get asked all the time.

1. Is the FAA drone license hard to get?

It is challenging if you don’t study. The material covers aviation topics that pilots of real planes have to learn. But with the right practice questions, it becomes very manageable.

2. How long does the license last?

Your certificate is valid for 24 months. After two years, you need to take a recurrent training course to keep your currency.

3. Can I find a job easily?

Yes, the demand is growing. However, having the license is just the first step. You also need to build a portfolio of your flying skills.

4. What happens if I fly commercially without a license?

The FAA can fine you. It is not worth the risk. It is better to get your part 107 drone license and fly legally.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a drone pilot is a fantastic journey. You get to view the world from a different perspective and get paid for it.

Don’t let the exam scare you. It is just a hurdle you have to jump over. The best way to jump over it is to be prepared.

If you want to save time and ensure you pass, check out my Udemy Course for Part 107 Practice Questions. I explain the answers in detail so you walk into the exam room feeling confident.

You can also grab the free PDF with 100 questions to get started today.

Good luck, and fly safe!