Commercial UAS (Drone) Pilot Certificate

Take the first step to becoming a commercial drone pilot. Learn the rules and regulations to become certified and start earning money with your drone. Review all the topics in the FAA Part 107 to ensure you are flying legally. It’s not all bookwork as you begin flying on a simulator to help build your stick control while you go through the FAA guidelines. End the class with a night flight demo!

Move from the simulator to actual hands-on flying. Unlike some drone programs, this class will give you the basic skills to fly a commercial drone. Experience what it’s like to see the world from 400 feet above the earth. Prepare to sit for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam with practice exams and reviews of what might be on the test. Prerequisite: DRN-020 Commercial Remote Pilot Pt. 1.

Now that you are a commercial pilot, take to the skies with professional-grade drones and learn how to capture photos and videos. Learn to plan and fly missions and collect images for your intended purposes. Get experience flying on different drones that are capable of doing a variety of jobs. Show off your skills by completing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) remote pilot test lane that will show just how much control and accuracy you have. Prerequisites: DRN-021 Commercial Remote Pilot Pt. 2, Part 107 and 15 hours of flight time.

Love taking pictures or videos from the air but not sure what to do with them? Get a foundational understanding of how to edit using industry-leading software for both the visual and data world. Learn the art and science of editing and processing what you capture with your drone. Present your edited images as if you were presenting to a potential client. Get the next steps on how to launch your own business with entrepreneur help. Prerequisite: DRN-022 or DRN-002.

1. What is a UAS pilot and how do I become one?
   A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) pilot, also known as a drone pilot, operates drones for commercial, industrial, or public safety purposes. UAS pilots commonly perform tasks such as:
   • Aerial photography & videography
   • Infrastructure inspections
   • Mapping & surveying
   • Data collection & monitoring

   To become a commercial UAS pilot, you must:

   • Complete a training program, such as Carroll’s
   • Pass the FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107) knowledge exam
   • Gain hands-on flight experience
   • Stay current with FAA regulations and renew certification every 2 years.
2. What are the steps to getting a certified drone pilot license?
   To earn an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107), you must:
   • Meet eligibility requirements:
     • Be at least 16 years old
     • Read, write, speak, and understand English
     • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone
   • Create an IACRA account to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
   • Schedule and pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (minimum score of 70%).
   • Submit FAA Form 8710-13 through IACRA.
   • Pass a TSA background check.
   • Receive your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and complete online recurrent training every 24 months to maintain it.
3. What qualifications do I need to become a UAS pilot?
   To work as a commercial UAS pilot, you must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and demonstrate the ability to operate drones safely and legally. Employers may also look for:
   • Knowledge of airspace regulations, weather, and flight planning
   • Experience with data collection and processing
   • Additional certifications or security clearances, depending on the industry
4. Is Carroll’s drone operator school FAA approved?
   Carroll Community College is recognized by the FAA as a member of the UAS Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). This designation indicates that the program’s curriculum aligns with FAA expectations and supports safe, legal commercial drone operations and workforce development in UAS-related careers.
5. What makes Carroll’s UAS pilot program different from other drone schools?Carroll’s UAS pilot program emphasizes hands-on, workforce-focused training, including:
   • Extensive flight time using industry-grade drones
   • Instruction in aerial photography, video production, and data processing
   • Use of flight simulators and real-world scenarios, including night operations and NIST course practice
   • Preparation for the FAA Part 107 exam and the Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot (BPERP)
   • Development of a professional portfolio of flight footage
6. Do I need my own drone?
   No. Students are not required to own a drone. Carroll provides drones for training, although students may choose to use their own equipment if desired.
7. Are there prerequisites for this program?
   No prior drone or aviation experience is required to enroll in the program.
8. Are there any requirements to complete the program?
   To successfully complete the UAS pilot program, students must:
   • Earn the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
   • Complete at least 35 hours of documented flight time
9. How much flying will we do?
   The program includes at least six Saturdays dedicated to hands-on flight training. While flying is a critical component, the program also emphasizes data management, image processing, and post-flight analysis, which are essential skills for professional UAS pilots.
10. Where does the training take place?
    This is a hybrid program. Most classes are held in person at Carroll Community College, with some instruction delivered remotely.
11. Is financial assistance available?
    Yes! This program is eligible for tuition assistance.
12. Who should take this training?
    This program is ideal for individuals who:
    • Have strong hand-eye coordination and enjoy working with technology
    • Want to add commercial drone operations to their professional skill set
    • Are interested in industries such as marketing, inspections, agriculture, public safety, or media
    • Prefer work that offers variety in location, tasks, and outcomes