Effective August 29, 2016, the FAA has created its first and only airman certificate specifically for the use and operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), called the “remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.” A small UAS includes a small unmanned aircraft, weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft. AOPA has developed a short, step-by-step guide on remote pilot certification in response to the FAA’s final rule on the operation and certification of small UAS.
The first step is to determine whether you are eligible for a remote pilot certificate. To be eligible, you must (1) be at least 16 years old, (2) be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language, and (3) not know or have reason to know that you have a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS.
There are different methods for obtaining a remote pilot certificate from the FAA, depending upon whether you are a pilot or nonpilot applicant.
You are a pilot applicant if you hold a pilot certificate (any grade, except student pilot, for any aircraft category) issued by the FAA under part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and have accomplished a flight review within the past 24 calendar months. If you do not meet these two requirements, you are a nonpilot applicant.
The next step is to follow any one of the pathways listed below, whether you are a pilot or nonpilot applicant.
1. Take the FAA Safety Team’s online course and obtain a copy of the online course completion certificate.
2. Apply for the remote pilot certificate through the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) or in writing using the paper application. AOPA recommends applying online because of the significantly shorter processing time.
In lieu of taking the FAA’s online course, the FAA allows a pilot applicant to take the remote pilot knowledge test and self-certify online without having to meet with an FAA-authorized individual to verify the application. To obtain a remote pilot certificate through this method, you must:
1. Locate a center for taking the FAA remote pilot knowledge test through Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS) or PSI/LaserGrade Computer Testing. Testing centers can be located and tests scheduled by going to this page.
2. Review the Remote Pilot–Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards to understand the aeronautical knowledge standards for the remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.
3. Take and pass the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General—Small (UAG) Knowledge Test, and obtain a knowledge test report. You must obtain at least a passing score (70 percent) on the knowledge test, which consists of 60 questions.
4. Apply for the remote pilot certificate through IACRA or in writing using the paper application. AOPA recommends applying online because of the significantly shorter processing time.
Unlike pilots with a current flight review, all other applicants must take and successfully pass the FAA remote pilot knowledge test. If you are a nonpilot applicant, comply with the following steps to obtain a remote pilot certificate.
1. Locate a center for taking the FAA remote pilot knowledge test through CATS or PSI/LaserGrade Computer Testing. The FAA maintains a complete testing center list.
2. Review the Remote Pilot–Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards to understand the aeronautical knowledge standards for the remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.
3. Take and pass the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General—Small (UAG) Knowledge Test, and obtain a knowledge test report. You must obtain at least a passing score (70 percent) on the knowledge test, which consists of 60 questions.
4. Apply for the remote pilot certificate through IACRA or in writing using the paper application. AOPA recommends applying online because of the significantly shorter processing time and the ability to obtain a temporary certificate.