I got my drone license!

I recently passed my FAA Part 107 test and now have my Remote Pilot license and I can legally fly drones commercially. That means I can now legally work as a drone operator on film sets, commercial shoots, real estate projects, and any other production that needs high-quality aerial cinematography in Atlanta or anywhere in the United States. I took an online course through Pilot Institute to prepare, and it was a challenge. The whole thing took me about three weeks to finish, and the material was surprisingly technical. This is not just a drone license. It is a real pilot certification, and you have to learn a lot about airspace, airports, weather systems, and how to read aeronautical charts.

I am really glad I took the course because I do not think I would have passed the test without it. It came with quizzes and practice exams that helped me memorize all the details. The class itself was pretty dry and boring, so I am proud of myself for sticking with it and finishing.

The actual test was intense. I went to a testing center where they made me empty my pockets and locked it all in a bag. I had to take off my glasses for them to inspect. They patted me down and used a metal detector wand. It felt like going through airport security just to take an exam. Once I sat down, they gave me a huge book filled with reference materials, and they set a timer for two hours. The aeronautical maps are incredibly hard to read because they are so detailed and cramped, so I brought a magnifying glass. That was one of the best tips I got from the course. The exam itself was intense. I had to go to a testing center with very strict security. They made me empty my pockets and lock all my belongings in a bag. Then they patted me down and used a metal detector to make sure I wasn’t hiding anything. They even had me take off my glasses so they could inspect them. Once I was cleared, they set a two-hour timer and I started the exam. Being treated like a criminal before the test made me feel anxious, and the test itself definitely didn’t help calm my nerves. They handed me a large book that looked like it was made in the 80s, and I had to refer to it constantly, mostly for aeronautical maps. Thankfully, the instructor at Pilot Institute told me to bring a magnifying glass - without it, I would not have been able to make out the tiny, cluttered details on those maps. I’ll include a picture at the bottom so you can see what I mean.

Despite being nervous, I scored an 88. If I had gotten a 90, the Pilot Institute would have sent me a free T-shirt. I was close, but I am still happy with the score.

Now I am officially certified and ready to offer drone work for productions. I have my temporary certificate, so I can legally fly for clients while I wait for the permanent one to arrive. If you are looking for a drone operator in Atlanta or anywhere in the Southeast, get in touch. I am available for drone cinematography, commercial shoots, and any other projects that need a licensed drone pilot.

This is one of the aeronautical charts I had to learn.

Here is an example of another technical thing I had to learn.

This was the online class I took to prepare for the exam.