Drone Flying and FAA License

TacoSenpai · April 1

A new hobby I'm trying to get into is flying drones and capturing footage. Specifically, I'm a fan of many of the natural wildlife conservation areas and parks we have here in Florida. I'd love to fly a drone around both as a hobby and to see what I can find when I explore these areas. I understand that apparently there are FAA license requirements to even operate a drone. I wanted to ask if anyone here has gone through getting a license and the test the FAA gives and where I should start. I would also love to know what to study before I go in for the license.

Link for reference.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot

On another topic is this even necessary if say I just want to do this as a hobby for recreational purposes?

TetraSky · April 1

18 minutes ago, TacoSenpai said:

On another topic is this even necessary if say I just want to do this as a hobby for recreational purposes?

In florida, it is.

https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-florida/

Quote

To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the state of Florida (i.e. for fun / pleasure) you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). You are also required to follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules. One of those rules is that if your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250g), you’ll need to pay $5 to get it registered. There are additional rules when it comes to airspace and altitude, keeping your drone within line-of-sight while you’re flying, and more.

You're also not allowed to fly a drone in any state parks

https://www.floridastateparks.org/plan-your-visit/faqs

Find more about drone laws in Florida

https://pilotinstitute.com/drones/states/florida/

m1lk3y · April 1

The FAA tests are fairly easy to take, multiple choice questions with only 3 answers to pick from. You don't need to pay for anything as the FAA has created a free study guide for exactly what you're looking for. If you really want to pay for something, ASA makes great study guides and it's 10 bucks for the e-book.

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf.

As far as the regulation side of it goes, 14 CFR Part 107 is what you'd be delving in to. It goes in to detail on everything you would need to follow. I know aircraft are recommended to stay at least 2000 feet above wildlife zones and national parks, but I'm sure it's different for a small drone, just double check the regulations.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107

Just follow that checklist that you linked to and you'll be good to go.

TacoSenpai · April 1

Thanks for the info guys this really helps I'm excited to get into this.

m1lk3y · April 1

1 hour ago, TacoSenpai said:

Thanks for the info guys this really helps I'm excited to get into this.

Hope it's a good hobby for you! One last thing I didn't mention, it's going to cost $175 to sign up to take the test, and a re-test if you fail is the same cost. So make sure you go to the test fully prepared! Good luck!