A Guide to Obtaining a Pilot Certificate for Flying Drones
Flying drones for business, entrepreneurial, government, or national reasons requires obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here are the steps to obtain the certificate:
1.Determine eligibility:To become a pilot, you must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone.
2.Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test:
The test is called “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)” and covers topics such as regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.
3.Complete FAA Form 8710-13:This form is for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA) .
4.Pass the TSA security background check:Once you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.
5.Receive the permanent remote pilot certificate:A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.
Find great information at the Ferderal Aviation Administration
Drone Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
Drones have become increasingly popular, and not only for commercial use. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that over 871,000 drones were registered in the United States as of January 2023, and the majority (over 530,000) were designated for recreational purposes 1. However, using homeowner’s insurance for your drone may require you to pay your homeowner’s insurance deductible, which may not be feasible for many claims. For those reasons, drone owners can and probably should purchase drone liability coverage that covers property damage or bodily injuries caused by their drone. You can also look into hull coverage that covers physical damage to your drone, as well as add-on coverage for equipment, remote controls, and more.Types of Drone Insurance
There are two main types of drone insurance: liability and hull coverage.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is a type of insurance that covers property damage or bodily injuries caused by your drone. This type of insurance is essential for anyone who flies a drone, whether for commercial or recreational purposes. Liability coverage can help protect you from lawsuits and other legal claims that may arise if your drone causes damage or injury to someone else’s property or person.
Hull Coverage
Hull coverage is a type of insurance that covers physical damage to your drone. This type of insurance is important if you own an expensive drone or use it for commercial purposes. Hull coverage can help protect you from the financial loss that may result if your drone is damaged or destroyed.
How to Get Drone Insurance
Here are some steps to follow to get drone insurance:
1. Determine your needs: Determine what type of coverage you need based on how you use your drone.
2. Research insurance providers: Research insurance providers that offer drone insurance and compare their coverage, flexibility, and cost.
3. Get quotes: Get quotes from different insurance providers to compare their prices and coverage.
4. Choose a policy: Choose a policy that meets your needs and budget.
Best Drone Insurance Companies
Here are some of the best drone insurance companies:
1. BWI Fly: BWI Fly offers annual drone insurance policies with full liability coverage with limits from $500,000 to $25 million.
2. SkyWatch.AI: SkyWatch.AI offers flexible drone insurance policies that can be customized to your needs.
3. Thimble: Thimble offers on-demand drone insurance policies that can be purchased by the hour, day, or month.
4. DroneInsurance.com: DroneInsurance.com offers international drone insurance policies that cover liability and hull damage.
5. Avion Drone Insurance: Avion Drone Insurance offers drone insurance policies that are tailored to weddings and events.
6. United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG): USAIG offers drone insurance policies that are tailored to businesses.
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Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and many people are using them for business purposes. However, if you want to fly a drone for business purposes in the United States, you need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 1. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones1. You can obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing an initial aeronautical knowledge exam called “Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)” and completing an online application 1. You must also complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency 1. If you’re flying a drone for recreational purposes, you don’t need a Remote Pilot Certificate, but you do need to register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) 23. When flying a drone, it’s important to use caution and follow the rules and regulations set by the FAA. Here are some areas to use caution when flying:
Airspace restrictions:
Learn about airspace restrictions, especially around airports, so your drone does not endanger people or other aircraft 4.No-fly zones:
The FAA has ruled certain areas to be no-fly zones where you won’t be able to fly your drone. These include stadiums and sporting events, near airports, security-sensitive airspace restrictions, restricted or special use airspace, and Washington, DC 5.Flying near people:
Don’t fly your drone over groups of people, as this can be dangerous and violate privacy laws 6.Flying near other aircraft:
Don’t fly your drone near other aircraft, especially near airports, as this can be dangerous and violate FAA regulations 6.Flying at night:
If you want to fly your drone at night, you need to obtain a waiver from the FAA 2. By following these guidelines and using caution when flying your drone, you can ensure that you’re flying safely and legally. References:
1 Become a Drone Pilot | Federal Aviation Administration
2 Drone Regulations: What You Need to Know | PCMag
3 Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone (For Beginners) "
4 where_can_i_fly | Federal Aviation Administration
5 Do I Need a Drone License to Fly a Drone? [Read Before You Fly] - DroneGuru