Yes, if you want to fly a drone for money or any other form of compensation in the United States, you need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. This certification is also required for commercial drone operations, such as aerial photography, videography, surveying, or inspections.
To obtain the FAA 107 certification, you need to pass an aeronautical knowledge test that covers a variety of topics related to drone operations, airspace regulations, safety procedures, and emergency situations. You must also be at least 16 years old, be able to speak, read, and write in English, and pass a background check.
Once you have the FAA 107 certification, you can legally operate a drone for commercial purposes, as long as you follow the FAA regulations and safety guidelines. This includes registering your drone with the FAA, flying only in approved airspace, maintaining visual line of sight with your drone, and avoiding other aircraft and people on the ground. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal penalties, or even criminal charges.
Therefore, if you plan to fly a drone for money, it’s essential to obtain the FAA 107 certification to ensure that you’re operating your drone legally and safely.