Arizona Drone Pilot Training and Part 107 Test Info
Find drone training Arizona plus all the information that you need to get your Remote Pilot
Certificate aka Drone License and fly drones commercially. The future is bright for the Unmanned Aircraft System industry as the demand for commercial drone pilots increases.
On June 21, 2016, the FAA released its long awaited Part 107 to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR). These rules allow small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) which are under 55 lbs to be flown commercially in the National Airspace System. On August 29, 2016 the new Part 107 rules became effective and you are now required to get a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS Rating in order to legally fly drones for commercial or business purposes. To get this certificate, you must PASS the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot aeronautical knowledge test.
Click here to find an FAA Part 107 test center location.
Please note: If you already have a Part 61 pilot certificate, you may only be required to take the online training course Part 107 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) ALC-451. All others can use this online course as a practice test.
To apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate aka drone license after passing the Part 107 knowledge test, click through to How Do I Become A Drone Pilot for your next steps.
Part 107 Knowledge Test Study Guide
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published a free Study Guide to help prepare you to take the Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating Airman Knowledge Test. To download your free copy, click here.
Drone Training in Arizona:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, Arizona
Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems
This Bachelor’s degree offered at ERAU Prescott focuses on the civil and commercial applications of UAS for data collection, editing, delivery and retrieval. Students will gain knowledge of aviation regulations, security issues, technology and meteorology as well as hands-on flight training on both rotary-wing and fixed-wing UASs.
There is also an on-campus airfield where students earn their FAA Remote Pilot In-Command (RPIC) certificate.
This program provides the necessary training for students to get UAV jobs as pilots/operators, observers, sensor operators, and/or operations administrators of unmanned aircraft systems(UAS).
It is expected within the next couple of years that 70,000 new jobs will be created in the USA in the commercial UAS industry.
Arizona State University
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Tempe, Arizona
Unmanned Aerial Systems, B.S.
This program offers a concentration in unmanned aerial systems under the Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Management Technology. Students will be prepared for UAS jobs in operations, remote sensing data collection and analysis.
Cochise College
Douglas, Arizona
Cochise College offers students three Associate of Applied Science degrees to choose from:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Operations – Associate of Applied Science (Major Code – UAS)
This degree prepares students to safely and effectively operate unmanned aircraft systems for commercial uses in the national airspace system.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician – Associate of Applied Science (Major Code – UAVT)
This degree is intended for current unmanned aircraft systems technicians seeking to improve their education and career prospects in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) field. It focuses on mechanical and electronic aircraft systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight Operator – Associate of Applied Science (Major Code – UAVO)
This degree is intended for current Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight operators seeking to improve their education and career prospects in the field. It focuses on aviation systems and the flight operation of UAVs.
Unmanned Vehicle University
Phoenix, Arizona
UAV Pilot Training Certificate
This UAV Pilot Training Program is made up of 3 phases. The first 2 phases you can complete at home and the third phase which consists of two days of hands on flight training is taught at the flight school.
After successfully completing the program, students will receive their UAV Pilot Certificate which will state 10 hours of simulator training, 16 hours of ground school and 16 hours of flight training.
Looking for drone training in a different state? Check out the map on our drone pilot schools page.
Part 107 Highlights:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating or be supervised directly by someone who does have this certificate.
- The drone must not weigh more than 55 lbs including any attached cargo.
- The UAS is not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet above the ground.
- The maximum speed allowed for the drone is 100 mph.
- The UAS needs to always be within the pilot’s line of sight without binoculars. Operation of the UAS is limited to daylight hours and during twilight hours only if the drone has anti-collision lights.
- You are not allowed to fly the drone over people who are not directly involved in the UAS operation.
- If the FAA requests your drone for inspection or testing, it must be made available with all records that are required under the new rule.
- Any UAS operation that causes a serious injury, loss of consciousness or property damage (not to the UAS) of at least $500 must be reported within 10 days to the FAA.
You can read the Summary of Part 107.
Read the complete Small UAS Rule here.
Not that long ago, it was impossible to become a qualified commercial drone pilot in Arizona or any other state in the United States. This position was reserved for members of the military, but times have changed and the field has opened up to regular civilians.
Is Drone Training a Great Way to Get a High-Paying Job?
Many people in Arizona will initially gravitate toward flying drones commercially because they heard that it is a high-paying form of employment. And the great thing about it is that they are absolutely right. Since drone pilots are in such high demand, this field is actually paying more than many others right now.
Just like any other field, proper training is always a must. To truly capitalize on the new opportunities, you’ll need to invest in the best UAV pilot training Arizona has to offer.
Is UAV Pilot Training a Huge Time Investment?
Thankfully, for many people looking to get into this field sooner rather than later, they will be happy to know that they won’t have to invest thousands of hours of their life in order to fly drones professionally.
On the contrary, the reason why so many people like flying UAVs is because they do not have to invest nearly the amount of time that they would if they were to become a traditional pilot.
As of right now, it’s estimated that you can qualify to become a licensed drone pilot with less than 100 hours of training.
After looking at one of the best courses in drone pilot training Arizona has to offer, we see that the program requires 10 hours on a PC drone simulator, 16 hours of web-based ground school, and two days of hands-on flight training which will help you prepare to take the FAA Part 107 written exam.
Is it a Huge Monetary Investment?
Now that you know you will not have to spend a great deal of time in a uav pilot training program, you might be wondering how much this is going to cost you.
Most people realize that college costs students tens of thousands of dollars. So they have to wonder if these courses are going to cost about the same.
We are happy to tell you that there are many drone classes available for only a fraction of that price.
The example school that we used above, when explaining their training hours, only charges $3500 for their services.
When you compare that to paying $10,000 per semester at a local state college, you can see that that price is a mere drop in the bucket.
Drone Pilot Training Center is dedicated to providing the information that you need to become a successful drone pilot. Check back for updates at https://www.dronepilottrainingcenter.com for drone pilot license info.
Related Pages: