Getting a drone license... do I need hands-on training?

Getting Started Topics Drone Regulations
1

Hey everyone! Total newbie here. I’ve got a quick (and probably dumb) question. If I want to get licensed to fly drones, can I just take an online course and pass the test without ever actually flying one?

I see a lot of online courses saying they’re all I need, but are those legit or just cash grabs? Do I have to go through an official training program to legally fly something like a DJI Air or Mavic?

Anything I should know before signing up for one of these courses?

Would love to hear from anyone with experience or a license!

2

If you’re just flying for fun, all you need to do is take the free FAA TRUST test online. Super easy, you literally can’t fail, and it only takes about 30 minutes.

If your drone is over 250g (which the Air and Mavic are), you also have to register it with the FAA through DroneZone.

If you’re thinking about making money with your drone (even as a side hustle), you’ll need a Part 107 license. A lot of people just use YouTube or free study guides to prep for the test. Paid courses like Pilot Institute are helpful if you want a structured way to learn, but they’re not required.

3

@Eli
Thanks! Super helpful!

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No flight experience required for a Part 107, just a written test and a background check.

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Presley said:
No flight experience required for a Part 107, just a written test and a background check.

Wait, there’s a background check for Part 107?

6

Bailey said:

Presley said:
No flight experience required for a Part 107, just a written test and a background check.

Wait, there’s a background check for Part 107?

Yep! TSA does a background check after you pass the test, which is why there’s a delay before you get your temporary certificate.

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Presley said:
No flight experience required for a Part 107, just a written test and a background check.

Good to know, appreciate it!

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There’s nothing on the test that actually covers flying a drone. You could pass with 100% without ever touching one.

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Are you in the US? And what’s your main reason for flying?

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Vitt said:
Are you in the US? And what’s your main reason for flying?

Yeah, I’m in the US. Mostly for fun, but I’d like to do some side work with it too.

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Sky said:

Vitt said:
Are you in the US? And what’s your main reason for flying?

Yeah, I’m in the US. Mostly for fun, but I’d like to do some side work with it too.

If it’s just for fun, all you need is the FAA TRUST test (takes like 15 minutes and is free).

If you want to make money with it, go ahead and start studying for the Part 107—you’ll need it for anything that isn’t purely recreational.

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Where are you and what drone do you want to fly? How much does it weigh?

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Dani said:
Where are you and what drone do you want to fly? How much does it weigh?

Probably a DJI Mavic or Air for fun. I know the Mini 4 Pro is a good option, but I’m just curious about the rules for the bigger drones.

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@Sky
Just Google ‘your location drone laws’—it’ll tell you everything you need to know.

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@Sky
Most important question: Where are you?