Why You Need Part 107 Drone Certification: 10 Benefits
Introduction
Welcome to our blog post on the 10 benefits of Part 107 Drone-Pilot-Certification. If you’re a drone enthusiast or considering a career in the drone industry, obtaining your Part 107 certification is an important step to take. But what exactly is Part 107 and why is it so important?
Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification is a certification program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows individuals to operate drones commercially in the United States. To become certified, individuals must pass a written exam covering topics such as airspace regulations, weather conditions, and emergency procedures.
Obtaining your Part 107 certification is crucial for several reasons.
First and foremost, it is a legal requirement for anyone operating a drone commercially in the United States. This means that if you want to use your drone for any type of business, such as photography or inspections, you must be certified by the FAA.
In addition to being a legal requirement, obtaining your Part 107 certification also demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field, which can help you stand out in a competitive market and potentially increase your income and business opportunities.
In this blog post, we will delve into the top 10 benefits of obtaining your Part 107 certification. From improved safety and risk management to increased credibility and professionalism, we will explore the many ways in which becoming a certified drone pilot can benefit you both personally and professionally. So let’s get started!
Benefit #1: Legal requirements for commercial drone operations
As a drone pilot, it’s important to understand and follow the regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial drone operations. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of all airspace users and the general public, and failure to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
Under Part 107, commercial drone pilots are required to:
- Obtain a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
- Pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months
- Use their drone for lawful purposes only
- Fly their drone during daylight hours or twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset) with appropriate lighting
- Keep their drone within visual line of sight at all times
- Fly their drone at or below 400 feet above ground level
- Fly their drone at a distance from people and property that does not present a hazard
- Fly their drone within Class G airspace unless they have received authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC)
By following these regulations, commercial drone pilots can ensure that they are operating safely and in compliance with the law. It’s important to note that these regulations may vary depending on the specific location and circumstances of your drone operation, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the FAA or local authority before flying.
In summary, obtaining your Part 107 certification and following FAA regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of your commercial drone operations. By doing so, you can avoid legal consequences and protect yourself and others from potential risks.
Benefit #2: Improved safety and risk management
One of the major benefits of obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification is the improved safety and risk management that it provides. By completing the certification training, you will gain a thorough understanding of safety protocols and best practices for operating drones. This includes knowledge of airspace regulations, weather conditions, emergency procedures, and maintenance practices.
Having this knowledge not only helps you to follow the laws and regulations surrounding drone operation but also allows you to identify and mitigate potential risks before they occur. For example, you might be able to recognize the signs of an impending equipment failure and take the necessary precautions to prevent an accident. Or you might be able to anticipate and avoid hazardous weather conditions that could affect your drone’s performance.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 certification gives you the tools and knowledge you need to operate your drone safely and responsibly. This not only protects you and your equipment, but it also helps to maintain the safety and integrity of the airspace for all users.
Benefit #3: Increased credibility and professionalism
Obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification not only demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field but also helps to increase your credibility and professionalism as a drone pilot.
When working with clients or seeking employment, having your Part 107 certification shows that you have taken the time and effort to learn the laws and regulations surrounding drone operation, as well as best practices for safety and risk management. This can help to build trust and confidence in your abilities and may make you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying jobs or contracts.
In addition, obtaining your Part 107 certification can also help you to stand out in a competitive market. With the growing demand for drones in various industries, there is an increasing number of people entering the field. By obtaining your certification, you can differentiate yourself from others who may not have taken the time to invest in their education and training.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification can have a positive impact on your credibility and professionalism as a drone pilot, which can lead to increased income and business opportunities.
Benefit #4: Ability to operate drones in controlled airspace
As a drone pilot, you may find that there are certain locations where you would like to operate your drone that are classified as controlled airspace. This includes areas such as airports, military bases, and other areas where traditional aircraft operations take place. In order to fly in these areas, you must obtain authorization from the FAA or other relevant authorities.
Under Part 107, there are several ways to obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace. One option is to obtain a waiver from the FAA, which allows you to fly in controlled airspace under certain conditions. Another option is to obtain authorization from the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system, which allows you to fly in controlled airspace near participating airports.
Obtaining authorization to fly in controlled airspace is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to access more locations and opportunities for drone operations. This can be especially useful if you are looking to expand your business or offer a wider range of services to clients. Additionally, operating in controlled airspace requires a higher level of knowledge and expertise, which can further demonstrate your professionalism and credibility as a drone pilot.
Overall, being able to operate your drone in controlled airspace is a major benefit of obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification. By following the proper procedures and obtaining the necessary authorization, you can access a wider range of locations and opportunities for your drone operations.
Benefit #5: Potential for increased income and business opportunities
Obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification not only demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field but can also open the door to a wider range of business opportunities and potentially increase your income.
One of the key benefits of obtaining your certification is that it makes you eligible for higher-paying jobs and contracts. Many companies and organizations are willing to pay a premium for the added level of expertise and professionalism that a certified drone pilot brings. In addition, having your certification may also make you eligible for a wider range of job opportunities, such as working with government agencies or operating in controlled airspace.
Another way in which obtaining your Part 107 certification can increase your income is by allowing you to offer a wider range of services to clients. For example, if you are certified to fly in controlled airspace, you may be able to offer drone services to companies that operate in or near airports. This can be a lucrative market for drone pilots, as these companies may have a greater need for aerial photography, inspections, or other services.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification can lead to increased income and business opportunities by making you eligible for higher-paying jobs and contracts, and allowing you to offer a wider range of services to clients.
Benefit #6: Professional development and career advancement
Obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification not only demonstrates your current knowledge and skills in the drone industry, but it also provides an opportunity for professional development and career advancement.
By completing the certification training, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in the drone industry. This can include learning about new technologies, trends, and best practices, as well as staying up-to-date on laws and regulations. In addition to the initial certification training, there are also ongoing training and professional development opportunities available to Part 107 certified pilots.
In addition to expanding your knowledge and skills, obtaining your Part 107 certification can also lead to career advancement in the growing and dynamic field of drones. As the demand for drones continues to increase in various industries, there is a need for skilled and knowledgeable pilots to meet that demand. By obtaining your certification, you can demonstrate your dedication and commitment to the field, which can open the door to new job opportunities and career advancement.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification is not only a way to demonstrate your current knowledge and skills, but it also provides an opportunity for professional development and career advancement in the growing and dynamic field of drones.
Benefit #7: Networking opportunities
Obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification not only expands your knowledge and skills in the field but also provides opportunities for networking with other professionals in the drone industry.
One way to connect with other professionals is through certification programs and events. Many certification programs offer networking opportunities, either through online communities or in-person events. These events can be a great way to meet other pilots and industry professionals, exchange ideas and knowledge, and potentially discover new job or collaboration opportunities.
In addition to networking through certification programs and events, obtaining your Part 107 certification can also open the door to collaboration and partnership opportunities. As a certified drone pilot, you may be able to work with other professionals or companies to offer a wider range of services to clients, or to combine your skills and expertise to pursue larger projects or contracts.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification can provide valuable networking opportunities that can help you to connect with other professionals in the industry, and potentially discover new job or collaboration opportunities.
Benefit #8: Access to resources and support
As a Part 107 certified drone pilot, you will have access to a wide range of resources and support from the FAA and other organizations to help you succeed in your career.
One of the key benefits of obtaining your certification is the availability of resources and support from the FAA. The FAA offers a variety of resources for Part 107 certified pilots, including guidance on regulations, safety tips, and information on obtaining authorization to fly in controlled airspace. In addition, the FAA also offers ongoing training and professional development opportunities for certified pilots to stay up-to-date on the latest laws, technologies, and best practices in the field.
In addition to the resources and support offered by the FAA, there are also a number of other organizations that offer support and resources for drone pilots. This can include industry associations, local authorities, and private companies that offer training, support, and resources for drone pilots.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification provides access to a wide range of resources and support from the FAA and other organizations, as well as the potential for ongoing training and professional development opportunities. These resources and support can be invaluable in helping you succeed in your career as a drone pilot.
Benefit #9: Enhanced professional image
In addition to the other benefits of obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification, having this credential can also enhance your professional image.
Customers and clients often view a Part 107 certification as a sign of professionalism and reliability. By obtaining this credential, you are demonstrating to potential clients that you have taken the time and effort to learn the laws and regulations surrounding drone operation, as well as best practices for safety and risk management. This can help to build trust and confidence in your abilities as a drone pilot and may make you a more attractive choice for clients seeking aerial services.
In addition to enhancing your professional image, having a Part 107 certification can also help to set you apart from other drone pilots who may not have taken the time to invest in their education and training. This can be especially useful in a competitive market, where clients may have a choice between multiple operators.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification can enhance your professional image by demonstrating your professionalism and reliability to potential clients, and setting you apart from other pilots in the field.
Benefit #10: Potential for higher income
Finally, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification may also lead to higher income for your business.
As a Part 107 certified pilot, you may be able to charge higher rates for your services due to your added level of knowledge and expertise. Many customers are willing to pay a premium for the added level of professionalism and reliability that a certified pilot brings. In addition, obtaining your certification may also make you eligible for higher-paying jobs and contracts, as mentioned in Benefit #5.
In addition to higher rates and potentially higher-paying jobs, obtaining your Part 107 certification may also allow you to offer a wider range of services to clients. For example, if you are certified to fly in controlled airspace, you may be able to offer drone services to companies that operate in or near airports, as mentioned in Benefit #4. This can be a lucrative market for drone pilots, as these companies may have a greater need for aerial photography, inspections, or other services.
Overall, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification may lead to higher income for your business by allowing you to charge higher rates for your services, potentially making you eligible for higher-paying jobs and contracts, and allowing you to offer a wider range of services to clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification comes with a number of benefits that can help you succeed in your career as a drone pilot. From legal requirements for commercial drone operations to improved safety and risk management, increased credibility and professionalism, and the ability to operate drones in controlled airspace, the benefits of obtaining your certification are numerous.
In addition to these benefits, obtaining your Part 107 certification also opens the door to increased income and business opportunities, professional development and career advancement, networking opportunities, and access to resources and support. All of these benefits can help you to succeed in the growing and dynamic field of drones.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the drone industry, we encourage you to consider obtaining your Part 107 Drone-Pilot Certification. By doing so, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
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