This is the third blog post in our series about building an in-house drone team. Check out the other two posts here and here, which cover the benefits of implementing in-house data collection teams and how to train technicians to fly drones.

By Pace Farbstein, Data Collection Strategist at Raptor Maps

Why Get an FAA Part 107 Drone License? 

To legally operate drones in the United States, you must secure an FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License. This license ensures that drone operators possess the necessary expertise and competence to fly safely and responsibly. 

If solar workers are licensed as drone pilots, owners and operators don’t need to use contractors, which results in a great amount of operational flexibility because inspections or other drone-related activity can be performed as part of any truck roll. 

Aside from filling out the necessary paperwork and sitting for the licensing exam, technicians will need to commit roughly 10 hours to studying for the test. 

What are the Total Costs of Getting an FAA Part 107 Drone License? 

The Part 107 exam costs a one-time fee of $175. 

Steps for Getting an FAA Part 107 Drone License:

1. Apply for an FAA Tracking Number

Start your journey towards becoming a licensed solar drone pilot by obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This is accomplished by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile. Having your FTN is a prerequisite before moving on to the knowledge test.

2. Study for and Pass the Required Knowledge Test

With your FTN in hand, proceed to schedule an appointment at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. The aeronautical knowledge test, known as "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)," is a pivotal step in the licensing process. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including regulations, airspace classification, aviation weather, aircraft performance, emergency procedures, and more.

Studying for the examination takes an estimated 10 hours. 

3. Submit Paperwork and Pass a Background Check

Following successful completion of the knowledge test, you'll need to fill out FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA). 

After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation email indicating the completion of the TSA security background check. This email will contain instructions for obtaining a temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.

Once all FAA-internal processes are finalized, you will receive your permanent remote pilot certificate via mail. This certificate serves as your official authorization for commercial drone operations. Always keep your Remote Pilot Certificate readily available when operating your unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under Part 107 regulations over a solar installation. 

4. Register Your Drone with the FAA

Before taking your drone to the skies over a solar farm, it's essential to register it with the FAA. Drone registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. For more information on drone registration, refer to the FAA's official guidance on "How to Register Your Drone."

5. Keep Your Certificate Current

After obtaining your Remote Pilot Certificate, it is crucial to stay informed and updated. To operate UAS under Part 107, complete an online training course every two years. 

By adhering to these steps and maintaining your knowledge and skills, you will establish yourself as a responsible and legally compliant solar drone pilot under Part 107 regulations.

Why is Part 107 Vital for Internal Drone Operations?

Implementing in-house drone teams in solar farms demands compliance with Part 107 regulations. Acquiring this license is not just a legal requirement; it is the gateway to unleashing the potential of drones for efficient data capture, improved workforce investment, and substantial cost savings within solar asset management. 

As the solar industry continues to evolve, embracing Part 107 licensing for internal drone operations becomes fundamental to harnessing the full potential of drones for solar farm maintenance, inspection, and optimization–including substation inspections, SCADA-alert-driven missions, and tracker malfunction monitoring.

Having solar workers licensed as Part 107 pilots is also an increasingly valuable form of workforce development for solar owners and operators seeking to attract and retain skilled talent. 

READ MORE: The Benefits of Implementing In-House Data Collection Programs

For more insights on operationalizing internal drone teams or guidance on navigating the Part 107 licensing process, reach out to us at Raptor Maps. Empower your solar operations with compliant and efficient aerial inspections, paving the way for a sustainable solar future.