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Pilot Certification Part 107 Pathway

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Getting your Drone Pilot License should not be taken lightly. 

You will personally be held responsible by the federal government for the proper handling of a drone and there are federally related consequences for not complying with all of the state and federal regulations.

Becoming a Part 107 Drone Pilot is becoming a pilot. A real pilot whose license is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration! 

The FAA Recommends 15-20 Hours of Study.

You need a 70% grade to pass.

How hard is the unmanned aircraft test?

The FAA Part 107 drone pilot license test is quite challenging. Attempting to pass the exam without studying will almost certainly provide less than stellar results. That said, it's not rocket science, and 15 to 20 hours of dedicated study time should help you prepare well enough to pass the test on the first try.

Study for the Exam

Become a Drone Pilot

Study for Knowledge Test

Practice Test

Part 107 Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials

The following resources are just shared as additional online courses to help prepare, these are not provided by the District and would be a teacher or school site purchase. These have not been reviewed or vetted by IETS and are shared as additional resources. You are responsible for passing the exam on your own.

  • Free FAA Training Course Online - link

  • Free Drone Certification Study Video on YouTube - link

  • LinkedIn Learning in the MCS App Portal for MCS Staff is provided by the District to all staff and they have courses you can view - link

  • Drone Launch Academy - link

  • Drone Pilot Ground School - link

  • UDEMY 4hour FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test Prep for Drone Pilots - link

Drone Pilot Certification pathway follows the Part 107 guidelines if use of drone will involve photography, videography, HVAC, and/or use at work.

Complete these steps before you fly your Drone.

Note: If Intent is not photography, videography, HVAC, and/or use at work - and intent is only educational purpose for teacher and student then you will want to follow the Teacher Educational Pathway.

Step 1

  1. Complete the online TRUST self-paced course and exam. This exam is free and 100% correctable with 23 questions that takes 15-30minutes and covers Drone Requirements, Preparation, Safety, and Limitations.

  2. Register with your District Email Address and complete the TRUST at https://dronetrust.com/faa-trust

  3. Upload your TRUST certificate to this MCS Online Form: https://mcsedtech.com/dronetrustcert

Important Note: Your account will be deleted per FAA requirements; so, make sure you save your certificate immediately after completing the course to upload to the form in the link above.

Step 2

FAA-Certified Drone Pilot Passing the Knowledge Test - (Unmanned Aircraft General UAG Exam). Exam is for ages at least 16 years old, 60 questions, $175 for test. The cost is a School Site or Department expense. Note: the test is in-person and the testing centers may be 30 miles or more from your current location with operating hours during the workday.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Getting your Drone Pilot License should not be taken lightly. 

You will personally be held responsible by the federal government for the proper handling of a drone and there are federally related consequences for not complying with all of the state and federal regulations.

Becoming a Part 107 Drone Pilot is becoming a pilot. A real pilot whose license is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration! 

The FAA Recommends 15-20 Hours of Study.

You need a 70% grade to pass.

How hard is the unmanned aircraft test?

The FAA Part 107 drone pilot license test is quite challenging. Attempting to pass the exam without studying will almost certainly provide less than stellar results. That said, it's not rocket science, and 15 to 20 hours of dedicated study time should help you prepare well enough to pass the test on the first try.

Study for Exam

Become a Drone Pilot

Study for Knowledge Test

Practice Test

Part 107 Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials

The following resources are just shared as additional online courses to help prepare, these are not provided by the District and would be teacher or school site purchase. These have not been reviewed or vetted by IETS and are shared as additional resources. You are responsible for passing the exam on your own.

  • Free FAA Training Course Online - link

  • Free Drone Certification Study Video on YouTube - link

  • LinkedIn Learning in the MCS App Portal for MCS Staff is provided by the District to all staff and they have courses you can view - link

  • Drone Launch Academy - link

  • Drone Pilot Ground School - link

  • UDEMY 4hour FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test Prep for Drone Pilots - link

  1. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

    1. Select "Applicant"

    2. Accept the Terms of Service

    3. Skip the "Certificate Information"

    4. Fill out the form

    5. Keep note/track of your FTN and your account username and password, you will need it to fill out the FAA Form 8710-13 in the steps below.

  2. Schedule Test Appointment (Contact Matthew Ketchum if there is a date MCS will host the exam)

  3. Complete FAA Form 8710-13

    1. Login with your FTN account on this website and complete your application

  4. Once you take the exam and pass upload your Pilot Certification to this MCS Online Form: https://mcsedtech.com/dronepilotcert

Step 3

Have current registration number marked on all your drone(s) in your classroom.

Note: Pilot registers once and applies the same registration number on all of their drones (UAS)

  1. Drone Registration is $5, valid for 3 years at FAADroneZone https://faadronezone.faa.gov , Choose "I fly under The Exception for Recreational Flyer". Cost is a School Site or Department expense.

  2. Submit your registration number for your drone(s) to this MCS Online Form: https://mcsedtech.com/droneregistration

Step 4

Review and follow these MCS Drone Board Policies:

BP 3515.21
Adopted on 3/28/2022

AR 3515.21
Adopted 3/2/2022

Exhibit 3515.21
Adopted on 3/2/2022
Online Form Version

From AR 3515.21:

The following restrictions apply to the time, place, and manner of Drones in our District. Violations of any restrictions listed in the policy may result in revocation of District flight approval and future use.

  • Only with persons with appropriate certification and approval may fly the Drone.

  • Drone may only be flown during daylight hours.

  • Operator must be within visual line of sight of Drone and in control at all times.

  • Drone may not be flown over outdoor athletic facilities or stadiums when people are

  • present.

  • Drone may not be flown over people

  • Drone may not be flown within 100 feet of buildings.

  • Drone may not be flown within 150 feet of persons or animals.

  • Drone may not be flown in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.

  • Maximum altitude of 400 feet. Institutional airspace includes that portion of the

  • air space between the surface of the ground and 300 feet above the ground or above a building or structure erected on the property.

  • Drone must stay well away from manned aircraft, especially low-flying helicopters.

  • Drone may not be flown in a manner which interferes with ground vehicles or traffic.

  • Drone may not be flown inside buildings.

  • Drone may not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information which may be found, for example, on an individual’s workspaces, on computer, or other electronic displays.

  • Drone may not be flown over Early Childhood Education center facilities.

  • Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission.

  • Drone may not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. These areas include but are not limited to restrooms, locker rooms, changing or dressing rooms, and health treatment rooms.

Step 5

Review these guidelines from Risk Management:

  • Do not fly Drones indoors.

  • School Sites/Departments will be responsible for the Pilot Certification Tests for Teachers/Staff/Students that would be flying the drone ($175 per teacher one time cost) and the $5 every 3 years registration fee for the Teacher/Staff to register their drone(s)

  • School Sites/Departments are responsible for up to $125K of liability damage in any drone incidents

  • School Sites/Departments are responsible for any costs related to lost/damaged drones

  • Risk Management wants to make sure that all operators (Teachers, Staff, or Students) sign and acknowledge an agreement that includes the policy notes, rules, and regulations that are included in the Drone Drivers License program

Step 6

Every time you want to fly the drone complete the MCS Online Form for Permit For Use of Drones Over District Property at https://mcsedtech.com/dronepermittofly

Submit this form at least 5 days before needing approval for use.

Approval: from this request you will receive information if you have been approved for your planned drone activity. Do not operate without approved permission.

Note: Orville Wright Elementary School will not be able to fly Drones due to the location of the school being near the Modesto Airport.

Step 7

MCS Drone Drivers License Agreement to Sign

Sign this agreement on this online form: https://mcsedtech.com/droneagreement

Resources:

FAA Drone Regulations Part 107

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