A drone pilot license, officially known as an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, is good for 24 calendar months. To remain qualified to operate a drone under Part 107, pilots must complete recurrent training every two years.
Understanding the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate's Validity
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets clear guidelines for the validity and maintenance of the Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification is crucial for anyone looking to operate a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) commercially or for non-recreational purposes in the United States.
Initial Validity Period
Upon successfully passing the initial Part 107 knowledge test, your Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. This two-year timeframe ensures that drone pilots stay current with regulations, best practices, and airspace requirements, which can evolve over time.
Maintaining Your Certification: The Recurrent Training Requirement
To keep your Remote Pilot Certificate active beyond the initial 24-month period, you are required to complete recurrent training. This is not a full re-test, but rather a specific online course designed to refresh your knowledge and ensure you are aware of any updates to Part 107 regulations.
Key aspects of the recurrent training:
- Course Name: The required training is the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent training course, often referred to by its FAA Airman Learning Course (ALC) identifier, ALC-677.
- Cost: This online recurrent training course is typically provided by the FAA at no cost.
- Frequency: You must complete this training every 24 calendar months to maintain your qualification.
- Purpose: The primary goal of recurrent training is to ensure pilots stay informed about safety-critical information, regulatory changes, and operational best practices, thereby contributing to the safe integration of drones into the national airspace.
Key Information About Remote Pilot Certificate Renewal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity Period | 24 calendar months from the date of issuance or previous recurrent training completion. |
| Requirement | Completion of the FAA's online Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent training course (ALC-677). |
| Where to Access | The course is available through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website, which offers free online courses for aviation professionals. Look for the "Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent" course. |
| Consequences | Failure to complete the recurrent training within the 24-month window will result in your Remote Pilot Certificate becoming invalid for Part 107 operations until the training is completed. You would not be legally permitted to fly a drone commercially or for non-recreational purposes. |
| Cost | Free. |
| Format | Online course, typically consisting of modules covering airspace, regulations, weather, and operational considerations. |
Steps to Renew Your Drone Pilot License
Maintaining your Remote Pilot Certificate is a straightforward process once you know the steps:
- Monitor Your Expiration Date: Keep track of when your 24-month period is nearing its end. The FAA does not always send direct reminders.
- Access the FAASTeam Website: Navigate to the official FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website. This is the primary platform for accessing the recurrent training.
- Locate the Course: Search for the "Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent" course or "ALC-677".
- Complete the Training: Engage with the course material, which typically includes several modules and a short online assessment at the end to confirm understanding.
- Print Your Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion, the system will provide you with a certificate. While you don't receive a new physical card for recurrent training, it's good practice to keep a copy of this completion certificate for your records. This acts as proof that you have met the recurrent training requirement.
By completing this recurrent training, you ensure that you remain legally qualified to conduct drone operations under Part 107, contributing to safe and compliant drone practices.
