Thinking about becoming a drone pilot? You’re in luck! The drone industry is growing fast, and skilled pilots have lots of cool job opportunities.
Whether you want to take amazing aerial photos, help with search and rescue, or work in construction, getting certified is the first step.
You can make between $55,000 to $100,000 a year as a drone pilot. But to earn the big bucks, you need the right training.
We’ve looked at some of the best online drone pilot courses to help you get started.
These programs will teach you everything you need to know to pass the FAA test and start your exciting new career in the sky.
1) Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification by FAA
Want to fly drones for work? You’ll need to get your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification from the FAA.
This license lets you legally operate drones for commercial purposes in the US.
To get certified, you’ll need to pass a knowledge test.
The test covers airspace rules, weather, drone regulations, and more.
Don’t worry – there are lots of study resources to help you prepare.
Once you pass the test, you’ll get your Remote Pilot Certificate.
This is good for 2 years.
After that, you’ll need to take a free online recurrent training course to keep your certification active.
The Part 107 certification opens up tons of job opportunities.
You could do aerial photography, inspect buildings, or even help with search and rescue missions.
The sky’s the limit!
Remember, safety comes first when flying drones.
The FAA’s rules are there to keep everyone safe in the air and on the ground.
Happy flying!
2) Pilot Institute Drone Course
Pilot Institute offers top-notch drone training for all skill levels.
They have over 30 free and paid classes to help you learn how to fly drones like a pro.
Their Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot License Course is a standout option.
It preps you for the FAA Part 107 test so you can fly drones commercially in the US.
The course is super easy to follow.
You’ll get all the info you need to ace the exam and become an FAA certified commercial drone pilot fast.
Pilot Institute is so confident in their training that they offer a money-back guarantee.
If you don’t pass the test, you’ll get $175 plus a full refund.
Their instructors really know their stuff.
They keep up with the latest FAA exam changes to make sure you’re ready for anything.
Besides the Part 107 course, Pilot Institute has classes on thermal imaging and other advanced drone skills.
These can help you stay ahead in your drone career.
3) Drone Launch Academy
Want to get your Part 107 license without breaking the bank? Drone Launch Academy might be just what you’re looking for.
This online school offers a comprehensive Part 107 course that covers everything you need to know for the FAA exam.
You’ll learn about airspace, weather, and drone regulations.
The best part? They offer a pass guarantee.
If you complete all the modules and get a passing score on their practice exam, you’re covered if you don’t pass the real thing on your first try.
Drone Launch Academy isn’t just about getting your license, though.
They also have courses on drone photography and videography to help you take your skills to the next level.
One cool thing about this school is their focus on real-world applications.
You’ll learn how to use drones for things like surveying and inspection work.
The course is self-paced, so you can fit it into your busy schedule.
Plus, you get lifetime access to the materials, which is great for brushing up on your knowledge later.
4) The Drone U
Looking for a top-notch drone pilot course? Check out The Drone U.
They offer a bunch of cool online training options for drone enthusiasts like you.
Their courses are taught by real pros who fly drones for a living.
That means you’re getting the inside scoop from people who know their stuff.
For just $57 a month, you get full access to all their drone courses.
Pretty sweet deal, right? You can learn at your own pace and watch the lessons as many times as you want.
The Drone U covers everything from basic flying skills to advanced techniques.
They even help you start your own drone business if that’s what you’re after.
One of the best parts? They’ve got a huge library of FAA material.
It’s broken down into easy-to-read chunks, so you won’t get overwhelmed.
You’ll also find tons of practice questions to help you prep for the real tests.
With over 350 sample quiz questions, you’ll be ready to ace your certification exams in no time.
5) Remote Pilot 101
Want to become a certified drone pilot? Check out Remote Pilot 101.
This online course is perfect for anyone looking to pass the FAA Part 107 test and get their remote pilot certificate.
The course is made by Jason Schappert, a pilot and flight instructor.
He’s known for making flying easier to understand for beginners.
Remote Pilot 101 breaks down complex topics into bite-sized lessons.
You’ll learn about airspace rules, weather, and drone operations.
The course also includes practice tests to help you prepare for the real exam.
One cool thing about this course is that you get lifetime access.
This means you can review the material whenever you need to, even after you’ve passed your test.
You’ll also get updates when drone rules change.
This helps you stay current with FAA regulations.
If you’re serious about becoming a drone pilot, Remote Pilot 101 is a solid choice.
It’s designed to help you pass the test and start your career in unmanned aviation.
6) DARTdrones Bootcamp
Want to learn from the best? Check out the DARTdrones Bootcamp.
This top-notch program is perfect for anyone looking to get serious about drone piloting.
You’ll get hands-on experience with expert instructors.
They’ll teach you everything from basic flight skills to advanced techniques.
The bootcamp covers both indoor and outdoor flying.
DARTdrones offers a mix of in-person and online learning.
You’ll have access to interactive courses you can take at your own pace.
This flexibility makes it easy to fit training into your busy schedule.
The program doesn’t just stop at flying skills.
You’ll also learn about drone regulations and safety.
These are crucial for any professional drone pilot.
After completing the bootcamp, you’ll earn a DARTdrones Safety Certificate.
This can help you stand out when looking for drone pilot jobs.
Understanding Drone Pilot Certification
Getting certified as a drone pilot is key for flying legally and safely.
It opens up job options and shows you know your stuff.
Why Certification Matters
Drone pilot certification proves you can fly safely and follow the rules.
It’s often required for commercial drone work.
With a certificate, you can take on paid gigs and show clients you’re legit.
Certification also helps keep the skies safe.
You’ll learn about airspace rules, weather impacts, and how to avoid accidents.
This knowledge is crucial for flying near airports or in busy areas.
Many insurance companies want to see your certificate too.
It can help you get coverage for your drone business.
Plus, being certified might give you an edge when looking for drone jobs.
Types of Certification
The main certification in the U.S. is the FAA Part 107 license.
It lets you fly drones commercially.
To get it, you need to pass a test on drone laws and flying basics.
Some companies offer extra certifications.
These can teach you special skills like thermal imaging or mapping.
They’re not required by law but can make you stand out.
For hobbyists, a basic safety test is often enough.
But if you want to make money with your drone, the Part 107 is a must-have.
Online courses can help you prep for these tests.
They cover everything from flight rules to weather patterns.
Some even offer practice exams to boost your confidence.
What to Expect in a Drone Course
Drone courses cover essential topics to help you become a skilled pilot.
They mix theory and hands-on practice to build your knowledge and skills.
Typical Course Content
Most drone courses start with the basics of flight physics and drone parts.
You’ll learn about different types of drones and how they work.
Safety rules and regulations are a big focus.
Courses often cover:
- Weather and its effects on flying
- Flight planning and risk assessment
- Airspace rules and no-fly zones
- Basic maintenance and troubleshooting
Many programs include practice flights.
You’ll get to fly drones in different settings.
Some courses use flight simulators to help you gain experience safely.
Duration and Costs
Drone courses vary in length and price.
Short intro classes might last a day or two.
Full certification programs can take weeks or months.
Prices range from $100 for basic online courses to $2000+ for in-depth training. Pilot Institute offers flexible online options. Unmanned Vehicle University has a 16-hour web-based ground school.
Some factors that affect cost:
- In-person vs. online learning
- Length of the course
- Included study materials
- Practice flight time
Remember to budget for exam fees too.
The FAA certification test costs about $175.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drone pilot certification courses come with many questions.
Let’s tackle some common ones about online options, costs, locations, and potential career paths.
What are the most recommended drone pilot certification courses available online?
Top online courses include the Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification by FAA, Pilot Institute Drone Course, and Drone Launch Academy.
These programs offer comprehensive training and prep for the FAA exam.
Is it possible to find high-quality drone pilot certification courses for free?
Free options are limited.
The FAA offers some free study materials, but most quality courses have a cost.
Paid courses often provide more in-depth content and practice tests.
Which drone pilot training programs are located near me?
Local programs vary by area.
You can check with nearby community colleges or flight schools.
Many top courses like Drone U and Remote Pilot 101 offer online options accessible from anywhere.
Can you really earn a six-figure salary as a certified drone pilot?
Six-figure salaries are possible but not typical for new drone pilots.
Your earnings depend on your skills, experience, and the industries you work in.
Some high-paying fields include filmmaking and industrial inspection.
What educational background is beneficial for someone looking to become a drone pilot?
Any background can work for drone piloting.
Skills in photography, videography, or engineering can be helpful.
Knowledge of aviation or tech is a plus, but not required.
What are the best courses to take for someone interested in drone technology?
Drone tech enthusiasts should take courses covering drone building, programming, and advanced flight techniques.
Look for programs that teach about different drone types and their applications in various industries.