Become an FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot

A Professional Pathway to Commercial Drone Operations

Sentinel SkyWorks proudly works with Part 107–certified remote pilots who uphold excellence, safety, and mission-ready professionalism. If you’re looking to advance your aviation career or prepare for opportunities within our contractor network, earning your FAA Remote Pilot Certificate is the first essential step.

This page provides clear guidance using official FAA resources and independent third-party study providers widely used throughout the U.S. drone industry.


(See full disclaimer below — Sentinel SkyWorks does not endorse, guarantee, or certify any third-party platforms or training outcomes.)

What Is the FAA Part 107 Certification?

The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate authorizes individuals to operate drones commercially in the United States for:

  • Real estate photography & videography

  • Mapping, surveying, & acreage documentation

  • Agriculture & crop analysis

  • Thermal inspections

  • Construction progress imaging

  • Environmental monitoring

  • Wildlife recovery support

  • Emergency/search roles (when authorized)

Whether you plan to contract with Sentinel SkyWorks or operate independently, Part 107 certification is required for commercial drone activity.

Official FAA Certification Steps

These steps outline the federal process for obtaining your Remote Pilot Certificate.

1. Verify Eligibility

You must:

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Read, speak, write, and understand English

  • Be physically and mentally able to operate a drone safely

  • Pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Exam

Official FAA Requirements:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot

2. Create an IACRA Account & Obtain an FTN

All applicants must have an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) through IACRA.

Create Your FTN:
https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

3. Schedule Your Part 107 Exam

Testing is administered only at FAA-authorized Knowledge Testing Centers.

Schedule Exam at FAA PSI Testing Portal:
https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login

4. Take and Pass the Part 107 Exam

The exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions covering airspace, weather, charts, regulations, and operations. A score of 70% or higher is required.

5. Complete TSA Vetting & FAA Application in IACRA

After passing the test, log into IACRA to complete your application. The TSA will conduct a security vetting process (standard for all aviation certificates).

Once approved, the FAA will issue:

  • A temporary certificate via email

  • Your permanent certificate by mail

A man flying a drone outdoors on a sunny day, holding a remote control, with palm trees and street lamps in the background.

Study Resources & Independent Training Providers

Optional, Not Endorsed — See Disclaimer Below

Many aspiring pilots prepare for the exam with the FAA’s free resources or private study providers. These platforms are commonly used in the drone industry:

Free & Official FAA Study Materials

Independent Third-Party Online Training Providers

(Sentinel SkyWorks does not endorse, partner with, or guarantee any training provider)

1. Pilot Institute — Part 107 Course

https://pilotinstitute.com

2. Drone Launch Academy

https://www.dronelaunchacademy.com

3. UAV Coach – Drone Pilot Ground School

https://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com

4. Drone Pro Academy

https://droneproacademy.com

After Certification: Career Opportunities With Sentinel SkyWorks

Part 107 certification is required before applying to become an FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilots with Sentinel SkyWorks.

Our pilots support missions in:

  • Real estate aerial imaging

  • Mapping & acreage visualization

  • Thermal imaging (equipment dependent)

  • Agricultural operations

  • Environmental and land-use documentation

  • Wildlife and recovery support

  • Specialty aerial services

If you’re interested:

Explore Drone Pilot Careers →
 (Link to your Pilot Careers Subpage)

Legal & Liability Disclaimer:

The information on this page is provided exclusively for general educational purposes. Sentinel SkyWorks, LLC and all its affiliates:

  • Do not endorse, recommend, or sponsor any third-party study provider, training course, academy, or educational platform listed above.

  • Do not guarantee that any person will pass the FAA Part 107 exam, receive certification, pass TSA or FAA background checks, or meet FAA eligibility requirements.

  • Do not guarantee that any individual will be accepted as a contractor, employee, or service provider with Sentinel SkyWorks upon obtaining Part 107 certification.

  • Are not responsible for any costs, results, training outcomes, or decisions made based on the information provided.

  • Provide links solely as a convenience to users seeking publicly available FAA resources and widely known independent study options.

  • Assume no liability for the content, accuracy, outcomes, or performance of any external organization, provider, or FAA website.

This limitation of liability applies to:
Sentinel SkyWorks, LLC; its shareholders; members; managers; officers; employees; contractors; affiliates; successors; and assigns.

By using the information on this page, the reader acknowledges and agrees that all action taken related to FAA certification or training is solely at their own discretion and risk.

Have Questions About Becoming a Pilot?

We’re happy to help guide you toward the correct resources.

Email Us: careers@sentinelskyworks.com
Call Us: (717) 220-3346