1.2 Remote Pilot Certification (Subpart C)

1.2 Remote Pilot Certification (Subpart C)

Subpart C (§§107.52–107.79) prescribes the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. This is one of the most heavily tested regulatory areas on the exam.

Eligibility Requirements (§107.61)

To be eligible for a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must:

1. Be at least 16 years old
2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (exceptions available for medical reasons)
3. Be in a physical and mental condition that would not interfere with safe sUAS operation
4. Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test (UAG) at an FAA-approved testing center
5. Pass a TSA security background check (conducted through the IACRA application process)

For the Exam: The minimum age is 16 — not 14, not 17, not 18. This is a frequently tested detail.

The Application Process

After passing the knowledge test, the application process involves:

1. Log in to IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) at iacra.faa.gov
2. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application — Remote Pilot Certificate)
3. TSA background screening begins automatically when you submit the IACRA application
4. Receive a temporary certificate — valid for 120 days while your permanent card is processed
5. Receive permanent Remote Pilot Certificate by mail

Certificate Privileges and Limitations

A Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating allows you to:

• Operate a small UAS commercially in the National Airspace System
• Act as the Remote PIC for a Part 107 operation
• Exercise the privileges of the certificate under Part 107

Your certificate privileges are subject to currency requirements — you must complete recurrent training every 24 months.

Knowledge Recurrency (§107.65)

Your Remote Pilot Certificate never expires, but your ability to exercise its privileges does. To maintain currency:

• Complete online recurrent training every 24 calendar months through the FAA Safety Team website (faasafety.gov)
• The 24-month period is measured from the month you last completed initial or recurrent training
• Alternative: Pass the recurrent aeronautical knowledge test (Part 107) at a testing center (most people choose the free online option)

Example: If you pass your initial test on March 15, 2026, you must complete recurrent training by March 31, 2028 (end of the 24th calendar month).

What If My Certificate Lapses?

If you fail to complete recurrent training within 24 months:

• Your certificate is not revoked — it remains valid as a document
• You cannot exercise the privileges of the certificate until you complete recurrent training
• You simply complete the recurrent training (online or test) to restore your privileges — no need to retake the initial knowledge test

Temporary Certificates

A temporary Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance. It grants you full Part 107 privileges while your permanent certificate is being processed.

Certificate Actions and Responsibility

Under §107.57, the FAA may take action against your certificate for:

• Cheating or other fraudulent activity on the knowledge test
• Drug or alcohol violations (14 CFR Part 91 applies)
• Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test when required
• Operating in an unsafe manner that creates a hazard

The Remote PIC must make the certificate available for inspection upon request by the FAA, any authorized law enforcement officer, or any authorized representative of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Holders of Manned Aircraft Pilot Certificates

If you already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (Private, Commercial, ATP, etc.) that is current (meaning you have completed a flight review within the preceding 24 months), you can obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate through a simplified process:

1. Complete the online initial training course on faasafety.gov (Part 107 small UAS Initial) — no need to take the proctored knowledge test
2. Apply through IACRA
3. Pass TSA background check

This shortcut saves you the $175 testing fee and the trip to a testing center.