drone seen from below hovering in front of some rocky hills

Autonomous Aerial Systems Office

Do you need to get a drone license?

If you are flying a drone for commercial purposes - such as research, marketing, or photography where you receive compensation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires you to follow Part 107 regulations. One of the requirements is that you must hold a .

Do you need to know how to fly a drone?

Interestingly, no! The FAA requires only that you pass the written exam, but you will not be required to demonstrate your proficiency in flying a drone.

How can you prepare for the test?

You have a couple of options!

2 students behind a laptop discussing something

Self-Study for the Exam

If you would like to obtain your own Part 107 license, you can self-study or find an online course. The FAA website provides a multitude of resources including a study guide and many sample test questions. 

people clustered around a wingtra drone

Attend an AASO Training

Our office holds regular Part 107 trainings that take place over two weekends, a Saturday and a Sunday, for a total of four days. Contact Jeremy Crowley to find out when the next scheduled training will be held.
students listening to a professor talk about a drone in the center of the class

Bring a Training Session to Your Campus

The Montana Space Grant Consortium invites affiliate campuses to apply for a Campus Development opportunity in AI, Astronomy, or UAS (Drones). They cover all travel costs to bring one of our certified instructors out to your institution for a 4-day Part 107 training session!

Not an affiliate campus but interested in hosting a 4-day training session? Contact us to discuss options!

How much will this cost?

table describing the types of part 107 trainings offered and costs for each
Training Time Internal Rate External Rate Per Notes
1-day Part 107 test preparation 8 h $250 $500 Person No prerequisite. Does not include mandatory FAA testing
Surveying, hands-on automated flight, 3d modelling & GIS 4 x 8 h days $1000 $2000 Person No prerequisite

 

Once you are ready to take the FAA exam,

  1. Get your FAA Tracking Number by making a profile on the .
  2. Find the nearest FAA-approved testing center using the . NorthStar Jet is Missoula's test center.
  3. Schedule your test and pay the fee. The Part 107 certification exam fee is $175