Drones are becoming more common and helpful for a variety of tasks, including deliveries, surveying, mapping, photography, and filming. But owning a drone and taking off are not the same thing. Obtaining a license or certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and abiding by specific drone laws and regulations may be required depending on how you plan to use your drone. This article will outline the procedures for obtaining a Drone License Texas for various drone operations.
What is a Drone License?
A drone license is a certification that demonstrates your proficiency in the knowledge and abilities needed to operate a drone safely and lawfully. The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and the Certificate of Authorization (COA) are the two different drone licenses that the FAA awards.
Anyone who intends to fly a drone commercially—that is, for any use other than strictly recreational or hobbyist—must possess the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Commercial drone operations include, for instance:
- Taking pictures or making movies to sell or promote
- Building, bridge, pipeline, or power line inspection
- Agricultural, livestock, or wildlife monitoring
- Delivering shipments or products
- Conducting surveys or research
Anyone who wants to operate a drone for a public entity, such as a government agency, a public university, or a public safety organization, must have a Certificate of Authorization (COA). Public drone operations include, for instance:
- Carrying out emergency response or police enforcement
- Carrying out search and rescue operations
- Gathering information for research or teaching
- Supporting national security or military operations
- Although you do not need a license to fly a drone recreationally, that is, for fun or personal enjoyment, you must still register your drone with the FAA and abide by some fundamental regulations.
How to Get a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in Texas
You must do the following actions in order to obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in Texas:
Recognize the prerequisites for eligibility. Applying for a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate requires that you:
- Age of majority is 16 years.
- Possess the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English
- Be in a state of mind and body that will allow you to fly a drone safely.
Join a recognized in-person or online course. Study the subjects that will be assessed in order to get ready for the Part 107 exam, such as:
Regulations that apply to small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ratings, flight operations, and restrictions
- Airspace categorization, operational specifications, and flying restrictions that impact the use of small unmanned aircraft systems
- Origins of aviation weather and how it affects the performance of small UAS
- Performance and loading for small UAS
- Protocols for emergencies
- Crew resource administration
- The use of radio communication
- Evaluating the effectiveness of small UAS
- Effects of drugs and alcohol on the body
- Decision-making and judgment in aviation
- Operations at airports
- Protocols for upkeep and pre-flight inspection
You can pick from a variety of in-person or online courses that include thorough training and practice exams.
Obtain an FTN and IACRA tracking number: You must register for an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) and create an account on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website before you can take the Part 107 exam.
Take the Part 107 exam at an approved testing center: A computer-based test with 60 multiple-choice questions makes up the Part 107 exam. It must be finished in two hours with a score of at least 70% in order to pass. You can book an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center1, and the exam costs $160. To take the test, you must have a valid photo ID from the government.
Complete the application for a remote pilot certificate: You must use the IACRA system to complete the FAA Form 8710-131 after completing the Part 107 exam. Your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID, which you were given after passing the test, will be required. The application must be submitted with an electronic signature as well.
Wait for the confirmation email and print your temporary certificate: You will receive a confirmation email from the FAA with information on how to print your temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA once your application has been accepted and you have successfully completed the TSA security background check. The 120-day expiration date of this certificate.
Mail yourself a copy of your permanent certificate: After processing your application, the FAA will mail your permanent remote pilot certificate to you in six to eight weeks.
How to Fly a Drone Recreationally in Texas
You must take the following actions in order to operate a drone for fun in Texas:
Register your drone with the FAA: You must register and label your drone with its registration number on the FAA DroneZone website if it weighs between 0.55 lbs (250 g) and 55 lbs (25 kg).
Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST): This free online test for recreational drone pilots covers fundamental safety guidelines and recommended practices. You can take it on any of the websites of test providers who have received FAA approval. You will be given a TRUST completion certificate after passing the test, which you are required to have with you when you are in the air.
For recreational drone flight, abide by all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. Among the general guidelines are:
- Fly solely for fun or for pleasure
- Reduce your altitude to under 400 feet (AGL).
- Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with your drone.
- Avoid flying near stadiums, airports, or other prohibited locations.
- Avoid flying over people or moving automobiles.
- Do not use drugs or drink before flying.
- Observe the rights to privacy and property of others.
Additional Drone License Texas Laws
You must be aware of some extra rules that are particular to Texas in addition to abiding by the federal drone restrictions.
The use of a drone to take pictures of people or privately held property without their permission is prohibited by Chapter 423 of the Texas Government Code if they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Additionally, it is prohibited to operate drones above some locations, including correctional facilities, jails, detention facilities, sports grounds, amusement parks, and music halls. procedures for feeding animals oil refineries, chemical factories, electric generating stations, water treatment plants, dams, reservoirs, and pipelines
Additionally, using drones above several places is prohibited, including active military operations regions, crime sites, accident scenes, catastrophe scenes, emergency response scenes, and border security operations areas.
These laws carry civil fines for violations. fines a criminal record drones being seized
However, there are some circumstances in which using drones is lawful, such as when the owner of the land consents, when law enforcement agencies provide permission, when facility operators have legitimate permits and certificates, when local, state, and federal regulations are followed
Conclusion
According to whether you intend to use your drone for commercial, public, or recreational purposes, you must obtain a drone license in Texas. To fly legally and safely, you must adhere to specific regulations and procedures for each type of operation.
We trust that this post has given you more knowledge on how to obtain a drone license in Texas and the procedures you must follow before flying your drone.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1E7dDothzjYo8KAIfwOCJP2L4KpiNHnL3j-JU9mfwd4E/edit?usp=sharing
FAQs
Do I need a license to fly a drone in Texas?
Yes, in Texas, you generally need a license to fly a drone, especially if you plan to use it for commercial purposes. The licensing requirements are set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and apply nationwide.
For recreational drone use, the FAA has guidelines and safety rules that you should follow, but you don’t need a specific license. However, you must comply with the FAA’s regulations, including flying within visual line-of-sight, avoiding restricted airspace, and flying under 400 feet above ground level.
If you plan to use a drone for commercial purposes, such as aerial photography or videography, you will need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. To obtain the certificate, you must pass the FAA’s knowledge test, which covers topics like airspace regulations, weather, and drone operation rules.
It’s important to note that drone regulations are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the FAA’s website or contact the FAA directly for the most up-to-date information regarding licensing and regulations for flying drones in Texas or any other state.
How do I get my drone pilot license in Texas?
Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.
Schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”.
Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA).
A confirmation email will be sent when you have completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.
A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete .
What do I need for drone registration in Texas?
In Texas, you must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at FAA DroneZone 1. All drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers .
To register your drone, you will need to provide your physical address, mailing address (if different from physical address), email address, phone number, make and model of your drone, and a credit or debit card for the registration fee 1. Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. The Exception for Recreational Flyers registration costs $5 and is valid for three years .
Once you register your drone, you will receive an FAA registration certificate. You must have your registration certificate (either a paper copy or digital copy) in your possession when you fly
Is it worth getting a drone license?
Whether or not it is worth getting a drone license depends on your individual needs and goals. If you plan to fly a drone for commercial purposes, such as for aerial photography or surveying, then obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA is required. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones .
If you only plan to fly a drone for recreational purposes, then obtaining a license may not be necessary. However, even if you are flying for recreational purposes, you must still follow FAA rules and regulations for flying drones .
Ultimately, the decision to obtain a drone license is up to you and depends on how you plan to use your drone.
![South Carolina Drone Laws [Latest] All the Information You Need](https://dronesinsights.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drones-Laws-NJ-1-768x402.jpg)
