Knowledge Test to obtain a knowledge test report. You must achieve at least a passing score (70 percent) on the knowledge test, which consists of 60 questions. Finally, apply for the remote pilot certificate through IACRA online or in writing using the paper application. Applying online significantly shortens processing time and provides a temporary certificate.
Once you have completed basic training and have obtained your remote pilot certificate, you may wish to continue training with courses designed to address areas of specific interest. A course focused on mapping and modeling will provide useful tools for agricultural and water monitoring. Courses are also available that will give you a better understanding of your specific model drone.
Insuring your investment
Basic commercial drones start at about $1,000 and usually come with a high-quality RGB camera. Additional equipment may be added to provide high levels of sensing such as the red edge spectral band, normalized difference
vegetation index layer and digital surface modeling. Before long, you can have a considerable investment in hardware. Inadvertent contact with obstructions, drone malfunction and operator error are issues that may cause you to consider drone insurance. Insurance costs vary widely depending on the application. Are you simply using an RGB camera for photography, or have you added various pieces of sensing equipment to do crop evaluation? Annual premiums can vary from $750 to well over $5,000 depending on onboard equipment, area of flight and experience of the operator.
Another option is purchasing insurance via a smart phone app by the hour. This
approach allows you to purchase only what you need for a defined period. For example, $1,000,000 coverage for a quarter mile for one hour can cost as little as $10.
Today’s drones are capable of autonomous operation, but you — as a commercial remote pilot — must be in control of your drone to operate legally and safely. The FAA’s main consideration is safety. Once you are equipped with the knowledge, you will be able to fully conduct legal and safe operation of your drone.
Douglas R. Moore has nearly 50 years of experience working in the irrigation industry in both distribution and manufacturing. He has been a commercial-rated pilot for 44 years, recently adding a remote pilot certificate.
Stay on the cutting edge of UAS technology
As drone technology and use continues to change and expand, stay informed by joining a drone industry association. Look online for organizations focused on professional drone operation.
• Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (
www.auvsi.org) • UAV Systems Association (
www.uavsa.org) • Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (
www.aopa.org)
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