Pilot Institute is America's #1-rated drone school, having trained over 145,000 students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate — the federal license required to fly drones commercially in the United States. Founded by FAA Certified Flight Instructors, Pilot Institute offers the most comprehensive and affordable online Part 107 test prep course available, with an industry-leading 99.9% first-attempt pass rate and a money-back guarantee that pays you $175 plus a full refund if you don't pass on your first try.

Program Structure

15 Hours of Video Instruction — 210+ short video lessons (average 3 minutes each) covering every Part 107 exam topic including airspace classifications, weather theory, airport operations, drone regulations, loading and performance, crew resource management, and emergency procedures
300+ Practice Questions — Unlimited practice exams and 20 topic-specific quizzes that mirror the actual FAA exam format, including real exam-style questions
14-Day Study Challenge — Structured study plan requiring just 1 hour per day to complete the entire course and be exam-ready in two weeks
Flashcard App — Exclusive iPhone and Android flashcard app with 110 cards covering all test topics (free for course subscribers)
Study Materials — 14-page illustrated cheatsheet, downloadable lecture slides, and comprehensive notes for last-minute review
Lifetime Access — Unlimited access to all course materials including future updates as FAA regulations change

What You Will Learn

Airspace & Regulations — Complete understanding of National Airspace System classifications (Class B, C, D, E, G), controlled and uncontrolled airspace, special use airspace, TFRs, NOTAMs, and how to obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
Weather & Meteorology — Aviation weather theory including METARs, TAFs, pressure systems, wind patterns, cloud formations, visibility requirements, and weather-related hazards for drone operations
Loading & Performance — Weight and balance calculations, effects of atmospheric conditions on drone performance, density altitude, and operational limitations
Operations & Procedures — Pre-flight inspection checklists, crew resource management with visual observers, emergency procedures, maintenance and inspection requirements, and accident reporting
Sectional Charts — Reading and interpreting FAA sectional charts using 3D models, identifying airports, obstacles, airspace boundaries, and relevant symbols

Why Pilot Institute Stands Out

Key advantages: (1) 99.9% first-attempt pass rate backed by a money-back guarantee plus $175 payment if you fail — no other course offers this level of confidence. (2) Created and maintained by FAA Certified Flight Instructors who continuously update content as regulations change. (3) 145,000+ students trained — the largest Part 107 training community with an active Facebook study group. (4) Mobile and offline access — download lessons for on-the-go study at up to 2x playback speed. (5) Lifetime access means free recurrent training when your certificate renewal comes due every 24 months. (6) Certificate of completion for employer documentation.

Career Outcomes

The commercial drone industry is projected to exceed $63 billion by 2028. Part 107-certified pilots earn $25–$75/hour for aerial photography and videography, $50–$150/hour for real estate and construction mapping, $75–$200/hour for infrastructure inspection, and $100–$300/hour for specialized services like thermal imaging and LiDAR scanning. Many drone pilots operate as freelancers earning $50,000–$100,000+ annually, while full-time positions at surveying, construction, and media companies typically pay $45,000–$80,000. The Part 107 certificate is also required for operating drones for any business purpose — including real estate listings, event coverage, and social media content creation.

Who It Is For

Anyone wanting to fly drones commercially — photographers, videographers, real estate agents, construction professionals, farmers (precision agriculture), surveyors, inspectors, content creators, and entrepreneurs looking to start a drone services business. No prior aviation experience required. Must be at least 16 years old, able to read/write English, and in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.

Format and Pricing

100% online, self-paced course. Price: $149–$199 for the course (discounts frequently available). FAA exam fee: $175 (paid separately to the testing center). Total investment: approximately $325–$375. The FAA exam is a 60-question, multiple-choice test taken at an FAA-approved testing center. Course completion time: 2 weeks at 1 hour/day, or as fast as you want with lifetime access. No prerequisites beyond age and language requirements.

Pilot institute — faa part 107 commercial drone pilot certification course

What users say

Rate this Education

Related Tools

Related Moonlites

Related Creators

About