Total Cost Breakdown: $175-$500
Getting your commercial drone license costs between $175-$500 depending on your study method and preparation needs. Here’s the complete cost breakdown for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate:
Required Costs
FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $175
This is the only mandatory cost for your drone license:
- Payment: Cash, check, or credit card at testing center
- Non-refundable: Fee is not returned if you fail the test
- Retake fee: Full $175 again if you need to retake (after 14-day waiting period)
- Valid nationwide: Same fee at all 800+ testing centers
IACRA Application: FREE
The FAA application process is completely free:
- No application fee
- No background check fee
- No certificate issuance fee
Study Material Costs
Free Study Option: $0
You can prepare for the Part 107 test using only free resources:
- FAA Study Guide: Free PDF download from FAA.gov
- Advisory Circulars: Free official FAA publications
- Practice Tests: Multiple free online practice exams
- YouTube Videos: Free instructional content
- FAA Charts: Free sectional charts and supplements
Budget Study Materials: $50-$150
Books and Guides:
- ASA Part 107 Study Guide: $25-$35
- Jeppesen Part 107 Manual: $40-$50
- King Schools Book: $30-$40
Online Courses:
- Pilot Institute Course: $149
- Remote Pilot 101: $97
- UAV Coach: $199
Premium Study Programs: $200-$400
Comprehensive Training:
- King Schools Complete Course: $299
- Sporty’s Part 107 Course: $199
- Gold Seal Ground School: $279
- Drone Pilot Ground School: $497
In-Person Training:
- Local flight schools: $300-$800
- Community college courses: $200-$500
- Professional workshops: $400-$1,000
Additional Costs to Consider
Drone Registration: $5
Required for commercial operations:
- Commercial registration: $5 for 3 years
- Per aircraft: Each drone needs separate registration
- Online process: Completed through FAA DroneZone
Recurrent Training: $0-$150
Required every 24 months:
- Free online course: Available through FAA Safety Team
- Paid courses: $50-$150 for enhanced recurrent training
- Retake test option: $175 to retake full knowledge test
Insurance: $500-$2,000 annually
Recommended for commercial operations:
- Liability coverage: $500-$1,500/year
- Hull coverage: Additional $200-$800/year
- Professional liability: $300-$1,000/year
Cost Comparison by Preparation Method
Self-Study (Minimal Cost): $175-$200
- FAA test fee: $175
- Study book (optional): $25-$35
- Drone registration: $5
- Total: $180-$215
Best for: Self-motivated learners with aviation background
Online Course Method: $350-$400
- FAA test fee: $175
- Online course: $150-$200
- Drone registration: $5
- Study materials: $25-$50
- Total: $355-$430
Best for: Structured learners wanting guided instruction
Premium Training Method: $500-$1,000
- FAA test fee: $175
- Premium course: $300-$500
- Additional materials: $50-$100
- Drone registration: $5
- Insurance (first year): $500-$1,000
- Total: $1,030-$1,780
Best for: Professional pilots starting drone businesses
Money-Saving Tips
Free Resources First
- Start with free FAA materials to assess your knowledge
- Take free practice tests to identify weak areas
- Use free online videos for difficult concepts
- Only purchase paid materials for specific knowledge gaps
Study Group Discounts
- Many online courses offer group rates
- Split costs with friends or colleagues
- Look for seasonal sales and promotions
Employer Reimbursement
- Check if your employer covers certification costs
- Some companies reimburse upon successful completion
- Professional development funds may apply
Return on Investment
Commercial Drone Pilot Earnings
The Part 107 license opens earning opportunities that quickly recover costs:
- Real estate photography: $150-$500 per shoot
- Construction inspection: $200-$800 per day
- Wedding videography: $500-$2,000 per event
- Agricultural mapping: $5-$15 per acre
- Search and rescue: $100-$300 per hour
Break-Even Timeline
- Single real estate job: Covers basic certification cost
- One weekend of work: Typically recoups premium training investment
- First month operations: Usually recovers all initial expenses including equipment
Hidden Costs to Avoid
Unnecessary Add-Ons
- Expensive “certification packages” with gear you don’t need
- Overpriced practice tests when free ones are available
- Premium support you won’t use
Test Retake Costs
- Failing means another $175 fee
- 14-day waiting period delays earning potential
- Additional study time and materials
Geographic Considerations
- Travel costs to distant testing centers
- Hotel costs if overnight stay required
- Lost work time for test day
Budget-Friendly Study Plan
Week 1-2: Free Materials ($0)
- Download FAA study guide
- Take free baseline practice test
- Watch YouTube instructional videos
- Review free sectional charts
Week 3: Targeted Purchase ($25-$50)
- Buy study book for weak areas only
- Purchase practice test access if needed
- Consider online course if struggling
Week 4: Test Registration ($175)
- Schedule and pay for knowledge test
- Final review with purchased materials
- Take test and pass on first attempt
Financing Options
Personal Financing
- Credit cards with 0% introductory rates
- Personal loans for career development
- Payment plans offered by some course providers
Business Expenses
- Tax deductible if used for business
- Professional development expense category
- Startup costs for new drone business
Long-Term Cost Considerations
Biennial Requirements
- Recurrent training every 24 months
- Continuing education to stay current
- Industry conference attendance
Equipment Costs
- Professional drone: $1,000-$15,000
- Backup equipment and batteries
- Maintenance and repair costs
The FAA Part 107 drone license costs as little as $175 if you use free study materials and pass on your first attempt. Most people spend $200-$400 total including quality study materials. This investment typically pays for itself with just one commercial job, making the Part 107 certification one of the best returns on investment in aviation.
