I am now an FAA Certified Part 107 sUAS Remote Pilot

Last Friday I took and passed my FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot test. I spent much of the summer studying for it. And even after getting a pretty good grasp on the subject matter and proficiency in understanding of the FAA regulations, I still procrastinated in getting myself to take the test. I put it off because I was mostly nervous about not passing the test. I was excited to take it and get started on getting my unmanned aircraft in the sky to make some photos. Everything better from above.

sUAS means, small Unmanned Aircraft System

To get me familiar with the FAA regulations for operating a sUAS and preparing to take the test, I used a UAS Pilot online prep test program, Drone Pilot Ground School. Here is the link if anyone is interested in pursuing this also, https://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com. I have no affiliation or sponsorship with them. I found them through a typical Google search and liked what the program offered and the price seemed right to me. The program is mixed with easy to understand video and text tutorials, practice exams and so much more. You also have lifetime access to all the materials on the webpage. They also offer that they will pay for the price of your test if you fail. There are a number of different test prep programs out there. This is just the one that I found and went with.

Why did I want to get my sUAS Pilot License? Also known as “Drone Pilot."

Over the summer I purchased a DJI Mavic Mini for my first drone. Mostly bored from the COVID restrictions of the summer of 2020, the lack of concerts and not going anywhere for vacation. I needed something else to occupy my time and interest. The Mavic Mini price was right for me, to see if this was something I would like to pursue. It was and priced well enough that if something happened to it, it wouldn’t be a catastrophic financial loss. I could always upgrade in the future. I won’t get too much into the DJI Mavic Mini, but I like it, great for just starting out. Easy to use and serves the purpose for what I am doing now. With my FAA sUAS Remote Pilot Certification I can now add aerial photography and video into my photography business and see where it takes me.

A little about myself and my connection to the skies. I was a bit of a secret aviation geek many years ago, but I guess I still am. As a late teen I logged a few hundred hours of Microsoft Flight Simulator flights. In my early 20’s I contemplated going to flight school and pursuing my general aviation pilot license. I did take an introductory flight lesson out of Worcester Airport. I was able to take the controls with a flight out of ORH, up and around Mt. Wachusett and back, being able to take off and land in a small Cessna with a flight instructor. It was fun, I was passionate about it for a few years. For whatever reason, I just didn’t pursue it. I think I was more focused on in other directions at that time in my life. And the other part was the overall cost of the training and aircraft in the end. I wish I would have. So there it is, there was a little more behind the story of me just wanting to get a unmanned aircraft pilot certification to use for photography. I have an underlying interest in aviation, but now by another means. I find it peaceful to put my sUAS 400 ft up and getting an aerial perspective, to see the world below from another perspective.

Today I've received my FAA Temporary Airman Certificate for sUAS Remote Pilot, in place of the arrival for my actual card. Now I will be able to safely take to the skies to use the sUAS for aerial commercial work, photos and video. I am looking forward to creating some new and exciting things here soon and to other future opportunities in the sky. 

In addition to photos, I am also going to set up a YouTube channel to showcase some aerial video. I plan on doing some more with the aerial photos and blogging here on my Photo Journal.

To celebrate the occasion I sent up the drone to grab a shot overlooking downtown village of Whitinsville in Northbridge, Massachusetts. 

Downtown Whitinsville | November 6, 2020

If you see a photo you like and wish to purchase a print, please contact me at the CONTACT link at the top of the page.

About Me: I am a FAA certified Part 107 sUAS Remote Pilot. In addition to standard photography services, I am available for aerial photography and video services and assignments. If you would like to learn more, purchase prints of any of these photos or to collaborate on photography services or ideas, click HERE to contact me.