Frequently Asked Questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 12 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.

How long do I have access to the materials?

Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.

What is the process for getting the FAA license and the cost for the FAA 107 exam? How long does the license last?

The FAA Part 107 commercial operators license exam costs $150 and you can schedule it whenever you are ready at a testing center near you. Once you pass the exam, the only thing you need to do is renew your license every 2 years by filling out a form and demonstrating you have completed any required continuing education.

After completing the course, you can submit your FAA application and $150 testing fee on the FAA website, then you can schedule to take the 107 exam. There are detailed steps for submitting the FAA application included in the last module of the course.

This course prepares you to for the FAA-administered computer-based test so you can obtain your Part 107 commercial operators license. If you don't pass the exam on the first try, we'll refund your exam fee and let you take the course again for free.

Is there a certificate of completion?

Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.

Are students required to have a specific drone for the course or will any drone do?

There is no specific drone required for the course, everything can be done on the simulator software that you'll be using (Zephyr flight simulator and controller). Students often wait until after they take the course to invest in a commercial grade drone so they are better informed about what they need.

The instructor Keven Gambold does spend some time discussing different types of drones, he also has a free course on this topic - Picking a Drone: Job Performance vs Cost.

Can I register multiple people?

Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.

Does this course also to through solar thermal inspections and how to set up thermal camera?

The course materials do touch on this and the instructor, Keven Gambold also provides some links to more role-specific resources as well. In addition, the other students have a plethora of experiences to build from.

During the 12 week instructor-led session, Keven will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board and hosting a weekly conference call so you can dive deeper on any topic related to drones and your business.

Who is out there using drones succesfully now? Is there an opportunity to provide drone services to other companies? What is the market like?

We think the future is bright for drones, as technology improves and costs drop, the market continues to grow.

There are opportunities to offer drone services to other companies. It can generate incremental revenue and there is evidence that this market will grow over time.

Having said that, the bigger opportunity is in using drones to make your own company better. Companies using drones to lower costs and sell more jobs are seeing the best return on investment.

Will you guarantee that I pass the FAA Part 107 Exam?

Yes. This course prepares you to for the FAA-administered computer-based test so you can obtain your Part 107 commercial operators license. If you don't pass the exam on the first try, we'll pay your re-take fee and let you take the course again for free.

Will I pass the FAA Part 107 Exam?

Yes. So far we have a 100% passing rate.