About this course
Become a licensed commercial drone pilot. This technical course is designed for renewable energy, construction, and engineering professionals, but suits those wishing to add the unmanned aircraft toolset to agricultural surveys, CI/KR inspections, public safety applications as well as for cinematography and real-estate workers.
Drones are tools to generate new revenue by doing asset inspections, site surveys, mapping, marketing videos, and more. They’re inexpensive and incredibly versatile.
This is really two courses in one:
Part 1: FAA Unmanned Aircraft Commercial Operator License (Part 107) Knowledge Course
Since 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has licensed commercial small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS, or ‘drone’) operators under 14 CFR Part 107. With the completion of a course of comprehensive ground instruction, prospective drone pilots can sit an FAA-administered computer-based test and obtain their Part 107 commercial operators license. This course covers regulations, sUAS operations, aircraft performance, weather, airspace and human factors and leads to a 60-question exam.
Since 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has licensed commercial small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS, or ‘drone’) operators under 14 CFR Part 107. With the completion of a course of comprehensive ground instruction, prospective drone pilots can sit an FAA-administered computer-based test and obtain their Part 107 commercial operators license. This course covers regulations, sUAS operations, aircraft performance, weather, airspace and human factors and leads to a 60-question exam.
Part 2: Small Unmanned Aircraft System Field Operations Course
This Field Operations Course introduces Part 107 holders and students to the 'day in the life of' a commercial drone operator and provides skills required to build a business, safely prepare, launch and perform commercial flight tasks; The end goal is to be able to safety deploy a briefed team, with the right aircraft and sensors, to a properly surveyed, remote site with the correct PPE, data-cards, power supplies and support. The program introduces advanced planning, procedures and field flight techniques for professional, commercial drone data gathering, and client task completion.The course is mostly remote with guided simulator sessions, and then culminates in an optional in-residence portion of live flight and maintenance activities. A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of written, simulator and practical exercise assessments.
This Field Operations Course introduces Part 107 holders and students to the 'day in the life of' a commercial drone operator and provides skills required to build a business, safely prepare, launch and perform commercial flight tasks; The end goal is to be able to safety deploy a briefed team, with the right aircraft and sensors, to a properly surveyed, remote site with the correct PPE, data-cards, power supplies and support. The program introduces advanced planning, procedures and field flight techniques for professional, commercial drone data gathering, and client task completion.The course is mostly remote with guided simulator sessions, and then culminates in an optional in-residence portion of live flight and maintenance activities. A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of written, simulator and practical exercise assessments.
Zephyr Flight Simulator Required But Not Included
In this course, we use the Zephyr flight simulator and a controller. The Zephyr simulator is $135 and a one-year license can be purchased from a link within the course. Additionally, we provide a link to purchase an Orca controller, but you may already have another supported controller you'd like to use (like Xbox One or Playstation 4&5 controllers). Links are provided again in the first set of assignments. No other hardware or software are required (you don't even have to have a drone - often students wait until after the course to understand which drone to buy).
In this course, we use the Zephyr flight simulator and a controller. The Zephyr simulator is $135 and a one-year license can be purchased from a link within the course. Additionally, we provide a link to purchase an Orca controller, but you may already have another supported controller you'd like to use (like Xbox One or Playstation 4&5 controllers). Links are provided again in the first set of assignments. No other hardware or software are required (you don't even have to have a drone - often students wait until after the course to understand which drone to buy).
Not Included - Exam Fee (optional)
The FAA 107 Exam fee is a separate fee charged by the FAA when scheduling your exam after you have completed the course. After completing the course and earning a certificate of completion, students can optionally submit an FAA application and $150 exam fee then schedule to take the 107 exam at one of the testing centers throughout the country. If you don't pass the exam on the first try, we'll refund your exam fee and let let you take the course again at no charge.
The FAA 107 Exam fee is a separate fee charged by the FAA when scheduling your exam after you have completed the course. After completing the course and earning a certificate of completion, students can optionally submit an FAA application and $150 exam fee then schedule to take the 107 exam at one of the testing centers throughout the country. If you don't pass the exam on the first try, we'll refund your exam fee and let let you take the course again at no charge.
Learning Objectives
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot license exam
- Develop the tools and skillset to collect data witb your drone and produce reports that drive business value
- Learn to run a drone business and develop into a fleet leader and manager
This course is included in these bundles
Course outline
14 modules
4 - 20 hours to complete
13:56 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 8 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 8 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
Loading assignments…
Module 1 • 17 assignments
Part 107 Regulations and Small UAS Weather
Module 1 • 17 assignments
Part 107 Regulations and Small UAS Weather
A close look at 14 CFR 107 (the commercial drone reg) and associated documents. Then a review of all the weather elements that affect sUAS operations.
Loading assignments…
Module 2 • 10 assignments
Small UAS Operations, US Airspace & Charts
Module 2 • 10 assignments
Small UAS Operations, US Airspace & Charts
A real 'meaty'week with all the factors influencing sUAS operations and then the detailed look at US airspace and charts.
Loading assignments…
Module 3 • 10 assignments
Small UAS Performance, Human Factors
Module 3 • 10 assignments
Small UAS Performance, Human Factors
Loading assignments…
Module 4 • 8 assignments
Part 107 Exam Review
Module 4 • 8 assignments
Part 107 Exam Review
Loading assignments…
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Field Operations Preparations
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Field Operations Preparations
Loading assignments…
Module 6 • 7 assignments
Pre-site Surveys, Job Hazard Assessments, Pre-deployment prep
Module 6 • 7 assignments
Pre-site Surveys, Job Hazard Assessments, Pre-deployment prep
A look at the days leading up to a job, with the study of the site and the task. The preparation for the team and finally getting the equipment ready. In this module we explore examples relevant to solar companies doing site surveys and inspections.
Loading assignments…
Module 7 • 14 assignments
On Site Procedures, Normal & Emergency Operations
Module 7 • 14 assignments
On Site Procedures, Normal & Emergency Operations
So you finally made it to the job site... What now?
Loading assignments…
Module 8 • 9 assignments
Post-flight Activities, Data Handling & Report Production
Module 8 • 9 assignments
Post-flight Activities, Data Handling & Report Production
The work doesn't stop when you get home... Getting the kit secured, maintained and ready for the next job. Then a look at the various processes, software, etc. to convert flights into cash...
Loading assignments…
Module 9 • 5 assignments
Top Tips and Traps for Young Players and Live Fly Practicals
Module 9 • 5 assignments
Top Tips and Traps for Young Players and Live Fly Practicals
A look at the good, bad and the ugly of commercial drone operations then getting the birds airborne!
Loading assignments…
Module 10 • 3 assignments
Evaluation Week
Module 10 • 3 assignments
Evaluation Week
Brace yourself for trials and tribulations from air, sim and ground. Fear not. YOU. ARE. READY!
Loading assignments…
Module 11 • 4 assignments
Graduation Week
Module 11 • 4 assignments
Graduation Week
A chance to catch your breath, celebrate and find a nice frame!
Loading assignments…
Module 12 • 3 assignments
Post Grad Work
Module 12 • 3 assignments
Post Grad Work
No resting on your laurels... Keep the work going!
Loading assignments…
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
Loading assignments…
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
- NABCEP JTA
- NABCEP RE Elective
- NABCEP PV Associate Renewal
NABCEP Registered Provider
This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.
Instructor
Keven Gambold
CEO, Unmanned Experts
Keven Gambold (Squadron Leader RAF, Ret.) completed 21 years of active duty service with the Royal Air Force as a front-line combat pilot. After over 1500 hours in Tornado GR4 fast-jets, including active participation in all recent multi-national conflicts, Gambold joined a Combined Predator Task Force logging over 1500 hours of unmanned combat missions and two...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow 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.
Why is there such a big range in the estimated "Time to Complete" this course?
Some people take this course to pass the FAA Part 107 exam and don't complete the optional assignments in the flight simulator. If that's what you decide to do, the course can be completed quickly. If you complete all of the course assignments, it will take you longer.
Will I pass the FAA Part 107 Exam?
Yes. So far we have a 100% passing rate.
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.