SAN FRANCISCO – Would you like to make money flying commercial drones? Well now you can. On Aug. 29, the Federal Aviation Administration offered drone pilot license testing nationwide, including 17 locations in Michigan.

You can apply for your very own license by passing a multiple-choice test and paying a small fee. No experience necessary! What, you mean I can’t just sell my drone photos already? Nope! You could get fined $1,100 (or more) for operating your unmanned aerial system (UAS) for business purposes without FAA approval.

“The FAA forecasts there could be as many as 600,000 unmanned aircraft used commercially during the first year after this rule is in place,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a press conference. “Drones are helping to create a whole new means of realizing the American dream.”

What is a Remote Pilot Certificate?

It’s the official name for the drone license I’ve been talking about. With it, you can legally fly drones with intention of making a profit — either by selling the footage, delivering goods and everything in between. You still have to follow a lot of restrictions when you fly…but more on those in a bit.

What if I’m just flying for fun?

You don’t need the certificate…but you do still need to register your drone if it weighs over half a pound (0.55lb to be precise).

Oh, but if you’re a drone racer — weaving through obstacles with a nifty set of first-person-view glasses on your head — you’ll still need that Remote Pilot Certificate. At least that’s what the FAA tells Forbes.

OK, I want to make money. What do I need to get my license?

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have a valid government-issued picture ID with your name, address and signature
  • Make an appointment to take the knowledge test at a test center near you
  • Pay $150 to the testing firm
  • Study
  • Pass the test
  • Wait up to 48 hours for your test score to get uploaded
  • Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate (using the code from your successful test as proof)
  • Complete a TSA background check
  • Print out a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate (while you wait for the real one to be delivered by mail)
  • Register your drone (maybe do this first?) and start flying!

OK, that does sound like a lot. To get the rest of the details from CNN, click on https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-drone-license-to-make-money-faq/?ftag=CAD1acfa04