By: Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator, Community Development & STEM, Pickaway County
Have you ever looked up at a drone flying overhead and thought, “I want to do that!”?
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate allows individuals to operate small, unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones. Illustration generated on the Meta AI platform.
Drones are more than just cool gadgets—they’re powerful tools used in farming, construction, public safety, film, journalism, and even environmental science. From capturing stunning aerial shots to helping first responders during emergencies, drones are shaping the future of work. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until college to start your journey.
Why the FAA Part 107 Certificate Matters
If you want to fly drones for work or business in the U.S., you need the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. It’s like your official driver’s license for the skies! Earning this certificate shows you understand the rules of safe flight and opens doors to awesome opportunities—whether you’re still in high school, heading to college, or already thinking about your future career.
What’s Inside the New Fact Sheet
Our new fact sheet, Introduction to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, walks you through everything you need to know:
- Who can take the test (hint: you can start studying before age 16!)
- What the exam covers—airspace, weather, safety, and more
- How to sign up for the exam and what the test day looks like
- Why preparing early pays off for future drone pilots
It’s the first in a five-part youth drone education series designed to help students like YOU turn curiosity into career-ready skills.
What’s Next?
The upcoming fact sheets will dive deeper into:
- Airspace and how to read aviation maps
- Weather and how it impacts drone flight
- Safety rules every pilot needs to know
- The exciting careers waiting for certified drone pilots
The Sky is Calling
Learning to fly drones isn’t just fun—it’s a stepping stone to STEM careers that are growing fast right here in Ohio and across the world. Whether you dream of designing video games, saving lives with technology, or helping farmers grow food more efficiently, drones can get you there.
Read the full fact sheet here: Introduction to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
So what are you waiting for? Your drone journey starts now—and the sky is NOT the limit.
Receiving the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a first step that can lead to exciting careers in aviation, technology, and STEM fields. Illustration generated on the Meta AI platform.