How Much Does It Cost to Become a Drone Pilot in the U.S.?
Becoming a licensed drone pilot in the U.S. involves a few key expenses, from obtaining your FAA Part 107 certification to purchasing your first drone and accessories. In this guide, we break down the costs to help you get started with commercial drone flying, including joining the Spexi Network and earning as a certified drone pilot.
1. The Cost of the FAA Part 107 Exam
The first step to flying drones commercially in the U.S. is passing the FAA Part 107 exam, which costs $175. The exam consists of 60 questions covering topics such as airspace classifications, weather, and drone regulations. You can register for the exam through an FAA-approved testing center.
- Cost of FAA Part 107 Exam: $175
2. Test Prep for the FAA Part 107 Exam
Preparing for the FAA Part 107 exam is crucial to ensure you pass on your first attempt. Luckily, Spexi has partnered with UAV Coach to offer our pilots a $100 discount on any of their highly-rated test prep courses. Simply use the code SPEXI at checkout.
Taking a prep course ensures you’re well-prepared, as these courses include practice tests, study guides, and video lessons.
- Cost of UAV Test Prep Course: $199 - $249 with Spexi’s UAV Coach discount code
3. Cost of Your First Drone: DJI Mini 2, DJI Mini 3, and DJI Mini 3 Pro
Once you’ve passed the Part 107 exam, the next step is purchasing a drone that meets FAA guidelines for commercial flying. Some of the most popular entry-level drones include the DJI Mini 2, DJI Mini 3, and the DJI Mini 3 Pro, all offering high-quality 4K cameras and user-friendly features.
4. Additional Drone Accessories
In addition to your drone, you’ll need accessories to enhance your flying experience, including extra batteries, memory cards, and safety gear. These add-ons ensure you're prepared for longer missions and safer flights.
- Extra Batteries: $55–$95 per battery, recommended to extend your flying time. Source
- Propeller Guards: $19–$29 to protect your drone during indoor or obstacle-heavy flights. Source
- Memory Cards: $15–$30 for 64GB-128GB high-speed storage.
- Carrying Case: $50–$80 to keep your drone safe and organized.
- Total Cost of Accessories: $150 - $250
5. Drone Insurance
Although not required by law, drone insurance is a smart investment, especially for commercial pilots. Liability insurance typically costs $500 - $750 annually, or you can opt for pay-per-flight insurance through platforms like SkyWatch.AI, which offers coverage starting at $7/hour.
- Cost of Drone Insurance: $500 - $750 annually
Total Estimated Cost: $1,543 - $2,482
Here’s a quick summary of the expenses involved:
- FAA Part 107 Exam: $175
- UAV Test Prep Course: $199 - $249 (optional but recommended)
- DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, or Mini 3 Pro Drone: $449 - $759
- Accessories (Batteries, Memory Cards, Propeller Guards, etc.): $150 - $250
- Drone Insurance: $500 - $750 annually (optional but recommended)
Start Earning with the Spexi Network: Potential ROI for Pilots
Once you’re certified and have your drone ready to go, you can start capturing Spexigons. On average, pilots earn $40 - $60 per hour, with many being able to pay off their initial setup costs shortly after flying, depending on flight frequency.
You’ll have access to various missions, earning between $5 and $20 per mission depending on location and demand. The more missions you complete, the more you can earn, and the faster you can see a return on your investment.
Ready to Take Flight?
By flying with the Spexi Network, you’ll be part of a community that's making a real-world impact in industries like city planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. Whether you’re earning while flying missions or capturing data that shapes the future of cities, your contribution matters.
Download the Spexi App and start flying and earning today!
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