Drone pilot ground school is an online course that promises to teach you everything to become an FAA-certified drone pilot. Read on for a comprehensive review.
Are you interested in becoming a drone pilot? Perhaps you are just looking for a new and exciting hobby, or maybe you are interested in taking it to the next level in becoming a professional drone pilot, such as a commercial drone surveying pilot, or have your sights set on becoming the next great aerial photographer?
A Remote Pilot Certificate is necessary to fly a drone in the United States in accordance with the FAA part 107 small UAS licensing requirements.
Drone Pilot Ground School is a training organization that can help you attain a Remote Pilot Certificate and become a more knowledgeable and safe drone pilot. It provides a wealth of information on how to fly drones such as the DJ safely and legally, which can be essential for anyone looking to work in the drone industry. They have successfully trained over 50,000 drone pilots, and are so confident they will even refund your test center fee if you don’t pass the FAA exam! So – is it all its cracked up to be? Read on for our full drone pilot ground school review.
The good:
- 99% success rate in passing the FAA exam on their first attempt – over 50,000 successful students
- Money back (and passing) guarantee – if you don’t pass the FAA exam DPGS will refund course fees AND the $175 test centre fee
- Lifetime access to course which is regularly updated (you will need to pass a recurrent FAA knowledge test every 2 years)
- 70+ Video and written lessons
- Quizzes and practice tests using real FAA test questions
- Real one on One support
The bad:
- The course information is all freely available from the FAA pilots with a current Part 61 pilots licence through the Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course. However First time pilots do not have access to this resource.
- Needs more focus on reading and interpreting aviation charts (i.e. sectional charts)
- The FAA uses a very large question bank, not all questions are covered in the DPGS (i.e CRM) – routinely scoring 90%+ on the DPGS practice exams might equate to 75% on the real exam
- Written text is updated routinely, video content not so much
Is Drone Pilot Ground School worth attending? Here’s the answer – A remote pilot certificate is necessary to fly a drone in the United States commercially. If you are looking for a complete training solution to pass the FAA part 107 small UAS licensing requirements, then Drone Pilot Ground School will help you prepare for examinations and testing to obtain your certificate and start your career as a professional drone pilot. Check out a Drone Pilot Ground School FREE lesson preview here
This website is reader-supported, which means we may be paid when you visit links to partner or featured sites, or by advertising on the site. For more information please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
What is the Drone Pilot Ground School?
The Drone Pilot Ground School is an online platform that provides would-be drone pilots with the necessary training and education to become FAA-certified drone pilots. It was launched in 2016 when FAA’s new small unmanned aircraft rule (Part 107) was enacted.
FAA part 107 small UAS licensing requirements mean that a Remote Pilot Certificate is necessary to operate a drone in the United States legally – whether you are flying one of the cheapest drones right through to the most expensive drone. A remote pilot certificate with a small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) rating is the old name for this certification.
The drone pilot ground school is one of the few online courses that offer this certification. In addition, the ground school also provides students with a study guide and practice tests to help them prepare for the FAA exam.
Lessons are taught by expert instructors and pilots who have experience at Part 141 Flight Schools including roles as Cheif Pilots and Gold Seal CFIs (Certified flight instructors)
“I wanted to let you know that I think your course is without a doubt the best way to increase your chances to pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test. I could not imagine having to learn and decipher all the information on my own. Your email support is amazing!”
John – Sequim, WA (Drone pilot ground school student)
How does it work?
You can join this course in the form of a group. The group size may vary from 1 to 25+ students. The course starts with the basics of flying a drone and moves on to more advanced topics. You will get access to more than 70 lectures that cover over 120 fundamental concepts to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 exam. UAS airman certification standards are strictly adhered to.
This curriculum is for those who want to become a small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) operator. Bonus lessons are included in the course, with practical flight knowledge. You are also provided a pre-flight checklist to ensure your drone is in good condition before taking off. Guides to conduct airspace research are also included.
The course has a bonus business operations section that covers everything you need to know about starting your own drone business. Drone lawyers and industry professionals provide you with all the information, drone rules, and resources you need to get started. Marketing and social media marketing strategies are also discussed in this section.
You can get lifetime access to this course for a one-time payment. It includes all the lectures, practice quizzes, sectional charts, and bonus resources. You also get free updates. You can keep coming back to review the material as often as you need.
Hands-on drone flight training is also available through the ground school. This practical training is conducted through a UAV coach.
How long is drone pilot ground school?
Drone Pilot Ground School is a comprehensive course that will teach you everything you need to know about flying drones. Most students who are employed full-time take 2-3 weeks to complete one of the lessons and full-length practice tests. It generally requires 10-20 hours of study time in total. However, you are granted lifetime access to course materials, so it’s possible to study at your own pace.
How long does it take to be a drone pilot?
It typically takes students 4-6 weeks to complete the FAA drone pilot licensing process, which results in a certificate mailed to them 6-8 weeks later. This timeline allows for plenty of time for students to learn all they need to know about being a safe and responsible drone pilot.
Beginners with no experience of drone operations can benefit from getting involved with a local hobbyist club – learning about RC planes for beginners is a great way to get ahead, make friends in the industry and gain valuable experience about drone and remote control piloting skills in order to speed up your training time.
Drone Pilot Ground School Curriculum
The Drone Pilot Ground School has over 70 lessons, with the curriculum following;
Welcome to Drone Pilot Ground School
- 5 Quick-Start Tips for New Students
- Download Your Test Supplement
- Meet Your Instructor and Student Support Manager
- Common Drone Industry Terms (Glossary)
Drone Rules and FAA Regulations
- The Basics of Part 107 Regulations
- Crew Member Definitions
- Registering Your Drone
- Reporting an Accident or In-Flight Emergency
- Airspace Authorization and Waivers
- Alcohol, Drugs and Physiology
- Flying Visual Line-of-Sight
- Flying Over People and Moving Vehicles
- Flying at Night
- Flying From a Moving Vehicle
- FAA Compliance: Flight Logging, Inspections and Required Documents
- Operating Limitations: Height, Speed, Minimum Visibility and Cloud Clearance
Drone Flight Operations
- Pre-Flight Checklist
- UAS Maintenance and Inspection
- UAS Loading and Performance
- Radio Communications
- 5 Hazardous Altitudes
- PAVE, IMSAFE, & DECIDE Models
- Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
- LiPo Batteries
- Lost Link Procedures
- Emergency Operations
- Hazardous Flight Operations
Weather and Micrometeorology
- Stable vs. Unstable Air (Understanding Air Masses)
- Clouds, Ceilings and Visibility
- Operating in Extreme Weather
- Reading a TAF Report
- Reading a METAR Report
- Moisture, Fog and Frost
- Wind and Currents
- Standard Conditions and Density Altitude
National Airspace System (NAS)
- Class B Airspace
- Class C Airspace
- Class D Airspace
- Class E Airspace
- Class G Airspace
- Special Use Airspace
- Military Training Routes (MTRs)
- TFRs and NOTAMs
Sectional Charts
- What’s a Sectional Chart?
- Advanced Sectional Chart Interpretation
- Victor Airways
- Maximum Elevation Figures
- Isogonic Lines
- Airports and Radio Frequencies
- MSL vs. AGL
- Notification Boxes
- VFR Checkpoints
- Latitude and Longitude
Night Operations Training
- Understanding the Rules
- Understand These 5 Visual Illusions
- How Your Eyes Function at Night
- Night Ops Environment & Best Practices
Bonus Lessons
- Ask a Drone Lawyer: Key Legal Considerations for Starting a Drone Business
- Using Drones to Do Real Estate/Property Marketing
- Pricing Your Drone Services
- Drone Liability and Hull Insurance
- How to Conduct Airspace Research
- Basic Flight Proficiency Training
Drone Pilot Ground School Features
Drone Pilot Ground School features the following;
- Video Lessons
- Text-based lessons (textbook material)
- Lesson Quizzes
- Practice exams
- Cram sheet
- Drone Pilot Knowledge centre
- Personal one on one support
How much does the Drone Pilot Ground School cost?
The overall cost of getting a drone license is below USD $500. However, the test preparation cost of the school may vary depending upon the group size. Group size and individual cost are inversely proportional. The larger the group, the lower the cost per person.
Test Preparation Cost
If you want to join as an individual, it would cost you USD$299. But, if you join a group of 4 people, the cost per person would be USD$249. And, if the group size is more than ten people, the cost per person would be only USD$199.
Testing Fee
An additional testing center fee of USD$175 is paid. FAA drone exam schedule and payment are made online.
So, the total cost comes to around USD$500, which is very affordable compared to other courses that offer the same certification. Practice tests, practice quizzes, tech support, sectional chart, video lectures, cram sheet, and study guide are included in the course fee.
Advantages of the Drone Pilot Ground school?
Drone services are in high demand, and the industry is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years. Some of the advantages of becoming a drone pilot via the ground school include:
● The ground school is a great resource for those who want to become drone pilots without spending much money. The course is very affordable and includes all the materials needed to succeed.
● One of the great things about the ground school is that it is flexible. Students can take the course at a self-pace and work around their schedules and learning style.
● Hands-on drone flight training is also available through the ground school.
● You can solve practice exams to help you prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam.
● Flight planning software is provided to help you plan your flights and stay within the law.
● The course also covers business aspects of being a drone pilot, such as insurance, drone liability, and marketing.
● Money-back guarantees if you’re not satisfied with the course, and they will even refund your licence centre fee if you fail the test.
● The online test prep materials are comprehensive and easy to follow. The flight instructors have experienced drone pilots who are passionate about teaching others.
● FAA regulations are strictly followed to ensure your safety.
● The ground school has a proven track record, having trained over 50,000 students.
“Whether you learn best by listening, reading, or doing, we use all of these tactics to help you learn. We also have closed captioning in each of our video lessons.”
dronepilotgroundschool.com
Disadvantages of the Drone Pilot Ground school?
The school’s overall rating is quite impressive, which is 4.9 out of 5. However, there are some issues that potential students must know.
● All the course material is online, which can sometimes be a little overwhelming and confusing for some. Some may prefer to print out the entire FAA testing supplement and study that.
● Abbreviations are used widely throughout the course, which can sometimes be difficult to understand. Someone with no flight knowledge whatsoever may be completely lost.
● The FAA uses a very large question bank, not all questions are covered in the DPGS (i.e CRM) – routinely scoring 90%+ on the DPGS practice exams might equate to 75% on the real exam
Alternatives to the Drone Pilot Ground School
Alternatives to the Drone Pilot Ground School for learning include ABJ Drone Academy and The Pilot Institute
ABJ Drone Academy
The ABJ Drone Academy is a global drone education provider (mainly operating in the US and Europe) that offers a wide range of drone training including the basics, specialist courses relating to commercial applications, and instructor courses. They utilize a range of training techniques including online classes, simulator sessions, and real-world flying to get their clients qualified as professional drone pilots.
ABJ Drone Academy is one of the largest online drone training providers across the globe, providing some of the most sought-after and specialized courses in the industry.
The Pilot Institute
The Pilot Institute is an at-home, online training platform that enables you to go from zero to 100% knowledge in theory subjects required for exams for licences to operate drones (Remote Pilot Certificate) and light aircraft (Private Pilots Licence).
All pilots whether they are flying drones or manned aircraft need to complete their theory prior to being able to take each stage of their flight training. The Pilot Institute system streamlines this learning, making it easy to access and complete part-time while you are still working. Complete with easy videos, practice tests, tools and resources, instructor support, and most importantly, a money back guarantee!
Conclusion
Drone Pilot Ground School is an excellent introduction to drone flying. The course is very comprehensive, and the instructors are knowledgeable and experienced. The ground school provides a solid foundation to build your drone flying skills. Overall, this is an excellent course for anyone who wants to get started in the exciting world of drones.
Also, this course is a must if you are considering starting a drone business. The course covers all the basics of drone operation, including flight planning, airspace regulations, and safety procedures. After completing this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to start your own drone business or further your career as a professional or commercial drone pilot.
Is Drone Pilot Ground School worth attending? Here’s the answer – A remote pilot certificate is necessary to fly a drone in the United States commercially. If you are looking for a complete training solution to pass the FAA part 107 small UAS licensing requirements, then Drone Pilot Ground School is a premium solution that will help you prepare for examinations and testing to obtain your certificate and start your career as a professional drone pilot. Check out a Drone Pilot Ground School FREE lesson preview here
FAQs about the Drone Pilot Ground School
Do you need a drone license to become a drone pilot?
You must pass the FAA Part 107 exam to become a licensed drone pilot in the USA.
Can you make money flying a drone?
Yes, you can make money flying a drone. There are many ways to make money with drones, such as aerial photography, videography, real estate photography, weddings, and more.
Where is the Drone Pilot ground school based?
The headquarters are at 10 Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 400, PMB 75, Nashville, TN 37215. However, the ground school offers an online course that can be taken from anywhere worldwide.
Contact them at (888) 626-1490 or [email protected] for any information.
Is the Drone Pilot ground school worth it?
The school’s comprehensive curriculum will give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a professional drone pilot. It is worth it if you are looking to get your drone license. The course is also refundable, so you have nothing to lose if you decide to take it.
Further Resources and reading for Drone Pilots
Check out the following resources and further reading for Drone pilots and drone training
BangGood
BangGood is a leading global online drone store that provides cost-effective, high-quality drone, drone products and parts and accessories to over 66 million registered users. The company has been in business since 2006 and has an excellent reputation.
VeryDrone
VeryDrone is a shared space for drone pilots, enthusiasts, film makers and aerial photographers to collaborate, share adventures and shop.
Drones Direct
Drones Direct (previously known as ProFlight UK) is a one-stop-shop for all things drones or drone-related.
One Drone
One Drone is an online retailer that sells the best drones and drone accessories. They offer a wide selection of drones from top brands at competitive prices. It started in the summer of 2012 when the founder, a drone enthusiast, wanted to find a better way to buy drones.
Samys Camera
Professional photographers and videographers have long trusted Samy’s Camera for their photography equipment needs. Now, with the addition of drones to their inventory, they are the one-stop shop to fulfill your aerial photography and videography needs.
Swellpro waterproof drones
SwellPro is an exciting waterproof drone manufacturer which makes any novice not only an expert angler but also a potential life saver. The SwellPro Splashdrone range are waterproof, not just water-resistant and allow you to operate around and in salt water. The payload carry function allows the attachment of a camera and has a fantastic payload release feature for bait. If you want an unfair advantage in fishing, love filming around water or like the good feeling of being about to drop emergency equipment to someone in need, then this review will help you figure out if a SwellPro drone is worth it
