Uploaded November 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A big thanks to all current and future patrons who are helping fund this science and filmmaking outreach via Patreon: bit.ly/2Sfmkph
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/untamedscience
This week I took the FAA's proficiency test so that I could fly a drone for filmmaking operations. That includes making YouTube videos! I'm guessing that most of you YouTubers will want to do something as well, even if you hate the idea (like I do).
The good news here is that all you have to do is take the test. The bad news is that it's not especially easy. In fact, it'll take a good 6-12 hours of hard studying (in my opinion) to pass it the first time. Here are my steps.
1. Get your drone registered. That's the easy part. registermyuas.faa.gov its cheap
2. Sign up for a proficiency test: There are 2 Knowledge Test Service Providers. Call them directly to schedule your test:
CATS: Call 800-947-4228
PSI: Call 800-211-2754
3. Study. I ended up taking remotepilot101.com's course. For 100 bucks, it had everything I needed.
4. Pass with a 70% or higher.
5. After you have passed the initial aeronautical knowledge test, you will then complete the FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (known as IACRA) to receive a remote pilot certificate. IACRA is a web-based certification/rating application that ensures you meet the requirements and electronically submits the application to the FAA's Airman Registry. Applications should be validated within 10 days. Applicants will then receive instructions for printing their temporary airman certificate, which is good for 120 days. The FAA will then mail you your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate within that 120 days. (this is from the FAA here)
Any other questions? If so, leave your comments below.
If you want 52 Things to start on right now to improve your filmmaking and photography - we have videos on them all here: untamedscience.com/blog/52things
Our GEAR ------------
Main DSLR : amzn.to/2Sho2qc
Second Camera : amzn.to/2B9HInR
Main Lens - amzn.to/2BaEXTk
The Adventure Camera Bag : amzn.to/2B8WYRH
The Macro Lens - amzn.to/2hHUhxW
Telephoto Lens - amzn.to/2za1FJV
Our Mega Wide Lens - amzn.to/2z9KtnS
Our BEST On-camera Mic - amzn.to/2hGuSVt
The Drone - amzn.to/2z84Bqc
My Moving Timelapse setup - amzn.to/2SeCZcJ
GoPro HERO 7 - amzn.to/2ShoPHG
Our Filmmaking Book!!! - amzn.to/2zV88LS
Our Music: goo.gl/roSjb7
The full video setup: kit.com/UntamedScience
(By buying through these links you help us support the channel)
On Social --------------
Instagram: instagram.com/untamedscience (Jonas @behindthescience)
Twitter: twitter.com/untamedscience
Facebook: facebook.com/untamedscience
Website: untamedscience.com
YouTube: bit.ly/2EDk6vO (for most of my work)
Jonas and I are creating a whole series of how-to-filmmaking videos to get you started. Here is the first video: bit.ly/2AcYvHJ and our book: amzn.to/2zV88LS
My main science YouTube Channel: bit.ly/2EDk6vO
Help us create amazing, world reaching content by translating and transcribing videos on our channel: bit.ly/2Crnjgu
A big thanks to all current and future patrons who are helping fund this science and filmmaking outreach via Patreon: bit.ly/2Sfmkph
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/untamedscience
This week I took the FAA's proficiency test so that I could fly a drone for filmmaking operations. That includes making YouTube videos! I'm guessing that most of you YouTubers will want to do something as well, even if you hate the idea (like I do).
The good news here is that all you have to do is take the test. The bad news is that it's not especially easy. In fact, it'll take a good 6-12 hours of hard studying (in my opinion) to pass it the first time. Here are my steps.
1. Get your drone registered. That's the easy part. registermyuas.faa.gov its cheap
2. Sign up for a proficiency test: There are 2 Knowledge Test Service Providers. Call them directly to schedule your test:
CATS: Call 800-947-4228
PSI: Call 800-211-2754
3. Study. I ended up taking remotepilot101.com's course. For 100 bucks, it had everything I needed.
4. Pass with a 70% or higher.
5. After you have passed the initial aeronautical knowledge test, you will then complete the FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (known as IACRA) to receive a remote pilot certificate. IACRA is a web-based certification/rating application that ensures you meet the requirements and electronically submits the application to the FAA's Airman Registry. Applications should be validated within 10 days. Applicants will then receive instructions for printing their temporary airman certificate, which is good for 120 days. The FAA will then mail you your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate within that 120 days. (this is from the FAA here)
Any other questions? If so, leave your comments below.
If you want 52 Things to start on right now to improve your filmmaking and photography - we have videos on them all here: untamedscience.com/blog/52things
Our GEAR ------------
Main DSLR : amzn.to/2Sho2qc
Second Camera : amzn.to/2B9HInR
Main Lens - amzn.to/2BaEXTk
The Adventure Camera Bag : amzn.to/2B8WYRH
The Macro Lens - amzn.to/2hHUhxW
Telephoto Lens - amzn.to/2za1FJV
Our Mega Wide Lens - amzn.to/2z9KtnS
Our BEST On-camera Mic - amzn.to/2hGuSVt
The Drone - amzn.to/2z84Bqc
My Moving Timelapse setup - amzn.to/2SeCZcJ
GoPro HERO 7 - amzn.to/2ShoPHG
Our Filmmaking Book!!! - amzn.to/2zV88LS
Our Music: goo.gl/roSjb7
The full video setup: kit.com/UntamedScience
(By buying through these links you help us support the channel)
On Social --------------
Instagram: instagram.com/untamedscience (Jonas @behindthescience)
Twitter: twitter.com/untamedscience
Facebook: facebook.com/untamedscience
Website: untamedscience.com
YouTube: bit.ly/2EDk6vO (for most of my work)
Jonas and I are creating a whole series of how-to-filmmaking videos to get you started. Here is the first video: bit.ly/2AcYvHJ and our book: amzn.to/2zV88LS
My main science YouTube Channel: bit.ly/2EDk6vO
Help us create amazing, world reaching content by translating and transcribing videos on our channel: bit.ly/2Crnjgu
