Where Can I Find an Online Drone Pilot Course?

Online drone pilot courses are perfect for those looking to get into the professional world of drones. Drone pilots can make between $55,000-100,000 a year and the training can be done in just a few weeks. Here are Flying’s stop choices for online drone pilot courses. 

The Commercial Drone Pilot Course by Pilot Institute allows students to learn at their own pace. With a high pass rate, commercial drone pilot students will have the guarantee of a successful completion or Pilot Institute will refund them.

Average Completion Time: 15 hours

Access Expiration: Lifetime

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features: 

Benefits: 

Disadvantages:

Pricing: $249

Drone Pilot Ground School offers an online drone pilot course for a select group of industry partners. This course allows for 1:1 lessons with a drone pilot instructor. 

Average Completion Time: 15-20 hours 

Access Expiration: Lifetime

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features: 

Benefits: 

Disadvantages: 

Pricing: $299

The Drone Launch Academy provides students with an online drone course with an accelerated five-hour video option. Drone Pilot Ground School will also cover your testing fee (normally $175), if you fail your written exam.

Average Completion Time: 5-15 hours

Access Expiration: Lifetime

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features: 

Benefits: 

Disadvantages: 

Pricing: $199

The Peltier Remote Pilot Course is the most affordable option for students wanting to enroll in an online drone pilot course. Peltier guarantees you will pass your exam, provides live instructor, and is a relatively new course with a high pass rate. 

Average Completion Time: 15-20 hours

Access Expiration: Lifetime

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features: 

Benefits: 

Disadvantages: 

Pricing: $129

Dart Drones is an online drone pilot course for those who not only want to pass the written exam and get their license but also want to have drone flight lessons to ensure their skills can be used. This course provides access to flight instructors, a money-back guarantee, and lifetime access to ensure students find success. 

Average Completion Time: 15 hours + in person courses 

Access Expiration: Lifetime

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features: 

Benefits: 

Disadvantages: 

Pricing: $1,649

Drone U is a subscription based service that allows you to only pay as long as you use the curriculum. In addition to the FAA drone course, Members have access to many other courses include, drone photography and drone mapping. 

Average Completion Time: 15-20 hours

Access Expiration: As long as you pay for the membership 

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features: 

Benefits: 

Disadvantages: 

Pricing: $47 a month 

The Unmanned Vehicle University is a great option for students looking to complete an online drone training course with the option to complete in person training. The extensive online course requires no prior knowledge of drones and is taught by a master aviator. 

Average Completion Time: 16 hours

Access Expiration: Lifetime

Curriculum Focus: 

Special Features:

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Pricing: $250

Those who plan to fly a drone commercially (for hire) will need to obtain a drone pilot certificate from the FAA.

Part 107 training allows you to demonstrate that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.

During drone training you will learn about regulations around drones, airspace, aviation weather, airspaces, loading performance, and more. 

To pick an online drone course that fits your needs, choose a course that aligns with your learning style and comprises the key topics in the FAA drone exam. 

Most online drone courses must be accessed from a desktop computer, some however have smart phone applications. Choose a course with accessibility that fits your learning style. 

Most drone courses take 15-20 hours to complete. Almost all give lifetime access to the material allowing students to complete the course at their own pace.

Price is dependent on the company providing the training and if in-person lessons are included. Most online-only drone courses will cost between $125-250. This does not include the FAA written fee, which will cost about $175.

Most schools have a money-back guarantee to entice students to use their curriculum. Money-back guarantees not only show the curriculum has been proven but allows a no-risk course for the student. Some companies even provide a guarantee to pay the student additional money if they do not pass their written exam. 

Whether you choose to take an online or in person drone course, choosing the one that best fits your learning style and pace is important. For more information regarding drones and to stay up to date on all things aviation, subscribe to FLYING Magazine.