Mooney Pilots & Part 107 Drone Operations

[Wagee]

Hey everyone,

I know many Mooney pilots have diverse aviation interests, so I wanted to ask if anyone here also operates under Part 107 for commercial drone work. If so, how do you integrate drone operations with your general aviation experience?

Do you find that being a certificated pilot helps with understanding airspace, weather, and regulations under Part 107? Also, have you encountered any challenges in coordinating drone flights near airports or in controlled airspace, particularly when flying out of your home field in a Mooney?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thanks in advance!

[Oscar Avalle]

I do fly a drone too and I got certified under part 107. I am very careful when flying out of my field with my drone. But I am allowed to do it if I coordinate with tower.

 

It helps a lot being a pilot.

oscar

[Wagee]

On 2/25/2025 at 2:27 PM, Oscar Avalle said:

I do fly a drone too and I got certified under part 107. I am very careful when flying out of my field with my drone. But I am allowed to do it if I coordinate with tower.

 

It helps a lot being a pilot.

oscar

That's great! Being both a manned aircraft pilot and a certified Part 107 drone pilot definitely gives you an edge when it comes to airspace awareness and safety. Coordination with ATC is a solid habit, especially when operating near controlled airspace.

[Wagee]

I came across this guide and it got me interested in taking the plunge, drone videography and photography might make an interesting hobby in the near future.

[corn_flake]

Yes, being a pilot does help on getting 107 cert.  If I recall correctly, it was a 30-minutes online test.  

Now for actually flying the drone part, it is complete different than flying a fixed-wing full scale.  If you flying a FPV drone with a spotter, it's not hard to do.   But if you flying with direct line of sight, being able to see the tiny drone can be a challenges when the drone gets further away.   

[N201MKTurbo]

I got my 107 cert in two hours flat. Took the online training, took the test, got a CFI buddy to go on IACRA and sign me off. The funny thing is I have never flown a drone.