FAA Allows Part 107 Pilots to Maintain Currency Online During COVID-19 Shutdown

UPDATE 2: The FAA has issued SFAR 118-2. It does NOT contain relief extensions for Part 107 (107.65). Remote Pilots who received relief under the previous versions of SFAR 118 will need to establish recency of knowledge per 107.65 prior to the end of their 6 calendar month extension.

UPDATE: The FAA has extended the online extension for anyone who’s currency lapses between April 1st and September 30th.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has upended more than a few industries, and UAS are not immune. In light of nationwide shelter-in-place orders, the FAA’s approved testing provider has temporarily closed their doors, leaving thousands of current and aspiring Remote Pilots without a way to take the test necessary to get/renew their certificates.

The FAA has, finally, made a way forward for these pilots with the release of a new Supplemental FAR (SFAR) aimed at helping those impacted by COVID-19.

Those current Part 107 Certificate holders whose recency of knowledge lapses between April 1st and June September 30th of this year are eligible to obtain a temporary (6 month) renewal by taking the ALC-451 or ALC 515 course on www.faasafety.gov. Those who take advantage of this SFAR will have to renew their knowledge recency via traditional means (exam) within 6 calendar months of completing the online course.

If you went out of currency before April 1st or you’re looking for your initial certification, you’re out of luck for now. However, it looks like PSI has opened some of its facilities (with reduced capacity) on May 1st and will continue to open others as conditions allow.

So, if you need to stay current, this might be your best option to stay legal until this crazy pandemic can blow over. You can check out the FAA’s FAQ below.

In the meantime, stay safe out there!