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Become an FAA Certified Commercial Drone Pilot

Sign up for a two-day class that will prepare you for the FAA exam.

Next class: January 10-11, 2026 in Lakeville, MN.

Get the latest updates on the likely DJI ban

Minnesota-based FAA Part 107 Test Prep and Flight Training

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FAA Drone Pilot Certification

FAA rules allow anyone who passes an FAA knowledge test to fly drones commercially. This FAA certification is required for all drone operations, except those that are purely for recreation.

If you do any of the following, you will need to hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate:

  • Roofing and construction
  • Video production
  • Aerial photography
  • Agricultural surveys and applications
  • Land surveys and mapping
  • Mining and aggregates
  • Equipment inspections
  • Public safety, security, and law enforcement

Who Is The Class For?

This class is for drone pilots who want to become FAA Certified for Commercial Operations.

The main focus of the class is preparing you for the FAA exam and getting your Remote Pilot License. Because the focus is on passing the FAA exam rather than how to fly drones, the class is appropriate for beginners and experienced pilots alike.

Convenient Locations

In-person drone classes at your office or our classroom in Lakeville.

Affordable Tuition

Cost for the entire course, including all study materials, is only $649.

Complete FAA Knowledge Test Preparation

You will learn everything you need to know in order to pass the FAA exam and operate your drone safely.

Two Day Class Schedule

Both days include a one hour lunch break at 12:00 (lunch is provided both days).
Day 1 (9:00am – 3:30pm):
  • Legal and regulatory considerations for drone operations
  • Certification requirements and operating rules
  • Obtaining waivers for select operating rules
  • National Airspace System
  • Classification of airspace
  • Special use airspace
  • Temporary Flight Restrictions and Notices to Airmen
  • Air traffic control
  • App demos
Day 2 (9:00am – 3:30pm):
  • Airport operations
  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Power systems
  • Aircraft loading, weight and balance
  • Meterological factors in small unmanned aircraft flight
  • Flight crews, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision making
  • Aeromedical and psychological factors
  • Preflight operations
  • Normal operations
  • Emergency operations
  • Aircraft maintenance and airworthiness requirements
  • View the full curriculum

View the full curriculum

Minnesota-based FAA Part 107 Test Prep and Flight Training

Reserve Your Seat

What's Included

This is a two-day, in-person class (lunch is provided both days). You’ll walk away with all course materials, including slides, worksheets, and reference materials. You’ll also walk away with clear direction on how to further your skills and step-by-step instructions for getting your FAA license. Tuition also includes the Remote Pilot Resource Pack:

  • Free access to our eight hour online video course
  • Practice exams
  • Twin Cities Aeronautical Sectional Chart
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul Terminal Area Chart
  • North Central Chart Supplement (Airport/Facilities Directory)
  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Airman's Information Manual
  • Drone Pilot Quick Reference Guide
  • Study Checklists

Meet The Instructor

Joel Roggenkamp

Degrees

M.Ed., Business and Industry Education, University of Minnesota

FAA Certifications

Private Pilot License, Airplane Single Engine Land, with Instrument Rating Remote Pilot Certificate with sUAS Rating

Bio

Joel Roggenkamp is a friendly and experienced educator and aviator who takes a student-centered approach to his teaching. He earned his flight ratings through the aviation program at St. Cloud State University. His teaching career began when he accepted a position as Aerospace Education Officer in his local Civil Air Patrol squadron. He has five years of experience teaching at the high school level and is currently an instructor at South Central College.
His aviation experience includes Cessna 152s and 172s, and most recently, flight time in a light sport Pipistrel Alpha. As well, Joel has been building and flying small unmanned aircraft systems for over ten years and is very excited to see where the industry will go. He’s been helping pilots earn their FAA drone certificates since 2016.
Joel was a very informative and professional teacher. The class was AWESOME and very interesting. Learned tons of great things!
Mitchell Graskey, Minneapolis, MN
Joel is very knowledgeable and has a nice, relaxed teaching style.
Bill Johnson, Lakeville, MN
This was a great class that split things up into small, easy to learn segments.
Adam Cook, Brooklyn Park, MN
Twin Cities Drone School is an excellent resource for anyone pursuing Part 107 certification. I attended the in-person class and found the curriculum to be well organized and the study materials handed out were very helpful as well. Above all, Joel was very knowledgeable and personable. He was able to present complex concepts in an easy to understand way and even made it fun. I also made use of Joel’s online course at Top Flight Drone School and found it to be equally well organized and thorough. Using only the materials he provided I was able to pass the Part 107 test with a score of 92% - no small feat for someone out of college for many years. Thanks, Joel!
Nick Nelson, Eagan, MN
A great class for the beginner with zero experience or someone who regularly flies. The class was well-organized and interesting.
Steve Sutherland, Eagan, MN
Very professional training with good material presented.
Nick Gorman, Eagan, MN
I left feeling perfectly prepared to take the written test.
Mark Pafko, Lakeville, MN

Our Clients

Industry

3M
Best Buy
Marathon Petroleum
Ron Schara Productions
Grand View Lodge
Hibbing Taconite
Orbital ATK
KIMT-TV Rochester
WEAU-TV Eau Claire
Anderson Companies
Ulland Brothers Construction
Nodak Insurnace
Dyno Nobel
Barr Engineering
Cleveland Cliffs
Superior Industries
Conflict Resolution Group
Jax Exteriors
Sela Roofing

Government / Education

City of Minneapolis
City of St. Paul
City of St. Cloud
City of Maplewood
City of Edina
City of Wadena
City of Oakdale
US Dept. of Agriculture
Morrison County, MN
St. Louis County, MN
Hubbard County, MN
Belle Plaine Public Schools
Waconia Pulbic Schools
Morris Public Schools
Greenway Public Schools
Minnetonka Public Schools
Morris Public Schools

Sign Up For Our Next Class

In-Person Class

Register Now
January 10-11, 2026
9:00am – 3:30pm each day
Tuition: $649
Lakeville, MN

Online Course

Start Learning

Can’t wait?  Take the online course right now.

At your office

Learn More

Get your entire crew FAA certified in TWO DAYS right at your office.

Class Details

  • Two day course that will prepare you to pass the FAA knowledge test and become an commercial drone pilot.
  • Includes access to our eight hour online video course.
  • Includes all books, maps, and study materials.
  • Plan to spend three hours studying after the class.
  • FAA exam must be scheduled separately. FAA testing centers will charge fees for the test.
  • Price: $649

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