Discover scholarships, grants, and free training options to help you become a certified drone pilot.
David Daly |·Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | FLYING The Daily Newsletter
The drone industry is full of opportunities, but that wasn’t always the case.
When I started in this industry, there was no Part 107 and few resources to help someone new get into the business. Many of the best practices I learned in those days were through the school of hard knocks. Thankfully, this is no longer the case. The drone industry is booming, and as a result, there is more support for drone pilots than ever before.
I have spoken with many people over the years who are very interested in becoming pilots, but something is holding them back. Commonly, these include concerns such as the cost of drones, fears about passing the Part 107 exam, or the normal anxiety that comes with starting a business, even a side hustle. When I address their concerns and share some of the opportunities that are available in the industry, that usually is enough to help them take the first step.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the opportunities out there for new pilots and seasoned aerial aces. FLYING’s curated list will have a little something for everyone to make your life as a commercial drone pilot a breeze. We’ll discuss the following:
- Scholarships and grants
- Free and low-cost training options
- Government-funded training programs
Why Drone Training and Certification Matter
Before diving into the opportunities, a word about drone training and why certification matters. In the early days before the FAA introduced Part 107, it was like the skies were the Wild West. While most people followed safe practices, others operated quite recklessly. Even after the Part 107 program began, dangerous incidents continued to occur, such as when a pilot flew a drone into an Army Black Hawk helicopter in 2017. The pilot was not licensed.
Having a Part 107 certification ensures that a drone pilot has an understanding of how to operate a drone safely. Passing the Part 107 exam is easy, especially when using study materials.
Online courses, such as those offered by Altitude University and the Pilot Institute, have success rates of over 99 percent for their students passing the FAA exam on the first attempt. You can also learn the material through purchased study guides, such as those offered by Sporty’s or available on Amazon.
Scholarships and Grants
One of the main concerns I hear from people is the cost of becoming a commercial drone pilot.
The most expensive item is typically the drone, but there are many great options available for drones under $1,500 and some even under $500. While these may lack the bells and whistles of high-end models, they can be used for entry-level commercial drone work. These price points make buying a drone more affordable.
If things are still tight, even at those prices, there are scholarships and grants available to help. Here are a few worth mentioning:
AOPA Foundation Scholarship: Although the application period for this year is now closed, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation offers several scholarships to UAS pilot hopefuls. For example, high school students in Oklahoma can apply for the Senator Jim Inhofe FAA Knowledge Test Scholarship, which pays up to $250 in testing fees. Not bad since the exam is only $175. You can check out all the AOPA opportunities on the foundation’s website.
Elevate Scholarship Program (DroneDeploy and Prime Air): If you are looking for more than just covering the test fee, the Elevate Scholarship Program covers that and includes training and mentorship. There are 300 awards this year, and the application link went live on June 1. You must be between 16 and 24 and be currently enrolled in a UAS, aviation, or Part 107 training course at an accredited school.
Path to Leadership Event Scholarship (Commercial UAV Expo): One of the best ways to learn about the drone industry, network, and find work is by attending the numerous conferences each year. While these events are usually well worth the price of admission, they can be expensive. My favorite conference to attend each year is the Commercial UAV Expo at Las Vegas in September. This year’s application process is already closed, but students can save thousands of dollars and attend for free if they are selected for the award.
Aviation Workforce Development Grants (FAA): Designed for institutions seeking to develop training programs, the FAA’s Aviation Workforce Development Grants support UAS operator career training and outreach to underrepresented groups. Organizations or institutions looking to build drone programs can be awarded up to $1 million in the form of a grant. This grant program is very competitive. The agency reserves the right to award grants based on the quantity and quality of proposals received in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Free and Low-Cost Training Options
Scholarships and grants typically require a lot of work to win, especially grants. If you are looking for free or low-cost resources, there are plenty of those as well.
Be sure to conduct your due diligence when obtaining free information, as some sources may be less reliable or accurate than others. Here are a few worth checking out:
YouTube: There is a lot of free content about the drone industry on YouTube. Some of it can be a bit sketchy, but if you stick with reliable industry sources, the free resources are endless. The information includes Part 107 test preparation, drone reviews, and tips on how to grow your drone business. A great place to start is on the channels run by Altitude University and the Pilot Institute.
DroneResponders: If you work as a first responder, one of the best places to get free information and training is DroneResponders. Officially, this nonprofit organization was established to unite new aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue specialists under a unified framework, enabling them to learn, train, and test together with the ultimate goal of optimizing drone operations for public safety. I joined back in 2019 when I was operating on search and rescue teams. The professionals in this organization have a lot to share about how to get the most out of your UAV operations.
Massive Open Online Course: If you know anything about the aviation world, you have heard of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In addition to its many degree and certificate programs, the university offers complimentary, noncredit courses. These courses provide specialized instruction from subject-matter experts on a range of topics, including aircraft maintenance and passenger safety. Past courses have included topics such as “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Key Concepts for New Users” (2017). Check the site regularly for updates.
Government-Funded Training Programs
There are several government-funded programs available for training and purchasing equipment. Sometimes, the funding is location-based, while other programs are designed to support specific groups, such as veterans. Here are two programs:
WIOA Funding (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act): The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides federal funding for career training geared toward veterans, displaced workers, and low-income adults through local American Job Centers (also known as America’s Job Centers or One-Stop Career Centers). Qualified individuals can receive various types of training related to drones and have their Part 107 test fee paid for.
State-specific programs: Many states have taken the initiative to foster growth in the drone industry. In Arizona, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certificate (Yavapai College) is offered and is WIOA‑approved. Another example is in California, where the Hornet Drone Piloting Apprenticeship (Fullerton College) offers a registered apprenticeship combining on-the-job training, 700-plus flight hours, OSHA credentials, and Part 107 prep over eight to 12 months, all free to students in the program. Chances are, your state has similar programs as well.
So, there are many programs out there to help start or grow your commercial drone pilot career. From scholarships and grants to low-cost training, there is no reason why anyone should feel like flying drones for profit is out of their reach.
Apply today to one of the opportunities outlined here, or search for others out there that are specific to your background and needs.
FAQ
Do I need a college degree to become a commercial drone pilot?
No, all you need to do is pass the FAA Part 107 exam.
Is drone training eligible for veteran education benefits?
Yes, many drone training programs are approved for VA benefits under the GI Bill and VR&E.
How long does it take to become a certified drone pilot?
Most people can study and pass the Part 107 exam within two to four weeks using online courses or self-study tools.
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