Before you certify, understand the regulation: the RAC 100 certification guide (Spanish).
The figures on this page are directional 2026 ranges to help you budget. Verify the current values with the Colombian Civil Aviation authority (UAEAC), with your school, and with your insurer before you decide.
Getting certified is not one payment; it is several line items that add up. Budgeting them separately gives you a realistic figure and avoids surprises:
It is the line item that weighs most. Depending on the school, the city, and the program, a RAC 100-aligned pilot course typically sits around 1.5 to 2 million pesos in 2026. That is a directional market range, not an official fee: ask your school for the current price, and confirm the course is aligned with the Aerocivil requirements for the competency certificate.
Good news for the budget: registering the UAS and certifying the operator with the Civil Aviation authority carry no cost. What you do pay to the UAEAC is the pilot theory exam (PUAS), which was about COP $60,200 in 2025; confirm the current value before you budget. The certification guide explains who must certify as an operator and what the process looks like.
Civil-liability insurance is part of the operating framework. The premium depends on your operation, the coverage, and the insurer, so it is quoted case by case; there is no single number. Ask an insurer that covers drone operations for a quote and add it to the budget, including its renewal.
The cleanest way not to overpay is to certify for the operation you actually run. Start with the operating category you need today, without over-certifying; pick a school with a RAC 100-aligned course; and avoid paying for add-ons (night flights, for example) your operation does not require yet. Once you are operating, showing the client the flight live is what Hover handles, without you standing up your own relay: Hover for certified operators.
No. The cost is made of several components: the pilot course (competency certificate), the theory exam, and civil-liability insurance. Registration and certification with the UAEAC are free. The largest component is usually the course.
Depending on the school, a RAC 100-aligned pilot course typically sits around 1.5 to 2 million Colombian pesos in 2026. That is a directional market range; ask your school for the current price, since it varies by program and city.
Registering the UAS and certifying the operator with the Civil Aviation authority (UAEAC) carry no cost. What you pay to the UAEAC is the pilot theory exam (PUAS), about COP $60,200 in 2025; confirm the current value before you budget.
Civil-liability insurance is part of the operating framework. The premium depends on your operation, the coverage, and the insurer, so it is quoted case by case. Ask an insurer that covers drone operations for a quote.
There are one-time costs (the course, the initial filing) and recurring or renewal costs (certificate validity, insurance renewal). Budget both, not just the start.
Start with the operating category you actually need (do not over-certify), pick a school with a RAC 100-aligned course, and avoid paying for add-ons your operation does not require yet. The certification guide explains the categories.
Colombian Civil Aviation authority (UAEAC), Unmanned Aviation (UAS/Drones) portal. Pilot-school market values, 2026. Figures change; use this page to orient your budget and confirm with the official source and your provider.
This page is for general orientation and may not reflect the latest regulatory changes. It is not legal advice: confirm current rules, fees, and permitted zones with your country's civil aviation authority before you fly.