FAA Part 107 study guide
FAA Part 107 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Under the FAA's Small UAS Rule (Part 107), a person flying a drone for purposes other than pure recreation must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. The certificate demonstrates that the holder understands the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones. The FAA Part 107 study guide has 5 sections and about 3,801 words.
01Regulatory Privileges, Limitations, and Flight Operations
A remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating lets you operate an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kg) at takeoff, including everything onboard or attached. To qualify you must be at least 16, read, write, and speak English, be physically and mentally fit, and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test (Part 61 certificate holders complete the FAASTeam online course instead).
372 words, about 2 min02Airspace Classification, Operating Requirements, and Flight Restrictions
Class A begins at 18,000 ft MSL and is off-limits to small UAS. Class B, C, D, and Class E surface areas all require ATC authorization under §107.41 before you launch; Class E above 700 or 1,200 ft AGL and Class G need none.
323 words, about 2 min03Aviation Weather Sources and Effects on UAS Performance
Two products carry most of the weight. A METAR is an observation issued about once an hour (roughly 50–55 minutes past the hour) describing current conditions; a TAF is a forecast valid 24 or 30 hours, issued four times daily at about 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, and 18Z.
314 words, about 2 min04Small Unmanned Aircraft Loading and Performance
The aircraft's weight at takeoff - airframe, batteries, camera, gimbal, and anything else attached - must stay under 55 pounds. Payload changes are never free.
299 words, about 1 min05Emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication procedures, physiological effects of drugs and alcohol, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, airport operations, maintenance and preflight inspection procedures, and operation at night
Section 107.21 permits the remote pilot in command to deviate from any Part 107 rule to the extent necessary to meet an in-flight emergency - and no further. It does not license careless or reckless operation, and it does not excuse poor planning.
2,493 words, about 12 min