Your FREE FAA Part 107 Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems rule — the FAA regulation governing commercial drone (sUAS) operations and the Remote Pilot Certificate.

The certificate required to act as remote pilot in command of a small UAS under Part 107. It does not expire, but recency lapses without recurrent training.

An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds (including everything onboard at takeoff) together with its associated control elements.

400 feet AGL — or, within a 400-ft radius of a structure, up to 400 ft above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.

87 knots (100 mph). The limit is groundspeed, not airspeed, so a tailwind can push you over it.

3 statute miles, measured from the control station.

At least 500 feet below the cloud and at least 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud.

14 years old (14 CFR 107.67). You must be at least 16 to hold the Remote Pilot Certificate itself.

A background vetting every Part 107 applicant must pass before the FAA issues the Remote Pilot Certificate.

A remote pilot applicant must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (a medical exception is possible).

Free online recurrent training completed within the previous 24 calendar months to keep operating under Part 107. There is no recurrent knowledge test.

The free FAASTeam online Part 107 sUAS recurrent training course for pure Part 107 remote pilots.

The free online Part 107 initial course for existing Part 61 certificate holders, who do not take the UAG knowledge test.

Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of weight. Registration is $5 per drone and valid for 3 years via the FAADroneZone.

Drones flown recreationally must be registered if they weigh more than 0.55 lb (250 g).

The registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft and be readily accessible without tools.

Report to the FAA within 10 calendar days if the operation causes serious injury / loss of consciousness, or property damage of at least $500 (not counting the UAS).

An injury requiring hospitalization, or one that triggers FAA accident reporting along with loss of consciousness.

No operating within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under its influence, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater.

FAA authorization to deviate from certain Part 107 operating rules if the applicant shows the operation can be conducted safely. Apply well in advance (about 90 days).

Operating limits like daylight, VLOS, altitude, one-aircraft-per-pilot, and ops over people are waivable; the 55-lb weight limit and carrying-hazardous-material prohibition are not.

A small UAS may not carry hazardous material. This prohibition cannot be waived.

Carrying an external load or transporting property for compensation is allowed if the load is securely attached and does not adversely affect flight characteristics or controllability.

A person may not act as remote PIC or visual observer for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at a time.

The requirement that most drones broadcast identification and location information — a 'digital license plate' — added to the ACS in revision 10B.

A drone that broadcasts Remote ID directly from the aircraft (ID, location, altitude, control-station location, time mark, and emergency status).

An add-on device that broadcasts Remote ID; an aircraft using one must be flown within visual line of sight at all times.

An approved geographic area where drones may fly without Remote ID broadcast equipment.

No person may operate a small UAS in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another, or allow an object to be dropped that creates a hazard.

Operating from a moving vehicle or aircraft is prohibited, except over sparsely populated areas and not when transporting property for compensation.

Operations are allowed in daylight, in civil twilight, and at night — provided the aircraft has anti-collision lighting in twilight and at night and the RPIC completed updated training.

For civil-twilight and night operations the aircraft must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles; it may be dimmed but not extinguished.

The period (per the Air Almanac) just before sunrise and after sunset; in the contiguous U.S. it is the 30 minutes before official sunrise and after official sunset.

The remote pilot in command is directly responsible for, and the final authority over, the operation; must ensure no hazard to people/property and that the aircraft is safe before flight.

A remote pilot must present the certificate, identification, and any records on request from the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or law enforcement.

The FAA application (completed in IACRA) for a Remote Pilot Certificate after passing the knowledge test.

The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system; creating a profile generates the FTN used to schedule the test and file the application.

The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small initial aeronautical knowledge test for first-time Part 107 applicants.

An applicant must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the test; there is no limit on the number of attempts.

70% — 42 of 60 questions correct on the 60-question Part 107 (UAG) test.

Controlled airspace around the busiest airports, shaped like an upside-down wedding cake from the surface up to roughly 10,000 ft MSL. Depicted by solid blue lines. Prior ATC authorization required for Part 107.

Controlled airspace from the surface to about 4,000 ft AGL, with a 5 NM core and a 5–10 NM shelf from 1,200 ft AGL. Depicted by solid magenta lines. ATC authorization required.

Controlled airspace around a towered airport, surface up to about 2,500 ft AGL with roughly a 4 NM radius. Depicted by dashed blue lines. ATC authorization required.

Controlled airspace that is not A, B, C, or D. May begin at the surface, 700 ft AGL, or 1,200 ft AGL. Authorization is required only where Class E reaches the surface near an airport.

Uncontrolled airspace from the surface up to the base of the overlying controlled airspace. No ATC authorization is required to fly a drone here.

On a sectional chart, the boundary of Class E airspace that begins at the surface (often around an airport).

A shaded magenta band on a sectional showing Class E airspace with a floor of 700 ft AGL.

A shaded blue band on a sectional showing Class E airspace with a floor of 1,200 ft AGL.

The boundary of Class B airspace.

The boundary of Class C airspace.

The boundary of Class D airspace.

On a sectional, a ceiling/floor box meaning the airspace tops at 4,100 ft MSL and the floor is the surface (SFC).

A Class C shelf: ceiling 4,100 ft MSL and floor 1,200 ft AGL — drone operations below the shelf floor are in the underlying airspace.

A Class B layer with a ceiling of 10,000 ft MSL and a floor of 3,000 ft MSL — values vary by location, so always read the box.

MSL (mean sea level) is altitude above sea level; AGL (above ground level) is height above the terrain. The 400-ft Part 107 limit is AGL.

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — the system that gives near-real-time ATC authorization to fly in controlled airspace up to charted ceiling altitudes.

FAA grid maps showing the maximum altitude at which LAANC will automatically authorize drone flight in controlled airspace near an airport.

No person may operate in Class B, C, D, or surface-area Class E airspace without prior authorization from ATC (typically via LAANC or the FAA DroneZone).

A temporary regulatory restriction of airspace for events such as VIP movement, disasters, sporting events, or wildfires — drones are generally prohibited inside one.

Notice to Air Missions — time-critical aeronautical information (such as a TFR or closed airport) that a remote pilot should check before every flight.

Special-use airspace where flight is forbidden for security or national-welfare reasons (e.g., P-56 over the White House). Depicted with a blue hatched 'P' boundary.

Special-use airspace containing hazards to flight such as artillery firing or missile testing; entry requires permission from the controlling agency.

Special-use airspace extending from 3 NM outward from the U.S. coast that contains activity hazardous to aircraft.

Airspace that separates military training activity from IFR traffic; depicted with a magenta hatched boundary.

Special-use airspace depicting a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity; all pilots share responsibility for collision avoidance.

Special-use airspace where activities are suspended when a spotter detects approaching aircraft — so CFAs are not charted.

A route used by military aircraft for low-altitude, high-speed training, often below 1,500 ft AGL — a collision hazard for drones.

Airspace where pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flight to protect ground facilities; flight can be temporarily prohibited by NOTAM.

Airspace where radar separation service is provided; participation is voluntary, and Part 107 does not require authorization to operate beneath it.

The radio frequency used to advise of position and intentions at non-towered airports — monitor it to stay aware of manned-aircraft traffic.

A small unmanned aircraft must always yield the right of way to all other (manned) aircraft.

No operating in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.

The coordinate grid (lines of latitude run east-west, longitude north-south) used to locate a position on a sectional chart.

Runway numbers are the magnetic heading rounded to the nearest 10° with the last zero dropped — e.g., Runway 9 points to magnetic 090°.

The 1:500,000-scale aeronautical chart a remote pilot reads to identify airspace, obstacles, and terrain in the operating area.

A bold number in a sectional quadrant giving the highest terrain or obstacle elevation (in hundreds of feet MSL) in that area.

Towers and obstacles 200 ft AGL or higher are generally marked and lit; the sectional shows their height in MSL and AGL.

A sectional symbol marking a tall obstruction; the figure not in parentheses is MSL, the figure in parentheses is AGL.

Power lines and guy wires may be unlit and hard to see — a major collision hazard during low-altitude drone flight.

Airspace such as the Washington DC SFRA with extra restrictions; drone flight is heavily restricted or prohibited within it.

The FAA portal used to register drones and to request airspace authorizations or waivers that are not available through LAANC.

Charted routes through or near complex airspace used by manned VFR traffic — areas of higher traffic density to be aware of.

An Aviation Routine Weather Report — a coded hourly observation of current surface conditions at an airport (wind, visibility, sky, temp/dewpoint, altimeter).

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — a coded forecast of expected weather for the area within about 5 statute miles of an airport, typically valid 24–30 hours.

A special (unscheduled) weather observation issued when conditions change significantly between routine METARs.

SKC = sky clear; CLR = clear below 12,000 ft (automated); FEW = few clouds (1/8 to 2/8 sky coverage).

Scattered clouds — 3/8 to 4/8 of the sky covered.

Broken clouds — 5/8 to 7/8 of the sky covered; this is the first level that counts as a ceiling.

Overcast — 8/8 of the sky covered. Reported as a ceiling.

The height above ground of the lowest broken or overcast layer (or vertical visibility into an obscuration).

Cloud bases are reported in hundreds of feet AGL — e.g., 'BKN025' means a broken layer at 2,500 ft AGL.

Mist — visibility reduced but generally 5/8 statute mile or more (a lighter form of fog).

Fog — water droplets suspended near the surface reducing visibility to less than 5/8 statute mile.

Thunderstorm with rain. Thunderstorms make a drone operation unsafe — do not fly near them.

A minus sign means light, a plus sign means heavy, and VC means 'in the vicinity' of the station.

Direction in degrees true (250°), then speed (15 kt) with gusts to 25 kt. 'VRB' means variable direction.

The current barometric pressure in inches of mercury (29.92) used to set an altimeter to read field elevation.

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature — the altitude the aircraft 'feels.' High density altitude degrades drone lift and performance.

High elevation, high temperature, and high humidity all raise density altitude (thinner air) and reduce drone performance — 'hot, high, and humid.'

Density altitude rises as air density falls. With temperature $T$, as $T$ increases, air density decreases and $DA$ increases, hurting performance.

15 °C (59 °F) and 29.92 inHg at sea level, with temperature decreasing about 2 °C per 1,000 ft — the reference for performance figures.

The closer the temperature and dewpoint, the higher the relative humidity; a small spread signals likely fog, mist, or low clouds.

A stable atmosphere resists vertical motion (smooth air, poor visibility, steady winds); an unstable atmosphere promotes turbulence, good visibility, and showers.

A fast-moving boundary where cold air displaces warm air, often producing strong gusty winds, turbulence, and brief heavy thunderstorms.

A boundary where warm air rides over retreating cold air, producing widespread low clouds, poor visibility, and steady precipitation.

Cumulus (building updrafts), mature (most violent — updrafts and downdrafts, heavy rain, hazardous to flight), and dissipating.

A small, intense downdraft from a thunderstorm causing severe wind shear; extremely hazardous to a drone near the ground.

A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance; it can cause a drone to lose lift or control unexpectedly.

Fog that forms on clear, calm nights as the ground cools (cooling the air to its dewpoint); common in valleys near dawn.

Fog formed when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface; common along coasts and can persist in moderate wind.

Temperature normally decreases about 2 °C (3.5 °F) per 1,000 ft of altitude gain in the standard atmosphere.

FAA-approved internet briefings (1-800-WX-BRIEF / aviationweather.gov), METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs — checked before every operation.

High pressure generally brings stable, fair weather; low pressure tends to bring clouds, precipitation, and poorer flying conditions.

Advisories warning of significant hazardous weather (thunderstorms, severe turbulence, icing) affecting all aircraft.

High humidity adds water vapor (lighter than dry air), lowering air density and reducing the lift and thrust available to the drone.

Even thin frost disrupts airflow over a surface, reducing lift; remove all frost before flight.

Ensuring the drone's total weight is within limits and its load is positioned so the center of gravity stays within the manufacturer's range.

The point at which the aircraft's weight is balanced. A CG outside limits reduces stability and controllability.

Reduces stability and can make the aircraft difficult to control or recover; a forward CG increases stability but reduces maneuverability.

An aircraft's tendency to return to its original attitude after a disturbance. Proper loading and CG keep a drone stable.

More weight draws more battery current, so a heavier payload reduces flight time (endurance) and range.

Greater weight requires more power and lift, reduces climb performance and maneuverability, and raises the speed needed to stay aloft.

Use the manufacturer's data (weight, battery, temperature, altitude) to predict endurance, payload capacity, and safe operating limits before flight.

The heaviest the drone (with payload, battery, and all equipment) may be at takeoff — never exceed it; the Part 107 ceiling is under 55 lb total.

Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and voltage (less flight time); excessive heat can damage cells and shorten life.

Store at proper charge, never fly a swollen/damaged pack, and avoid over-discharge — failures can cause fire or sudden power loss.

A load must be securely attached and must not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft (107.35).

High density altitude (hot, high, humid) reduces propeller efficiency and lift, lowering payload capacity and climb performance.

A heavier aircraft must move faster (or spin its rotors harder) to generate the lift needed, raising the speed at which it can no longer stay aloft.

The ratio of total lift to aircraft weight; aggressive maneuvers increase load factor and the stress on the structure.

Headwinds and gusts increase power demand and reduce groundspeed/endurance; strong wind can exceed the drone's ability to hold position.

Mount cameras or sensors so the load is centered under the CG; an off-center load makes the drone drift or tilt and wastes battery.

Cross-reference weight, temperature, and altitude to estimate hover time, max payload, and wind limits before flying.

A systematic approach to consistently determining the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances during an operation.

Anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation — recognized so the pilot can apply the matching antidote.

'Don't tell me!' Antidote: 'Follow the rules. They are usually right.'

'Do something quickly!' Antidote: 'Not so fast. Think first.'

'It won't happen to me.' Antidote: 'It could happen to me.'

'I can do it.' Antidote: 'Taking chances is foolish.'

'What's the use?' Antidote: 'I'm not helpless. I can make a difference.'

Effective use of all available resources — people (visual observers), equipment, and information — to conduct a safe operation.

A risk-assessment model: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures — used during preflight planning to identify hazards.

A personal-fitness self-assessment: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion.

Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate — a continuous decision-making loop for in-flight risk management.

The remote PIC or visual observer must be able to see the aircraft at all times with vision unaided (corrective lenses are allowed).

A crewmember who helps the remote PIC see and avoid other aircraft and hazards; the VO and RPIC must maintain effective communication.

Flying over people not directly participating is prohibited unless the operation meets one of the Subpart D operational categories (1–4) or has a waiver.

A drone weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or less with no exposed rotating parts that can lacerate skin may fly over people.

Heavier drones that cannot cause injury above a defined impact-energy threshold and have no lacerating parts, with a declaration of compliance.

Drones with a higher injury threshold that may not operate over open-air assemblies and only over people within a restricted/closed-access site.

Drones holding an airworthiness certificate and operated per their approved flight manual / operating limitations.

Sustained flight over moving vehicles is permitted only if the drone meets a Category 1–4 standard and the people are in a restricted-access area or transiting.

Before flight the RPIC must assess the operating environment, check the aircraft for airworthiness, verify control links and power, and ensure all crew are briefed.

The condition of the aircraft (and its control station, links, and software) being safe and ready for flight; the RPIC is responsible for ensuring it before each operation.

No person may operate a small UAS unless it is in a condition for safe operation; the RPIC must discontinue flight if a hazard arises.

The pre-programmed action a drone takes when it loses the control signal (e.g., hover, return-to-home, or land) — know it before flying.

An uncommanded departure of the drone from controlled flight; mitigate with geofencing, RTH settings, and avoiding interference.

An automated function that flies the drone back to its launch point; verify the home point and a clear return path before relying on it.

Flying near large metal structures or power lines can disrupt the compass/GPS, causing erratic behavior — calibrate and keep clear.

Monitor and self-announce on the CTAF to maintain awareness of manned traffic in the pattern when operating near a non-towered field.

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta… — used in radio communication to spell letters clearly over the air.

Maintaining a continuous mental picture of the aircraft, environment, traffic, and hazards throughout the operation.

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance procedures; if no procedure exists, use sound judgment to keep the aircraft in a condition for safe operation.

Keep records of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, and firmware updates to track the aircraft's airworthiness over time.

Use systematic outside scanning; central vision detects detail, peripheral vision detects motion — important for spotting traffic and the drone.

It takes about 30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness; use off-center viewing and avoid bright light to preserve night vision for night ops.

A physiological hazard that degrades attention, judgment, and reaction time; assess it with IMSAFE and do not fly when impaired.

Physical or psychological pressure that narrows attention and degrades decision-making; recognize and mitigate it before operating.

Loss of body fluids that reduces alertness and physical performance; stay hydrated, especially during long outdoor operations.

Both impair judgment and coordination; do not fly within 8 hours of alcohol, while impaired, or with a BAC of 0.04% or more.

Excessive breathing (often from stress) that lowers carbon dioxide, causing dizziness and tingling; slow the breathing rate to recover.

If an emergency requires it, the RPIC may deviate from any Part 107 rule to the extent necessary to meet the emergency (107.21).

Before flight the RPIC briefs all participants on the operation, their roles, hazards, communication, and emergency procedures (107.49).

The RPIC and visual observer must maintain effective communication (verbal or with a device) so they can coordinate at all times.

When a manned aircraft approaches, the remote pilot must yield and, if necessary, descend or land the drone immediately.

Manufacturer software that restricts a drone from entering certain airspace or beyond set boundaries; a safeguard, not a substitute for the pilot's judgment.

An automated response when battery falls below a threshold, commanding the drone to return or land before power is exhausted.

Inspecting the operating area for obstacles, people, airspace, and emergency-landing options as part of preflight planning.

Calibrating the drone's sensors before flight, away from metal and magnetic interference, to ensure stable, accurate flight control.

The interface (transmitter/ground station) the RPIC uses to control the aircraft; minimum flight visibility is measured from it.

Because the drone yields to all aircraft, the remote pilot must continuously scan and be ready to maneuver clear of any traffic.

Low-altitude flight risks collision with unmarked wires, guy lines, and towers; survey and maintain clearance from all obstacles.

Using ADM and the PAVE/IMSAFE checklists to decide whether the combined risks make the operation unsafe — and calling it off if they do.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can impair performance; the 'M' in IMSAFE — check before flying.

Confusing the drone's orientation relative to the pilot (especially flying toward yourself); maintain VLOS and orientation references.

The 'E' in PAVE — pressure to complete a job (client, deadline, weather window) that can push a pilot into unsafe decisions.

The ongoing process of identifying hazards, assessing their likelihood and severity, and applying controls to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Applying CRM principles when operating alone — managing tasks, automation, and workload to maintain safe control.

Bright sun can wash out the drone and a display; position to keep the aircraft visible and the screen readable.

Confirm GPS lock, battery level, control link, gimbal/camera, and a clear launch area before lifting off.

Have the Remote Pilot Certificate, registration, and any waivers available for inspection during the operation (107.7).

Know the manufacturer's wind, temperature, altitude, and range limits and operate within them at all times.

Nearby transmitters, Wi-Fi, and power equipment can disrupt the 2.4/5.8 GHz control link — avoid them and watch for signal loss.

After takeoff, hover briefly to verify stable, responsive control before proceeding with the mission.

Manage fatigue and task saturation; a well-rested, focused crew makes better decisions and reacts faster to emergencies.

Limiting non-essential conversation and distractions during critical phases (takeoff, landing, close-to-obstacle work).

Identify clear areas away from people and property for an immediate landing if the operation must be terminated.

After landing, inspect the aircraft, props, and battery for damage and log any issues to keep the drone airworthy for the next flight.

Beyond FAA rules, operate with awareness of state/local privacy laws and the safety of bystanders — sound judgment is part of being PIC.

The remote pilot in command is the final authority for the operation and must refuse or terminate any flight that cannot be conducted safely.