400 ft AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure, up to 400 ft above its top)

Minimum flight visibility

3 statute miles from the control station

Minimum cloud clearance

500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds

What is the passing score on the Part 107 exam?

You need 70% to pass — that is 42 of the 60 questions answered correctly. There is no limit on attempts, but if you fail you must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the test.

What are the 5 areas on the Part 107 exam?

The FAA Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-10B) defines five Areas of Operation: Regulations (15–25%), Airspace Classification & Operating Requirements (15–25%), Weather (11–16%), Loading & Performance (7–11%), and Operations (35–45%). Operations is by far the largest.

How old do you have to be to get a Part 107 certificate?

You must be at least 14 years old to take the knowledge test and at least 16 years old to hold the remote pilot certificate. Applicants must also be able to read, speak, write, and understand English and pass a TSA security background check.

How much does the Part 107 test cost?

The knowledge test fee is about $175, paid to the PSI testing center when you schedule. Drone registration is a separate $5 per aircraft, valid for 3 years, through the FAA's DroneZone.

How should I use this FAA Part 107 study guide?

Work through the five ACS areas in order, spending the most time on Operations and on Regulations and Airspace. After each module, take the checkpoint quiz to find gaps, then drill that area with our free practice questions and flashcards, and review flagged sections before test day.

Is this FAA Part 107 study guide free?

Yes — the full guide, the checkpoints, the glossary, the practice questions, and the flashcards are 100% free, with no account required.

What is the hardest part of the Part 107 exam?

Most candidates find airspace and sectional-chart reading the toughest — interpreting magenta and blue lines, ceiling/floor boxes, and special-use airspace. Weather decoding (METARs and TAFs) is a close second. This guide includes diagrams for both.

Do I need to retake the Part 107 test to stay current?

No. Since April 2021 there is no recurrent knowledge test. To keep operating, complete the free online recurrent training (course ALC-677) within the previous 24 calendar months. The certificate itself does not expire.

What is the maximum altitude a drone can fly under Part 107?

Under 14 CFR 107.51, a small unmanned aircraft may not fly higher than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The exception: when flying within a 400-foot radius of a structure, it may go up to 400 feet above that structure's immediate uppermost limit. The structure exception lets remote pilots inspect tall towers, antennas, and buildings that rise above 400 ft AGL. The same rule caps groundspeed at 87 knots (100 mph).

What are the Part 107 weather minimums for visibility and cloud clearance?

14 CFR 107.51 requires a minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station, and the aircraft must stay at least 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. These minimums apply in every class of airspace. Visibility is measured from the remote pilot's control station, not the aircraft. Maintaining cloud clearance keeps the drone out of the path of manned aircraft that may pop out of a cloud.

When must a drone accident be reported to the FAA under Part 107?

Under 14 CFR 107.9, a remote pilot must report an accident to the FAA within 10 calendar days if it caused serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness, or damage to any property (other than the unmanned aircraft) of at least $500 to repair or replace. The $500 threshold is based on the cost to repair or the fair market value of the damaged property, whichever is lower. The 10-day window starts on the day of the accident; reports go to the FAA, and NTSB rules may also apply for serious events.

Do you have to register a drone flown under Part 107?

Yes. Every drone operated under Part 107 must be registered regardless of weight. Registration costs $5, is valid for 3 years, and is done through the FAA's DroneZone. The registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft, which must also comply with Remote ID. Recreational flyers only have to register if the drone weighs more than 0.55 lb (250 g), but the Part 107 rule has no weight exemption. Remote ID — required since the 2021 rule update — broadcasts identification and location during flight.

What airspace can a Part 107 pilot fly in without authorization?

A remote pilot may fly in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace without any authorization. To fly in controlled airspace — Class B, C, D, or the surface area of Class E — the pilot must obtain prior authorization from ATC, most often through LAANC, the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. LAANC delivers near-real-time authorization up to pre-approved altitude ceilings shown on UAS Facility Maps. All other Part 107 rules — line of sight, altitude, weather — still apply in Class G.

How do you read the ceiling and floor of airspace on a sectional chart?

On a sectional chart, a number stack in a box shows an airspace's ceiling over its floor in hundreds of feet. For example, 41/SFC means the ceiling is 4,100 feet MSL down to the surface, while 41/12 means the ceiling is 4,100 feet MSL with a floor at 1,200 feet AGL. Solid blue lines outline Class B; solid magenta outlines Class C; dashed blue outlines Class D; a dashed magenta line marks Class E that starts at the surface. Faded magenta vignettes mean Class E begins at 700 ft AGL; faded blue means it begins at 1,200 ft AGL.

What is a TFR and why does it matter to a drone pilot?

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a short-notice restriction on a defined block of airspace, issued for events such as wildfires, VIP movement, sporting events, or disasters. Flying a drone into an active TFR without specific permission is prohibited, so pilots must check for TFRs before every flight. TFRs are published through NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions); the FAA's B4UFLY app and the TFR website list active restrictions. Stadium TFRs commonly prohibit operations within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL during major games.

What is a METAR and what does it tell a drone pilot?

A METAR is an Aviation Routine Weather Report — a coded observation of current conditions at an airport, updated about hourly. It reports wind, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting, so a remote pilot can confirm conditions meet Part 107 minimums before flying. Cloud cover is coded by eighths of sky: FEW, SCT (scattered), BKN (broken), and OVC (overcast); a ceiling is the lowest BKN or OVC layer. A TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) is the forecast counterpart, projecting conditions roughly 24–30 hours ahead.

How does density altitude affect a drone's performance?

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature — in effect, how thin the air feels. High elevation, high temperature, and high humidity all raise density altitude. As the air thins, propellers produce less thrust, so the drone climbs slower, hovers less efficiently, and drains its battery faster. The worst case is a hot day at a high-elevation site — the classic 'high, hot, and humid' combination. Plan for degraded climb performance and shorter flight times whenever density altitude is high.

What weather hazard is most dangerous near a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms produce severe turbulence, lightning, hail, and — most dangerous for low-flying drones — microbursts: intense, localized downdrafts that spread out near the surface and cause sudden, violent wind shear. A microburst can overwhelm a small unmanned aircraft's ability to maintain controlled flight. Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction that can cause a rapid loss of control or altitude. Avoid operating anywhere near a developing or active thunderstorm.

How does adding payload weight affect a drone's flight characteristics?

Adding weight increases the lift the drone must generate, so it climbs more slowly, has a higher effective stall/critical thrust point, and uses more battery — reducing endurance and range. Exceeding the manufacturer's maximum weight can make controlled flight impossible. Heavier aircraft need more power to hover, so flight time drops sharply with payload. Always stay within the manufacturer's stated weight and load limits.

Why does the center of gravity (CG) matter on a small drone?

The center of gravity is the point where the aircraft balances. An off-center load shifts the CG, forcing the flight controller to constantly correct to stay level, which reduces stability, control authority, and efficiency. A balanced load over the CG keeps the drone stable and responsive. Mount cameras, sensors, and other payloads as close to the center as possible. A drone has very little CG margin, so even a small imbalance is noticeable in flight.

What are the five hazardous attitudes in aeronautical decision-making?

The five hazardous attitudes are anti-authority ('don't tell me'), impulsivity ('do something quickly'), invulnerability ('it won't happen to me'), macho ('I can do it'), and resignation ('what's the use'). Each has a specific antidote a pilot should recall to make safer decisions. Antidotes: follow the rules; not so fast, think first; it could happen to me; taking chances is foolish; I'm not helpless. Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is a systematic approach to evaluating risk and choosing the safest course of action.

Can a remote pilot fly a drone after drinking alcohol?

No. Under 14 CFR 107.27, which applies Part 91's drug and alcohol rules, a remote pilot may not act as a crewmember within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater. Using any drug that affects safety is also prohibited. The '8 hours bottle to throttle' rule is a minimum, not a guarantee of sobriety. Physical and mental fitness — free of fatigue, stress, and impairment — is part of every pre-flight self-assessment (often the IMSAFE checklist).

What does 'visual line of sight' (VLOS) require under Part 107?

Under 14 CFR 107.31, the remote pilot in command (or a visual observer in direct communication) must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the flight using vision unaided by anything other than corrective lenses. This is to know the drone's location, attitude, altitude, and direction and to see other air traffic. Binoculars, telephoto cameras, and first-person-view goggles do not satisfy VLOS on their own. Beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations require a waiver under Part 107 Subpart E.

Can you fly a drone at night under Part 107?

Yes. Since the April 2021 rule, 14 CFR 107.29 allows night operations without a waiver if the remote pilot has completed the updated training or recurrent training and the aircraft has anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. The lighting is also required during civil twilight. The anti-collision lights may be dimmed by the remote pilot if conditions warrant, but they cannot be turned off. Operations over people and from moving vehicles have their own categories and conditions under Subparts B and D.

AGL (above ground level)

Altitude measured from the ground directly beneath the aircraft. Part 107's 400-foot ceiling is an AGL limit.

Altitude measured from average sea level. Sectional-chart ceiling/floor boxes for controlled airspace are usually given in MSL.

sUAS (small unmanned aircraft system)

A drone weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff (including payload) together with its control station, links, and crew — the aircraft Part 107 governs.

Remote pilot in command (RPIC)

The certificated person directly responsible for, and the final authority over, a Part 107 operation. The RPIC must hold a remote pilot certificate and ensure the flight is safe and legal.

A requirement that a drone broadcast its identity and location during flight, like a digital license plate. Part 107 aircraft must comply with the Remote ID rule (14 CFR Part 89).

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — the system that gives remote pilots near-real-time FAA authorization to fly in controlled airspace up to pre-approved altitudes shown on UAS Facility Maps.

Airspace (Classes B, C, D, and surface-area E) where air traffic control provides services and where a Part 107 pilot needs prior ATC authorization before flying.

Uncontrolled airspace, typically near the surface away from airports. No ATC authorization is required to fly there, though all other Part 107 rules still apply.

A VFR aeronautical chart that depicts airspace, terrain, obstructions, and airports using standardized colors and symbols a remote pilot must be able to read.

Temporary Flight Restriction — a short-notice restriction on a block of airspace for events such as wildfires, VIP movement, sporting events, or disasters. Flying into an active TFR without permission is prohibited.

Notice to Air Missions — a notice of conditions or changes (such as a TFR, closed runway, or hazard) essential to anyone planning a flight. Check NOTAMs before every operation.

Aviation Routine Weather Report — a coded, roughly hourly observation of current conditions (wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, dew point, altimeter) at an airport.

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — a coded forecast of expected conditions in the vicinity of an airport, generally covering 24 to 30 hours.

Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature — a measure of how thin the air is. High elevation, heat, and humidity raise it and degrade aircraft performance.

Visual line of sight (VLOS)

The requirement that the remote pilot or a visual observer be able to see the aircraft using vision unaided (other than corrective lenses) throughout the flight (14 CFR 107.31).

A crewmember who assists the RPIC by watching the aircraft and the airspace, in direct communication with the pilot, to help maintain VLOS and see-and-avoid.

Anti-collision lighting

Lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision, required for night and civil-twilight operations. It may be dimmed but not extinguished.

The period just before sunrise and after sunset (about 30 minutes in the contiguous U.S.); operations then require anti-collision lighting.

Aeronautical decision-making (ADM)

A systematic approach a pilot uses to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.

Five attitudes that erode safe judgment — anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation — each with a memorized antidote.

Crew resource management (CRM)

The effective use of all available resources — people, equipment, and information — to operate safely; for sUAS it means coordinating the RPIC, visual observers, and any other crew.

FREE FAA Part 107 Study Guide 2026 + Readiness Score

This free FAA Part 107 study guide teaches to the Remote Pilot — Small UAS knowledge test (the “UAG” test) — all five Areas of Operation the FAA tests, organized exactly the way the Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-10B) is built.^[1] It is a regulations-and- chart exam, so this guide is built around the rules, the airspace diagrams, and the weather decoding that decide pass or fail — not a wall of text.

And it’s interactive: every area has a built-in checkpoint quiz, hover-able glossary terms, labeled diagrams, and concept questions, so you learn by doing.

Read it area by area, test yourself at each checkpoint, then round out your free Part 107 prep with our practice questions and flashcards.

FAA Part 107 Exam Snapshot

FAA Part 107 knowledge test at a glance (2026)
Detail	Remote Pilot — Small UAS (UAG)
Questions	60 multiple-choice (3 options each)
Time limit	2 hours
Passing score	70% — 42 of 60 correct
Where	FAA-approved PSI testing center (gov-issued photo ID required)
Knowledge-test fee	~$175, paid to PSI
Retake after a fail	Wait 14 calendar days (no attempt limit)
Age	14+ to test · 16+ to hold the certificate
Certifying body	Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The five areas are not weighted equally — Operations alone can be up to 45% of the test, and Regulations and Airspace are the next heaviest. Spend your time accordingly:^[1]

FAA Part 107 exam weighting by ACS area (2026 ranges)

Operations40% · 35–45%

Regulations20% · 15–25%

Airspace & Requirements20% · 15–25%

Weather13% · 11–16%

Loading & Performance9% · 7–11%

The FAA publishes these as ranges, not fixed numbers, so the exact mix shifts from one test form to the next. This guide devotes one module to each of the five official areas, and teaches the highest-yield rules and skills in each.^[1]

1 · Regulations

15–25% of the exam. This area is the rulebook: the hard numbers in $14\ \text{CFR Part } 107$ , who may fly, how the aircraft must be registered, and what to do when something goes wrong. The numbers here are the most commonly tested facts on the whole exam — learn them cold.

Core Operating Limits (107.51)

Four limits from ^[3] 14 CFR 107.51 appear again and again. Commit them to memory:

The 400-foot rule — and the structure exception

Default ceiling is 400 ft AGL. Inspecting a tall tower? You may fly higher — but only within a 400-ft radius of the structure and no more than 400 ft above its top (14 CFR 107.51).

The four core Part 107 operating limits (14 CFR 107.51)
Limit	Value
Maximum altitude	400 ft AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure, up to 400 ft above its top)
Maximum groundspeed	87 knots (100 mph)
Minimum flight visibility	3 statute miles from the control station
Minimum cloud clearance	500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds

Certification, Eligibility & Currency

To hold a remote pilot certificate you must be at least 16 (you may take the knowledge test at 14), be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, be in a physical and mental condition to fly safely, and pass a TSA security background check.^[2] The certificate itself does not expire, but to keep operating you must complete free online recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months — there is no recurrent knowledge test.^[8] The is always the final authority for and responsible party of the flight.

Registration, Marking & Remote ID

Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of weight — $\$5$ per aircraft, valid for 3 years, through the FAA’s DroneZone.^[7] The registration number must be marked on the exterior, and the aircraft must comply with (14 CFR Part 89), broadcasting its identity and location during flight. (Recreational flyers only register drones over $0.55\ \text{lb}$ / 250 g — but Part 107 has no weight exemption.)

Waivers & Operations Over People

The FAA can issue a to let you deviate from certain operating rules — such as flying , over people, or from a moving vehicle — if you show the operation can be done safely. Operations over people fall into four categories (1–4) based on the aircraft’s injury potential, plus rules for operations over moving vehicles.^[4] Apply for a waiver well ahead of the flight; the FAA recommends at least 90 days.

Accident Reporting & Drug/Alcohol Rules

Under ^[10] 14 CFR 107.9 you must report an accident to the FAA within 10 calendar days if it caused serious injury or any loss of consciousness, or property damage (other than the drone) of at least $\$500$ to repair or replace. For drugs and alcohol, 14 CFR 107.27 applies the Part 91 rules: no flying within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while impaired, or with a blood alcohol concentration of $0.04\%$ or more.

Checkpoint · Area I · Regulations

Question 1 of 10

Under 14 CFR Part 107, what is the maximum altitude a remote pilot may operate a small unmanned aircraft without special permission?

2 · Airspace & Operating Requirements

15–25% of the exam — and usually the hardest area.You must know the airspace classes, get authorization where it’s required, and — above all — read a sectional chart. Slow down here; chart questions trip up more first-time test takers than anything else.

Airspace Classes B/C/D/E/G

U.S. airspace is layered. (Classes B, C, D, and the surface area of E) needs prior ATC authorization; (uncontrolled) does not. Class B around the busiest airports looks like an “upside-down wedding cake” of stacked tiers:

Airspace classes and the “upside-down wedding cake”

B, C, D, and surface-E are controlled — you need prior FAA authorization (usually via LAANC) to fly there. Class G is uncontrolled — no authorization needed, but all other Part 107 rules still apply.

Part 107 authorization requirement and basic VFR weather minimums by airspace class
Class	Type	Part 107 authorization
B	Controlled	Prior ATC authorization (LAANC / DroneZone)
C	Controlled	Prior ATC authorization
D	Controlled	Prior ATC authorization
E	Controlled	Authorization required where Class E reaches the surface
G	Uncontrolled	No authorization required

Whatever the class, Part 107 weather minimums never change: 3 statute miles visibility and 500 ft below / 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds (14 CFR 107.51).

Reading Sectional Charts

A encodes airspace in color and line style. The single most valuable skill on this exam is reading those conventions and the ceiling/floor boxes:

Reading a sectional chart — color & line conventions

VFR sectional charts encode airspace in color. Memorize these — chart-reading questions are among the most common on the exam.

Solid blue linesClass B boundary (busiest airports)

Solid magenta linesClass C boundary

Dashed blue linesClass D boundary (towered)

Dashed magenta lineClass E that begins at the surface

Faded magenta vignetteClass E floor at 700 ft AGL

Faded blue vignetteClass E floor at 1,200 ft AGL

The ceiling/floor box.A number stack in a box gives an airspace’s top over its floor in hundreds of feet: 41 / SFC = ceiling 4,100 ft MSL down to the surface; 41 / 12 (a Class C shelf) = ceiling 4,100 ft MSL, floor 1,200 ft AGL. Always read the box — values vary by location.

Blue = the busier/higher class at that spot; magenta = the next class down. Solid = the airspace exists at the surface; dashed/vignette = it starts higher up.

Special-Use Airspace, TFRs & NOTAMs

Special-use airspace includes prohibited, restricted, warning, alert, and military operations areas (MOAs). On top of the permanent picture, watch for short-notice changes: a (for wildfires, VIP movement, sporting events, or disasters) and other hazards are published as . Check both before every flight — flying into an active TFR or prohibited area without permission is a serious violation.

LAANC & Operating Near Airports

To fly in controlled airspace, get authorization first — almost always through , which grants near-real-time approval up to the pre-approved altitudes shown on UAS Facility Maps.^[6] Near non-towered airports, monitor the CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency), stay clear of the traffic pattern, and always yield right-of-way to manned aircraft — they may not be able to see your drone.

Checkpoint · Area II · Airspace

Question 1 of 10

In Class B airspace, what is required before operating a small unmanned aircraft?

3 · Weather

11–16% of the exam. You need to pull a weather report, decode it, and judge how conditions will affect a small, light aircraft. Two things dominate: reading a METAR, and understanding density altitude.

Weather Sources: METAR & TAF

A is a coded, roughly hourly observation of current conditions; a is the forecast counterpart, covering about 24–30 hours. The most tested piece is cloud cover, reported in eighths of the sky:

METAR sky-cover codes
Code	Meaning	Sky coverage
SKC / CLR	Clear	0/8
FEW	Few	1/8 to 2/8
SCT	Scattered	3/8 to 4/8
BKN	Broken	5/8 to 7/8 (a ceiling)
OVC	Overcast	8/8 (a ceiling)

Other common abbreviations: BR = mist, FG = fog, TSRA = thunderstorm with rain. A ceiling is the lowest BKN or OVC layer. For example, BKN008 means a broken layer (a ceiling) at 800 feet.

Density Altitude & Performance

is the single most important weather concept for performance. As elevation, temperature, and humidity rise, the air thins and your drone’s propellers produce less thrust:

Density altitude — “high, hot & humid” hurts performance

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. As the air thins, the propellers bite less air, so your drone climbs slower, hovers less efficiently, and drains its battery faster.

High temperature↑ density altitude

High field elevation↑ density altitude

High humidity↑ density altitude

Low air pressure↑ density altitude

Higher density altitude → thinner airReduced lift, slower climb, shorter flight time, longer takeoff/abort distance.

A hot summer day at a mountain site is the worst case — plan for degraded performance.

Hazards: Thunderstorms, Wind & Fog

Thunderstorms are the most dangerous weather for a drone — they bring severe turbulence, lightning, and especially microbursts (intense downdrafts that spread out near the surface) and that can overwhelm a small aircraft.

Fog forms when air cools to its dew point, cutting visibility below the 3-SM minimum. And steady or gusting winddrains the battery faster as the drone fights to hold position. When in doubt, don’t launch.

Checkpoint · Area III · Weather

Question 1 of 10

What type of weather phenomenon is reported in a METAR when the term "BR" is used?

4 · Loading & Performance

7–11% of the exam — the smallest area.It’s about how weight, balance, and conditions change what your drone can do. The relationships are intuitive: more weight and thinner air both make the aircraft work harder.

Weight, Payload & Endurance

Adding a payload increases the lift the drone must generate, so it climbs more slowly, has a higher effective stall/critical-thrust point, and drains its battery faster— cutting endurance and range. Exceeding the manufacturer’s maximum takeoff weight can make controlled flight impossible. Stall speed rises as weight increases.

Center of Gravity & Stability

The is where the aircraft balances. An off-center load shifts the CG, forcing the flight controller to constantly correct just to stay level — which reduces stability, control authority, and efficiency:

Weight, balance & center of gravity (CG)

Heavier payload → shorter flight time & slower climb

Off-center CG → reduced stability & control authority

Over max weight → cannot maintain controlled flight

Stay within the manufacturer’s weight limit and keep the load balanced over the CG — a small drone has very little margin.

Determining Performance

Best performance comes from the opposite of the “high, hot, humid” case: a low, cool, dry day at a low elevation, with the aircraft light and well-balanced. Before any demanding flight (a heavy payload, a hot day, or a high site), expect reduced climb rate and shorter flight time, and plan margins accordingly.^[5]

Checkpoint · Area IV · Loading & Performance

Question 1 of 10

What is the impact of adding a payload to a small unmanned aircraft on its flight performance?

5 · Operations

35–45% of the exam — the single largest area.This is the “how to fly safely” area: radio and airport procedures, decision-making, crew coordination, emergencies, and the human factors that affect a pilot. Because it’s nearly half the test, master it.

Radio Communications & Airport Ops

Near a non-towered airport, monitor the CTAF to build a picture of traffic, use the ICAO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie…) and standard phraseology to avoid confusion, and never assume a manned pilot can see your drone. Know the standard traffic-pattern layout (the rectangular path aircraft fly to land) so you can keep your drone well clear of it.

ADM & the 5 Hazardous Attitudes

is a systematic way to choose the safest course of action. The exam loves the five and their antidotes — it will describe a pilot’s thinking and ask you to name the attitude or its cure:

The five hazardous attitudes & their antidotes (ADM)

Aeronautical decision-making questions ask you to name a hazardous attitude from a scenario, or give its antidote. Memorize the pairs.

Anti-authority“Don’t tell me the rules.” → Follow the rules. They are usually right.

Impulsivity“Do something — quickly!” → Not so fast. Think first.

Invulnerability“It won’t happen to me.” → It could happen to me.

Macho“I can do it — watch this.” → Taking chances is foolish.

Resignation“What’s the use?” → I’m not helpless. I can make a difference.

Recognizing the attitude is the first step; applying the antidote out loud is the second.

Related traps to recognize: get-there-itis (pressing on to finish a job despite worsening conditions) and structured tools like the DECIDE model and the IMSAFE self-assessment checklist.

CRM & Visual Observers

is using every available resource — people, equipment, and information — to operate safely. On a Part 107 crew, that means clear roles and communication between the RPIC and any . A VO watches the aircraft and the surrounding airspace and stays in direct communication with the pilot, helping maintain and see-and-avoid.

Emergency Procedures

Plan for failures before they happen. Common emergencies and the right responses: lost link(the aircraft should execute its programmed return-to-home or hover; know your drone’s behavior), GPS loss (switch to a manual flight mode and land), low or failing battery (land immediately at the nearest safe spot), and a flyaway (maintain control if possible, warn nearby people). Under 14 CFR 107.21, in an in-flight emergency a remote pilot may deviate from Part 107 as needed to meet that emergency.

Physiology, Maintenance & Preflight

A safe flight starts with a fit pilot and an airworthy aircraft. Human factors — fatigue, stress, dehydration, and the effects of drugs or alcohol — degrade judgment and reaction time; the IMSAFE checklist (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion) is the standard self-check.

Before every flight, perform a preflight inspection to confirm the aircraft is airworthy — check the airframe, propellers, battery charge and security, control links, and firmware. If you find a problem, don’t fly until it’s fixed.

Checkpoint · Area V · Operations

Question 1 of 10

During a UAS flight, you experience a sudden loss of GPS signal. What is the appropriate action to take?

How to Use This Study Guide

Part 107 is very passable with focused study — most candidates need 15–20 hours. The keys are weighting your time toward the heaviest areas and getting comfortable reading charts and METARs, which can’t be crammed at the last minute. Here’s the path to certification, and a study loop that works:

Becoming (and staying) a certificated remote pilot

1. Create an IACRA profile → get an FTNYour FAA Tracking Number identifies you throughout the process.
2. Schedule & pass the UAG knowledge test60 questions at an FAA-approved PSI testing center. 70% (42/60) to pass; must be 14+ to test.
3. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRAEnter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (can take up to 48 h to post), e-sign, and submit.
4. Pass the TSA security background checkRequired of every applicant; then print your temporary certificate from IACRA.
5. Receive the permanent certificate by mailCarry it whenever you fly. You must be 16+ to hold the certificate.
6. Every 24 calendar months: free recurrent trainingComplete online recurrent training (ALC-677) to stay current. The certificate itself never expires.

Test at 14, hold the certificate at 16. After April 2021 there is no recurrent knowledge test — just free online training every 24 months.

Pre-flight decision flow: “Can I legally fly here and now?”

1
Is the drone registered & marked, and am I current?Registered ($5 / 3 yr), Remote ID compliant, recurrent training within 24 months.
2
What airspace am I in?Class G → go. Class B/C/D or surface-E → get prior ATC authorization (LAANC).
3
Are there TFRs, NOTAMs, or restricted/prohibited areas?Check before every flight. A TFR or prohibited area = do not fly without specific permission.
4
Is the weather within minimums?≥ 3 SM visibility and 500 ft below / 2,000 ft horizontal cloud clearance, manageable wind.
5
Can I keep visual line of sight and stay ≤ 400 ft AGL?VLOS maintained, ≤ 400 ft AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure), ≤ 100 mph.

Every “yes” clears one gate. A single “no” means fix it, get a waiver/authorization, or don’t fly.

A study loop that actually works

1
Read an area here
Work through one ACS area at a time, heaviest first: Operations, then Regulations and Airspace.
2
Take the checkpoint
The quick quiz at the end of each area exposes what didn't stick — especially charts and METARs.
3
Drill the gaps
Send your weak area straight into the free practice questions and flashcards.
4
Schedule the test
When your readiness score is high, get your FTN in IACRA and book the UAG test at a PSI center.

FAA Part 107 Concept Questions

Common FAA Part 107 concepts the exam tests — at least one per ACS area. Tap any card for a short, exam-ready answer backed by an official source (14 CFR Part 107, the FAA ACS, or faa.gov), then test yourself on them as flashcards.

FAA Part 107 Glossary

Quick definitions for the terms you’ll see most across the FAA Part 107 exam:

Aeronautical decision-making (ADM): A systematic approach a pilot uses to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.
AGL (above ground level): Altitude measured from the ground directly beneath the aircraft. Part 107's 400-foot ceiling is an AGL limit.
Anti-collision lighting: Lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision, required for night and civil-twilight operations. It may be dimmed but not extinguished.
Center of gravity (CG): The point at which an aircraft balances. An off-center load shifts the CG and reduces stability and control.
Civil twilight: The period just before sunrise and after sunset (about 30 minutes in the contiguous U.S.); operations then require anti-collision lighting.
Class G airspace: Uncontrolled airspace, typically near the surface away from airports. No ATC authorization is required to fly there, though all other Part 107 rules still apply.
Controlled airspace: Airspace (Classes B, C, D, and surface-area E) where air traffic control provides services and where a Part 107 pilot needs prior ATC authorization before flying.
Crew resource management (CRM): The effective use of all available resources — people, equipment, and information — to operate safely; for sUAS it means coordinating the RPIC, visual observers, and any other crew.
Density altitude: Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature — a measure of how thin the air is. High elevation, heat, and humidity raise it and degrade aircraft performance.
Hazardous attitudes: Five attitudes that erode safe judgment — anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation — each with a memorized antidote.
IACRA: Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application — the FAA's online system where applicants get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) and file Form 8710-13 to obtain the certificate.
LAANC: Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — the system that gives remote pilots near-real-time FAA authorization to fly in controlled airspace up to pre-approved altitudes shown on UAS Facility Maps.
METAR: Aviation Routine Weather Report — a coded, roughly hourly observation of current conditions (wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, dew point, altimeter) at an airport.
MSL (mean sea level): Altitude measured from average sea level. Sectional-chart ceiling/floor boxes for controlled airspace are usually given in MSL.
NOTAM: Notice to Air Missions — a notice of conditions or changes (such as a TFR, closed runway, or hazard) essential to anyone planning a flight. Check NOTAMs before every operation.
Remote ID: A requirement that a drone broadcast its identity and location during flight, like a digital license plate. Part 107 aircraft must comply with the Remote ID rule (14 CFR Part 89).
Remote pilot in command (RPIC): The certificated person directly responsible for, and the final authority over, a Part 107 operation. The RPIC must hold a remote pilot certificate and ensure the flight is safe and legal.
Sectional chart: A VFR aeronautical chart that depicts airspace, terrain, obstructions, and airports using standardized colors and symbols a remote pilot must be able to read.
sUAS (small unmanned aircraft system): A drone weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff (including payload) together with its control station, links, and crew — the aircraft Part 107 governs.
TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — a coded forecast of expected conditions in the vicinity of an airport, generally covering 24 to 30 hours.
TFR: Temporary Flight Restriction — a short-notice restriction on a block of airspace for events such as wildfires, VIP movement, sporting events, or disasters. Flying into an active TFR without permission is prohibited.
UAG knowledge test: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small — the official name of the Part 107 initial knowledge test taken at an FAA-approved PSI testing center.
Visual line of sight (VLOS): The requirement that the remote pilot or a visual observer be able to see the aircraft using vision unaided (other than corrective lenses) throughout the flight (14 CFR 107.31).
Visual observer (VO): A crewmember who assists the RPIC by watching the aircraft and the airspace, in direct communication with the pilot, to help maintain VLOS and see-and-avoid.
Waiver: An FAA authorization to deviate from certain Part 107 operating rules (for example, beyond-visual-line-of-sight or operations over people) when the applicant shows the operation can be conducted safely.
Wind shear: A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance; near thunderstorms it can cause rapid loss of control or altitude for a small drone.

Free FAA Part 107 Study Materials & Resources

Everything you need to prepare for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test is free here — no paywall, no sign-up. This guide is the foundation; pair it with the rest of our free Part 107 study materials for active recall and timed practice:

FAA Part 107 Practice Test — exam-style questions across all five ACS areas, with explanations.
FAA Part 107 Flashcards — active-recall decks for the regulations, airspace conventions, weather codes, and ADM concepts.

FAA Part 107 Study Guide FAQ

The Part 107 initial knowledge test (called the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small, or UAG, test) has 60 multiple-choice questions, each with three answer choices. You have up to 2 hours to complete it at an FAA-approved PSI testing center.

References

1.Federal Aviation Administration. “Airman Certification Standards — Remote Pilot (FAA-S-ACS-10B).” FAA.gov. ↑
2.Federal Aviation Administration. “Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107).” FAA.gov. ↑
3.U.S. Government / eCFR. “14 CFR 107.51 — Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.” eCFR. ↑
4.U.S. Government / eCFR. “14 CFR Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.” eCFR. ↑
5.Federal Aviation Administration. “Remote Pilot — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22).” FAA.gov. ↑
6.Federal Aviation Administration. “Controlled Airspace & LAANC.” FAA.gov. ↑
7.Federal Aviation Administration. “Register Your Drone.” FAA.gov. ↑
8.Federal Aviation Administration. “Recurrent Training Courses for Drone Pilots Available Online.” FAA.gov. ↑
9.U.S. Government / eCFR. “14 CFR 107.29 — Operation at night.” eCFR. ↑
10.U.S. Government / eCFR. “14 CFR 107.9 — Safety event reporting.” eCFR. ↑
11.Federal Aviation Administration. “How much does it cost to get a remote pilot certificate?.” FAA.gov. ↑

Sources for the concept answers

Every answer in the FAA Part 107 concept questions above is drawn from an official primary source:

Federal Aviation Administration. “Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).” FAA.gov.
U.S. Government / eCFR. “14 CFR 107.27 — Alcohol or drugs.” eCFR.
U.S. Government / eCFR. “14 CFR 107.31 — Visual line of sight aircraft operation.” eCFR.

Career Employer

Career Employer is the ultimate resource to help you get started working the job of your dreams. We cover topics from general career information, career searching, exam preparation with free study materials, career interviewing, and becoming successful in your career of choice.

All Posts

Career Employer’s Editorial Process

Here at Career Employer, we focus a lot on providing factually accurate information that is always up to date. We strive to provide correct information using strict editorial processes, article editing, and fact-checking for all of the information found on our website. We only utilize trustworthy and relevant resources. To find out more, make sure to read our full editorial process page here.