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FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Test – Comprehensive
Study Guide
Chapter 1: FAA Drone Certification and Regulatory Basics
Summary: This chapter covers the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules for drone pilots, including categories of drone operation, the process to become a certified remote pilot under Part 107, registration and remote identification requirements, and an overview of the knowledge areas tested on the Part 107 exam.
FAA and Drone Regulations: The FAA is the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating all aircraft, including drones. All drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250 g) must be registered with the FAA, whether flown recreationally or commercially. Since March 16, 2024 , every small unmanned aircraft (0.55–55 lbs) is required to have a Remote ID broadcast module. Remote ID means the drone must continuously broadcast identification and location info (including the drone ID, drone’s location/altitude, velocity, control station location, time mark, and emergency status) from takeoff to shutdown. This allows authorities and other airspace users to receive the drone’s info for security and situational awareness. In practice, most new drones have built-in Remote ID or can be updated via firmware to comply with this rule.
Categories of Drone Operation: There are two broad categories of drone pilots:
Recreational Flyers (Section 44809): People who fly strictly for recreation or hobby, not for business purposes or compensation. If you only fly under the hobby rules, you must follow safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community based organization and fly within visual line of sight, among other limits. However, many seemingly “casual” uses are not considered recreational. For example, taking aerial photos of a football game for a school website, filming real estate to help sell property, doing roof inspections, or volunteer surveying for a non-profit – these are all non-recreational operations requiring a Part 107 license. If in doubt about whether an operation is recreational, the FAA advises you to follow Part 107 rules.
Certified Remote Pilots (Part 107 Operations): Almost all commercial or non-hobby drone use falls under this category and is regulated by 14 CFR Part 107. To operate under Part 107, the drone pilot must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (sometimes called a “Part 107 license”). The next section outlines how to obtain this certificate.
Becoming an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot (Part 107 License): To earn the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (small UAS rating), you must meet these requirements :
Be at least 16 years old. Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Be in a physical and mental condition that allows safe operation of a UAS.
Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam (the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test).
Steps to Obtain the Part 107 Certificate:
1. Learn the Rules: Study the Part 107 regulations and recommended study materials (FAA provides an official study guide and online resources). The knowledge test covers many topics (outlined below). 2. Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN): Create an account in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application ( IACRA ) system to obtain an FTN, which is needed to enroll for the exam. 3. Schedule the Knowledge Test: Register for the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small” exam with an FAA- approved knowledge testing center. The test fee is about $175. You will have 2 hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 70% to pass (at least 42 out of 60 correct). 4. Pass the Exam and Apply for Certificate: After passing, log in to IACRA to fill out Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate. Your application will prompt a TSA security background check. Once completed (usually within 10 days), you’ll get an email via IACRA with a temporary remote pilot certificate that you can print out. The permanent plastic certificate will arrive by mail in a few weeks. Always carry your remote pilot certificate when flying as a Part 107 pilot. 5. Register Your Drone:** Separately from the pilot license, you must register each drone you’ll fly under Part 107. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years (registration can be done at the FAA DroneZone website). You must mark your drone with the registration number.
Recurrent Training: Note that a Part 107 certificate never “expires,” but certificate holders are required to complete a free online recurrent training course every 24 calendar months to keep their knowledge up to date. (This recurrent training replaces the old system of having to retake an exam every two years.)
Part 107 Operating Rules Overview: Once certified, a remote pilot must adhere to all Part 107 rules during operations. Key operational rules (explained in later chapters) include: maximum altitude of 400 ft AGL (with some exceptions), keeping the drone within visual line of sight, yielding right-of-way to all other aircraft, not flying over people or moving vehicles (with new exceptions under certain conditions), no flying at night without proper lighting and training, and so on. However, Part 107 allows pilots to deviate from any rule in a true emergency to respond to that emergency – you may have to send a written report to the FAA if asked explaining the deviation (this is discussed in Chapter 4).
Knowledge Test Topics: The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test is designed to ensure remote pilots understand essential aviation knowledge areas. The test covers a broad range of topics that a drone pilot needs for safe operation. Key knowledge areas include :
Regulations: Applicable regulations for small UAS, including Part 107 rules, pilot responsibilities, privileges, and limitations of your certificate (e.g. when waivers are required, rules for near airports or in controlled airspace, etc.). Airspace Classification and Flight Restrictions: Understanding the different classes of airspace (Classes B, C, D, E, G), special use airspaces (like prohibited or restricted areas, military operations areas), and the operating requirements or restrictions for drone flights in each. This includes knowing how to read aeronautical charts to identify airspace and using tools like FAA LAANC to get airspace authorizations. Weather: Aviation weather sources and the effects of weather on UAS performance. Pilots must know how to interpret METARs/TAFs (weather reports and forecasts), understand weather patterns,
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Chapter 2: Airspace Classification and Flight Restrictions
Summary: This chapter explains the U.S. airspace system and restrictions that drone pilots must know. It covers the classifications of airspace (Classes A through G), the difference between controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace, special use airspaces (like prohibited or restricted areas), and other airspace information relevant to small UAS. Understanding airspace is critical for knowing where you can fly and when you need permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Regulatory Categories of Airspace: U.S. airspace is divided into Regulatory (the lettered classes A– E and G) and Non-regulatory categories, and further classified as Controlled , Uncontrolled , Special Use , or “Other” airspace. Controlled airspace is where ATC services are provided (generally Classes A, B, C, D, and E), while Class G (uncontrolled) has no ATC services. Special use airspaces have specific restrictions, and “other” airspace includes additional areas like temporary restrictions, etc.
Class A Airspace: Class A is high-altitude airspace from 18,000 ft mean sea level (MSL) up to 60,000 ft MSL (flight level 600) over the continental US. It is used exclusively for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic – VFR (visual flight) is not allowed in Class A , and it is not depicted on VFR sectional charts. Small UAS cannot operate in Class A airspace under Part 107 (which is fine, as drones don’t reach those altitudes).
Class B Airspace: Class B surrounds the nation’s busiest airports. It generally extends from the surface up to 10,000 ft MSL with a multi-layer “upside-down wedding cake” shape. The core surface area and shelves are tailored to each busy airport’s traffic flows. Example: A Class B airspace might have a surface radius around the airport and larger shelves at higher altitudes (e.g. surface to 8,000 ft in a 5 NM radius, and 3,000–10,000 ft in a 30 NM radius, etc.). All Class B airspace requires ATC authorization for any drone flight. A remote pilot must receive explicit clearance from ATC (or an FAA waiver/LAANC authorization, if available) before operating in Class B. Additionally, manned aircraft in Class B must have two-way radios and Mode C transponders with altitude reporting – these areas are heavily regulated. Class B is depicted on charts with solid blue lines and labels showing floor and ceiling altitudes of each sector. For example, a sector labeled “100/30” means a floor of 3,000 ft and ceiling of 10,000 ft MSL (the “add two zeros” rule for hundreds of feet) .
Diagram of a typical Class B airspace “wedding cake” with multiple tiers around a major airport (horizontal slices show airspace boundaries at different altitudes).
Class C Airspace: Class C surrounds medium-size airports with significant traffic and an operating control tower. It typically extends from the surface to 4,000 ft above the airport elevation (MSL) within 5 Nautical Miles (NM), with an outer shelf from 1,200 ft to 4,000 ft AGL out to 10 NM. In simple terms, Class C has a 5 NM radius cylinder at the surface, and a 10 NM radius ring starting at around 1,200 ft up to 4,000 ft. Remote pilots must obtain ATC authorization to fly in Class C airspace (e.g. via LAANC or coordination with the tower). On sectional charts, Class C is shown with solid magenta circles; the floors and ceilings of the shelves are annotated (e.g. “40/12” for a shelf from 1,200 ft to 4,000 ft MSL).
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Class D Airspace: Class D surrounds smaller towered airports. It usually extends from the surface to 2,500 ft above the airport elevation within a 4–5 NM radius. Class D is cylindrical (no outer shelf) and exists only when the tower is operating. ATC authorization is required for drones in Class D as well. On charts, Class D airspace is depicted with a dashed blue line, and the ceiling is shown in a dashed box (e.g. [25] indicates ceiling 2,500 ft MSL).
Class E Airspace: Class E is controlled airspace that is not A, B, C, or D. It fills much of the airspace in the U.S., starting at various altitudes. In most areas, Class E begins at 1,200 ft AGL and extends up to (but not including) 18,000 ft MSL. In some areas it begins at 700 ft AGL or at the surface (around certain airports), and in a few remote areas Class E starts at 14,500 ft MSL. Class E above FL (60,000 ft) also exists. For drone pilots, Class E is important because it is controlled airspace – however, authorization is only required for Class E airspace that starts at the surface. If Class E starts at the surface around an airport (depicted by dashed magenta lines on charts), you need FAA authorization to fly there with a drone. Class E that begins at 700 or 1200 ft AGL (shaded magenta boundaries) does not require authorization for drone flights below those Class E floors, since the airspace below is Class G (uncontrolled). Summary: For Part 107, you need approval to operate in Class B, C, D, and Class E surface areas , but not in Class G.
Class G Airspace (Uncontrolled): Class G is all airspace that is not designated as Class A through F (Note: the U.S. has no Class F). It typically exists from the ground up to the base of Class E above. By definition, Class G has no ATC services and no specific entry requirements. For drone operators, Class G is the easiest airspace: you do not need ATC authorization to fly in Class G airspace. The majority of rural, low-altitude airspace away from airports is Class G up to 700 ft or 1200 ft AGL. Part 107 operations primarily take place in Class G unless near an airport.
Special Use Airspace (SUA): These are areas where activities are confined or where flight restrictions may apply for safety or national security. Special Use Airspaces are depicted on charts with specific codes and include:
Prohibited Areas (P-###): Flight is forbidden for all aircraft, usually for security or national welfare reasons. E.g. P-56 covers the airspace around the White House and Capitol – no drone may fly there. Prohibited areas are charted with a “P” and a number. Restricted Areas (R-###): These areas contain unusual hazards to aircraft (e.g. military live-fire exercises or missile tests). Flight is not flat-out forbidden, but is restricted ; you need permission from the controlling agency to enter when active. If a restricted area is “cold” (inactive) and released to the FAA, ATC can allow aircraft through. If it’s active, non-participating aircraft (including drones) must stay out. Restricted areas are depicted with an “R” and number and have defined times of use. Warning Areas (W-###): Similar to restricted areas but located over international or coastal waters (beyond 3 NM offshore). They warn pilots of hazards in the area (often military activities) but are outside U.S. jurisdiction. Drones generally will not fly offshore, but note that a Warning Area (e.g. W-237) indicates potentially hazardous activity. Military Operations Areas (MOAs): MOAs are blocks of airspace established to separate certain military training activities (like aerial combat or high-speed maneuvers) from IFR traffic. Drone flights are allowed in MOAs without special permission, but extreme caution is advised if active, due to military aircraft. Pilots should check MOA status (e.g. on sectional chart back or via NOTAMs) and ideally avoid when active.
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Flight Restricted Zones (FRZ): The most notable FRZ is around Washington, DC. This is a highly restrictive ring (within approximately 15 NM of DCA airport) where general flights are prohibited or heavily restricted. Never fly a drone in the DC FRZ (around the National Mall, White House, etc.) without specific FAA authorization – it’s effectively a no-drone zone. Wildlife and Wilderness Areas: On charts, many national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas are annotated with a note asking pilots to avoid flight below 2,000 ft AGL to prevent disturbance. While this is typically a recommendation for manned aircraft, drones are actually prohibited by Department of Interior policy in National Parks and many wildlife refuges without special permission. Always know the land ownership where you plan to fly – separate from FAA rules, local or federal land authorities may ban drone takeoffs/landings (e.g. all National Parks). NOAA Marine Protection Areas: Certain coastal areas have NOAA restrictions (under 50 CFR § 15 rules) prohibiting flight below 2,000 ft AGL to protect marine mammals. Drones should not harass wildlife; avoid low flights over such NOAA-designated areas. Tethered Balloons: Tethered aerostats or weather balloons can be deployed up to 60,000 ft on cables. They are charted when active. As a drone pilot, be cautious if operating near one (unlikely due to altitude, but the cable can be a collision hazard even a few thousand feet up).
Operating in Controlled Airspace: For drone pilots, flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) requires obtaining prior authorization from the FAA. This is typically done through the LAANC system (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) which provides near-real-time approvals for many airports’ airspace via smartphone apps/web. LAANC will grant altitude-limited auth based on grids around the airport. If LAANC is not available or you need higher altitude, you must submit a request via FAA DroneZone for airspace authorization (which can take days/weeks). Always get the required clearance before entering controlled airspace – unauthorized drone flights in controlled airspace are a serious violation.
Key Airspace Tips for the Test: - Know the visibility and cloud clearance minimums in Class G vs. controlled airspace: Part 107 requires 3 SM visibility , and cloud distances of 500 ft below / 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds for all operations. (These effectively match Class E VFR weather minimums.) - Maximum altitude is generally 400 ft AGL. To fly higher near a structure, you can go 400 ft above a building/tower if within a 400 ft radius of it. - Always yield right-of-way to all other aircraft. Don’t create a collision hazard with manned airplanes or helicopters – they have priority. - Know how different airspace classes are depicted on a sectional chart (blue v. magenta lines, solid v. dashed, etc.) and be able to determine if a sample drone operation (given a sectional chart in a test question) is in controlled airspace or near an airport requiring authorization.
Sample FAA-Style Question: (From Topic 3 PDF – Aviation Weather/Charts; this question tests understanding of latitude/longitude on a sectional chart). Q: (Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 22.) What airport is located approximately 47° 33′ N latitude and 116° 11′ W longitude? A) St. Maries Airport – B) Shoshone County Airport – C) Coeur d’Alene (Boyington Field) Airport. Use the latitude/longitude coordinates on the sectional chart to find the position; the correct answer is the airport closest to those coordinates. (Knowing how to read degrees, minutes, seconds on sectional grids is necessary.)
Sample FAA-Style Question: (From Topic 3 PDF – Airspace; tests understanding of airspace permissions near Class D airspace.) Q: (Refer to Figure 26, area 4.) You are hired to inspect a tower under construction at 46.9° N, 98.6° W, near Jamestown Regional (JMS) airport. What must you receive prior to flying your unmanned aircraft in this area? A) Authorization from the military – B) Authorization from ATC – C) Authorization from the National Park
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Service. Jamestown Regional is a Class D airport; the drone mission near it would require prior ATC authorization (correct answer B).
1 Topic 1_Syllabus and FAA Drone Certification.pdf file://file-DCztbaXAGZDuzeTE2mDcCs
Part 107 License Guide: How to Become a Certified Drone Pilot - Pilot Institute https://pilotinstitute.com/part107-license-guide/
4 Topic 1. Small UAV Loading and Emergency Procedures.pdf file://file-UvM9d5mSNNojLBHbWPcNDS
5 Topic 1. Radio Communication Procedures.pdf file://file-Vvd5FT8wUc82TMWFiN8oYs
6 Topic 1. Physiological Factors.pdf file://file-NGxoYVC71oY73LUNAjm1pE
8 Topic 1. OOP & OOMV.pdf file://file-2z6AoQmnaAHg5rMhrr5dpu
2 Topic 1_ FAA Part 107_ Airspace Classification.pdf file://file-8ALNWxJqpRxPbToyMnC8tM
3 Topic 1. Aviation Weather Sources and Effects of Weather.pdf file://file-QURmmZmEJZxLB58A5FndQ
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