The Ultimate Part 107 Study Guide: Complete Exam Preparation

The Ultimate Part 107 Study Guide: Everything You Need to Pass Your Commercial Drone License Exam

Preparing for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification exam requires comprehensive knowledge across multiple aviation disciplines. This exhaustive study guide covers every topic you’ll encounter on the test, with detailed explanations and practical examples to ensure your success.

Chapter 1: Regulations and Definitions

Understanding the regulatory framework is essential for commercial drone operations. Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 107) establishes the rules for operating small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes in the United States.

1.1 Definitions

A small unmanned aircraft is defined as an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft. The remote pilot in command is the person who has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight. Visual observer means a person who assists the remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls to see and avoid other aircraft and hazards.

1.2 Certificate Requirements

To operate commercially under Part 107, you must hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating. To obtain this certificate, you must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (with certain medical exceptions), be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS, and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam.

1.3 Operating Limitations

Part 107 establishes several key operating limitations. Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level, or within 400 feet of a structure if higher. Maximum groundspeed is 100 mph (87 knots). Minimum visibility is 3 statute miles from the control station. Minimum cloud clearance is 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

Operations may only occur during daylight or civil twilight (with appropriate anti-collision lighting). The remote pilot must maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times. Operations over people require specific authorization or use of aircraft meeting certain kinetic energy thresholds.

Chapter 2: Airspace Classification

The National Airspace System is divided into classes based on the type of operations conducted and the level of air traffic control services provided.

2.1 Controlled Airspace

Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600. All operations in Class A must be conducted under instrument flight rules. This airspace is not relevant to Part 107 operations due to altitude limitations.

Class B airspace exists from the surface to specified altitudes around the nation’s busiest airports. ATC authorization is required for all drone operations in Class B airspace. The shape typically resembles an upside-down wedding cake with multiple layers extending outward at higher altitudes.

Class C airspace surrounds airports with operational control towers, radar approach control, and specific IFR or passenger activity thresholds. ATC authorization is required for drone operations. The typical configuration includes a surface area extending from the surface to 4,000 feet above airport elevation with a 5 nautical mile radius, and an outer shelf from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above airport elevation with a 10 nautical mile radius.

Class D airspace surrounds airports with operational control towers. This cylindrical airspace typically extends from the surface to 2,500 feet above airport elevation with a radius of approximately 4 nautical miles. ATC authorization is required for drone operations.

Class E airspace is controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C, or D. Class E extends upward from various altitudes including the surface, 700 feet AGL, 1,200 feet AGL, or 14,500 feet MSL depending on location. Authorization is required when operating in Class E surface areas.

2.2 Uncontrolled Airspace

Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace where air traffic control does not have authority or responsibility to separate aircraft. This is typically the airspace below Class E floors. While no ATC authorization is required for Class G operations, all Part 107 rules still apply.

2.3 Special Use Airspace

Prohibited areas are established for security or other national welfare reasons. Drone operations are never permitted in prohibited areas. Restricted areas contain unusual hazards to aircraft, often associated with military operations. Operations may be conducted when the restricted area is not active, but extreme caution is advised.

Military Operations Areas, Warning Areas, and Alert Areas have varying levels of restriction. Understanding chart symbology and checking NOTAMs is essential before planning operations near these areas.

Chapter 3: Weather

Weather significantly impacts drone operations. Understanding meteorological concepts helps pilots make safe go/no-go decisions and respond appropriately to changing conditions.

3.1 Atmospheric Principles

The atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases. Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude at approximately one inch of mercury per 1,000 feet near sea level. Temperature typically decreases at the standard lapse rate of about 2 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet.

3.2 Weather Sources

Aviation weather information comes from multiple sources. METARs provide current surface weather observations from airports. Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) provide forecasted weather conditions for specific airports. Area forecasts, AIRMETs, and SIGMETs provide broader weather information and hazard warnings.

3.3 Weather Hazards

Thunderstorms present multiple hazards including turbulence, lightning, heavy precipitation, hail, and strong winds. Never operate a drone near thunderstorm activity. Wind shear can occur at any altitude and causes rapid changes in wind speed or direction. Density altitude increases with temperature and elevation, affecting aircraft performance.

3.4 Interpreting METARs

METAR reports follow a standard format. The station identifier indicates the reporting location. Time is given in Zulu (UTC). Wind is reported as direction and speed in knots. Visibility is reported in statute miles. Present weather uses standard abbreviations. Sky condition describes cloud coverage and heights. Temperature and dewpoint are given in Celsius. Altimeter setting is in inches of mercury.

Chapter 4: Loading and Performance

Understanding how loading affects aircraft performance is crucial for safe operations.

4.1 Weight and Balance

Total aircraft weight must remain within manufacturer specifications. Adding payloads shifts the center of gravity, potentially affecting flight characteristics. Always calculate total weight including batteries, cameras, and any other accessories before flight.

4.2 Density Altitude

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. High density altitude reduces lift and battery performance. Hot days at high elevations require particular attention to performance limitations. Plan conservative flight profiles when density altitude is high.

4.3 Payload Considerations

Different payloads affect aircraft stability and flight time. Center suspended loads versus offset loads. Account for wind resistance of external payloads. Test new payload configurations in controlled conditions before operational flights.

Chapter 5: Operations

Proper operational procedures ensure safe and efficient flights.

5.1 Preflight Planning

Thorough preflight planning includes weather assessment, airspace review, site survey, and equipment inspection. Check NOTAMs for TFRs and other relevant information. Identify emergency landing sites and contingency plans. Brief all crew members on the planned operation.

5.2 Crew Resource Management

Effective CRM improves safety through better communication and coordination. Define clear roles for the remote pilot in command, person manipulating controls (if different), and visual observers. Establish standard communication protocols and challenge-and-response procedures for critical actions.

5.3 Emergency Procedures

Develop and practice emergency procedures before they’re needed. Know how to respond to loss of control link, flyaway, low battery, and emergency landing situations. Document emergency procedures and review them as part of preflight briefing. Report any accidents or incidents as required by regulation.

Chapter 6: Reading Sectional Charts

Sectional aeronautical charts provide essential information for flight planning and airspace awareness.

6.1 Chart Symbology

Airport symbols indicate runway configuration, tower status, and services available. Airspace boundaries use specific colors and line types. Blue circles and keyhole shapes indicate Class B and C airspace. Magenta dashed lines show Class E surface areas. Blue shading indicates Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL, while magenta shading shows Class E to 700 feet AGL.

6.2 Obstructions

Obstruction symbols show towers, antennas, and other hazards to navigation. Heights are given in both MSL and AGL. Group obstructions indicate multiple structures in an area. High-intensity obstruction lighting is indicated with specific symbology.

6.3 Maximum Elevation Figures

MEFs appear in each quadrangle on sectional charts. The figure represents the highest known feature in that quadrangle plus a safety margin. Use MEFs for terrain awareness when planning operations.

Chapter 7: Physiological Factors

Human factors affect pilot performance and decision-making.

7.1 Fitness for Flight

The IMSAFE checklist helps assess personal readiness. Illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, and emotion all affect performance. Prescription and over-the-counter medications may impair judgment or reaction time. Eight hours bottle-to-throttle is a minimum standard for alcohol.

7.2 Vision

Visual scanning is essential for see-and-avoid responsibilities. Use deliberate scanning patterns rather than staring at the aircraft. Account for empty-field myopia when operating in featureless areas. Bright sunlight and glare can impair visual detection of aircraft.

7.3 Stress and Task Management

High workload degrades performance. Prioritize tasks during emergencies: aviate, navigate, communicate. Practice scenarios to build proficiency before they occur in actual operations. Recognize signs of task saturation and take appropriate action.

Chapter 8: Aeronautical Decision Making

Good judgment is the foundation of safe operations.

8.1 The PAVE Checklist

PAVE helps identify risk factors. Pilot: Am I fit to fly today? Aircraft: Is the equipment airworthy and suitable for this mission? EnVironment: What are the weather, airspace, and terrain conditions? External pressures: Am I rushing or feeling pressured to complete this flight?

8.2 The DECIDE Model

DECIDE provides a framework for decision-making. Detect the problem or change. Estimate the need to react. Choose a course of action. Identify solutions. Do the selected action. Evaluate the effect of the action.

8.3 Risk Management

Identify hazards before they become problems. Assess risk using probability and severity. Mitigate risk through planning and procedures. Accept only risks that are necessary and reasonable. Continuously evaluate changing conditions throughout operations.

Conclusion

Success on the Part 107 exam requires comprehensive preparation across all these topic areas. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. Practice with sample questions to identify weak areas. Stay current with regulatory changes and industry developments. With thorough preparation, you’ll be ready to join the ranks of certified commercial drone pilots.