FAA Part 107 Study Guide: Pass First Try (2026)

Complete FAA Part 107 Study Guide for 2026

Want to fly drones commercially? The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your gateway to a career in the rapidly growing drone industry. This comprehensive study guide covers everything you need to pass the exam on your first attempt.

Ready to practice? Test your knowledge with our free Part 107 practice questions covering airspace, weather, and regulations.

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Part 107 Exam Overview

Eligibility Requirements

To earn the Remote Pilot Certificate you must:

• Be at least 16 years old (you can take the test younger but receive the certificate at 16)
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small drone
• Pass the TSA security background check (automatic after you submit your IACRA application)

The FAA had issued more than 400,000 Part 107 Remote Pilot certificates as of 2024.

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Part 107 Exam Content Areas

Domain Breakdown (FAA UAS ACS, FAA-S-ACS-10B)

The official FAA Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-10B) define five areas of operation and the percentage range of the 60 questions drawn from each. Operations is the single largest area -- not airspace, a common misconception that trips up new candidates.

Source: FAA UAS Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-10B), faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs.

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Section 1: Airspace Classification (15-25% of Exam)

Airspace is one of the most heavily tested topics on the Part 107 exam, and along with the operations area it accounts for most of the questions candidates find difficult.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace

Class B Airspace (Busiest)

• Shape: Inverted wedding cake around major airports
• Entry: ATC clearance REQUIRED
• Equipment: Two-way radio, transponder with Mode C
• Drone Operations: Requires LAANC authorization
• Charts: Solid blue lines on sectional

Examples: LAX, JFK, ORD, ATL, DFW

Class C Airspace (Medium Busy)

• Shape: Two-tiered cylinder
• Entry: Two-way radio communication required
• Equipment: Two-way radio, transponder with Mode C
• Drone Operations: Requires LAANC authorization
• Charts: Solid magenta lines on sectional

Examples: SJC, MCI, BDL

Class D Airspace (Tower-Controlled)

• Shape: Single cylinder
• Entry: Two-way radio communication required
• Equipment: Two-way radio
• Drone Operations: Requires LAANC authorization
• Charts: Dashed blue lines on sectional

Class E Airspace (Controlled, No Tower)

• Transition Area: Starts at 700 ft AGL (magenta vignette)
• Surface Area: Starts at surface (dashed magenta)
• Drone Operations: May require authorization depending on location
• Charts: Magenta shading or dashed lines

Class G Airspace (Uncontrolled)

• Surface to 700 ft AGL (below Class E transition)
• Surface to 14,500 ft MSL in remote areas
• Drone Operations: No ATC authorization required
• Charts: White background areas

Special Use Airspace

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Section 2: Sectional Charts (Critical for Exam)

Essential Chart Elements

Airport Symbols:

Understanding Airport Data:

Example: KABC 125.4 47 S 122.1 30

• KABC: Airport identifier
• 125.4: CTAF/UNICOM frequency
• 47: Elevation (47 ft MSL)
• S: Soft-surface runway
• 122.1: ASOS/AWOS frequency
• 30: Runway length (3,000 ft)

Reading Airspace on Charts

Class B: Solid blue lines with altitude brackets (e.g., "110/40" = ceiling 11,000 ft / floor 4,000 ft)

Class C: Solid magenta circles with altitude (e.g., "41/26" = 4,100 ft / 2,600 ft)

Class D: Dashed blue lines

Class E (Surface): Dashed magenta lines

Class E (700 ft): Magenta vignette (fuzzy edge)

Latitude and Longitude

• Lines of Latitude: Parallel to equator (horizontal on chart)
• Lines of Longitude: Run pole to pole (vertical on chart)
• Each tick: 1 minute = 1 nautical mile
• Degrees: 60 minutes = 1 degree

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Section 3: Weather for Drone Pilots (11-16% of Exam)

Weather Sources

METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report)

Example: KABC 121755Z 27012KT 10SM FEW040 22/18 A2992

• KABC: Station identifier
• 121755Z: Date/time (12th at 17:55 UTC)
• 27012KT: Wind 270° at 12 knots
• 10SM: Visibility 10 statute miles
• FEW040: Few clouds at 4,000 ft
• 22/18: Temperature 22°C, Dew point 18°C
• A2992: Altimeter 29.92 inHg

TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)

Example: KABC 121720Z 1218/1318 27008KT P6SM FEW030

• 1218/1318: Valid from 18:00 today to 18:00 tomorrow
• 27008KT: Wind 270° at 8 knots
• P6SM: Visibility greater than 6 statute miles

Weather Hazards

Thunderstorms:

• Development: Cumulus → Towering Cumulus → Cumulonimbus
• Avoid: Never fly within 5 miles of thunderstorms
• Microbursts: Sudden downdrafts up to 6,000 ft/min

Wind:

• Surface Wind: Affected by friction, terrain
• Wind Shear: Sudden change in wind speed/direction
• Crosswind: Wind perpendicular to flight path

Fog Types:

Density Altitude

Formula: Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude + (120 × (OAT - ISA Temp))

Key Concept: Higher density altitude = Less air density = Reduced drone performance

Factors increasing density altitude:

• High elevation
• High temperature
• High humidity

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Section 4: Drone Operations and Regulations (Operations 35-45% + Regulations 15-25%)

Together, operations and regulations make up the majority of the exam, so do not under-study this section. Operations covers emergency procedures, crew/aeronautical decision-making, radio phraseology, physiology (vision, dehydration, drugs and alcohol), and maintenance; regulations covers Part 107 rules, waivers, registration, and Remote ID.

Operating Limitations (Part 107.31 - 107.51)

Remote ID Requirements (2026)

Standard Remote ID:

• Broadcasts location, altitude, speed
• Built into drone or external module

Broadcast Information:

• Drone identification
• Drone location and altitude
• Velocity
• Takeoff location
• Time mark

FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA):

• Community-based organization locations
• Educational institutions
• No Remote ID required when flying in FRIA

Night Operations (2026 Rules)

• Anti-collision light required (visible for 3 statute miles)
• Strobe or beacon (can flash or be steady)
• Must be affixed to drone
• Knowledge test covers night vision and physiology

Flying Over People

Emergency Procedures

In-Flight Emergency:

1. Safe outcome is priority
2. May deviate from rules to ensure safety
3. Report to FAA if required (serious injury, >$500 property damage)

Lost Link Procedures:

• Pre-programmed return-to-home
• Landing at lost link location
• Hovering until link restored

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Section 5: Loading and Performance (7-11% of Exam)

Weight and Balance

Center of Gravity (CG):

• Point where drone would balance
• Must remain within manufacturer limits
• Affects stability and control

Load Factor:

• Ratio of lift to weight
• Increases in turns
• Bank angle increases load factor

Effects of Weight Changes

• Heavier drone: Higher stall speed, longer takeoff, reduced climb rate
• Lighter drone: Lower stall speed, shorter takeoff, better climb rate

Battery Considerations

Lithium Battery Fire:

• Use Class D fire extinguisher or sand
• Do NOT use water on lithium fires
• Move to isolated area if possible

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Section 6: Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Hazardous Attitudes

Risk Management

PAVE Checklist:

• Pilot (experience, currency, health)
• Aircraft (airworthiness, battery, equipment)
• enVironment (weather, terrain, airspace)
• External pressures (schedules, clients, budget)

IMSAFE Checklist:

• Illness
• Medication
• Stress
• Alcohol
• Fatigue
• Eating

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Part 107 Study Schedule

Total: 27-37 hours of study

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Test-Taking Tips

1. Read carefully - Many questions have subtle word changes
2. Use the supplement - You'll have the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement with charts
3. Skip hard questions - Mark and return to them
4. Eliminate wrong answers - Improve your odds
5. Trust your preparation - You've studied the material

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After You Pass

Getting Your Certificate

1. Pass the exam - Get 42+ questions correct
2. Wait for TSA vetting - Usually 24-72 hours
3. Receive email - IACRA application instructions
4. Complete IACRA application - iacra.faa.gov
5. Receive temporary certificate - Print and carry
6. Permanent certificate - Mailed within 6-8 weeks

Registering Your Drone

• All drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered
• Cost: $5 per aircraft (valid 3 years)
• Register at: faadronezone.faa.gov
• Mark drone with registration number

Staying Current: Recurrent Training

Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but to keep exercising its privileges you must complete free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months. Since 2021 the FAA replaced the old in-person recurrent exam with a free course on the FAA Safety Team site (faasafety.gov): "Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent" (ALC-677 for most pilots). It takes about two hours and costs nothing.

Looking Ahead: Part 108 (BVLOS)

Part 107 still requires you to keep your drone within visual line of sight unless you hold a waiver. In August 2025 the FAA published its proposed Part 108 rule (NPRM) to normalize routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for deliveries, inspections, and surveying. A final rule is expected in 2026. Part 107 remains the certificate to earn today; Part 108 is a separate future framework.

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Career Opportunities

Drone Pilot Salary Ranges (2026)

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Free Part 107 Practice Resources

Start Practicing Today

• 300+ Part 107-style practice questions
• Detailed explanations for every answer
• Sectional chart practice with real examples
• AI tutor to explain airspace and weather concepts

Start Free Part 107 Practice →

Additional Study Materials

1. FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide - Free PDF at faa.gov
2. Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement - Contains all charts used on exam
3. FAA Sample Questions - Official practice questions
4. Sectional Chart Training - FAA Safety Team courses

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Key Takeaways

1. Operations is the biggest area (35-45%) - Master CRM, ADM, physiology, emergencies, and radio
2. Airspace and regulations each run 15-25% - Know Class B, C, D, E, G and sectional charts cold
3. Weather is 11-16% - Understand METARs, TAFs, and hazards
4. Know your limitations - 400 ft AGL, VLOS, 3 SM visibility, 100 mph
5. Stay current - Free recurrent training every 24 months keeps your certificate active

Good luck with your Part 107 exam!