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.
free Part 107 practice questionsPractice questions with detailed explanations
Part 107 Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 60 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (42 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $175 |
| Valid For | 24 months |
| Pass Rate | 80-90% with proper study |
Part 107 Exam Content Areas
Domain Breakdown
| Domain | Weight | Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airspace | 30% | ~18 | Class B/C/D/E/G, sectional charts, TFRs |
| Weather | 25% | ~15 | METARs, TAFs, wind, thunderstorms, fog |
| Operations | 20% | ~12 | Emergency procedures, Crew Resource Management |
| Performance | 15% | ~9 | Weight & balance, loading, density altitude |
| Regulations | 10% | ~6 | FAA rules, Remote ID, waivers |
Section 1: Airspace Classification (30% of Exam)
Understanding airspace is the most heavily tested topic on the Part 107 exam.
Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
| Type | Classification | ATC Clearance Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled | Class A, B, C, D, E | Varies by class |
| Uncontrolled | Class G | No |
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
| Type | Abbreviation | Drone Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited Area | P- | Prohibited (e.g., National Mall) |
| Restricted Area | R- | Requires authorization |
| Warning Area | W- | Exercise caution |
| Military Operations | MOA | Exercise caution |
| Temporary Flight Restriction | TFR | Check before flying |
Section 2: Sectional Charts (Critical for Exam)
Essential Chart Elements
Airport Symbols:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ⭐ (Blue) | Towered airport (Class B, C, D) |
| ⭐ (Magenta) | Non-towered airport |
| ● | Hard-surface runway |
| ○ | Soft/grass runway |
| (L) | Lighting available |
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
Section 3: Weather for Drone Pilots (25% of Exam)
Weather Sources
| Source | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Weather Center | Website | General planning |
| 1800wxBrief.com | Phone/Online | Official briefings |
| AWOS/ASOS | Automated | Current conditions |
| ATIS | Radio | Airport weather |
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:
| Type | Cause | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation | Night cooling | Clear nights, calm winds |
| Advection | Warm air over cold surface | Warm front passage |
| Upslope | Air forced uphill | Eastern slopes of mountains |
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
Section 4: Drone Operations and Regulations
Operating Limitations (Part 107.31 - 107.51)
| Limitation | Rule | Waiver Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 400 ft AGL | Yes |
| Speed | 100 mph (87 knots) | No |
| Visibility | 3 statute miles | Yes |
| Cloud Clearance | 500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontal | Yes |
| Time of Day | Civil twilight (30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset) | Yes |
| VLOS | Visual Line of Sight required | Limited waiver |
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
| Category | Requirements | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | < 0.55 lbs | Minimal |
| Category 2 | Declaration of Compliance | Low |
| Category 3 | DOC + pilot cannot fly over open-air assemblies | Moderate |
| Category 4 | Type certificate | Higher |
Emergency Procedures
In-Flight Emergency:
- Safe outcome is priority
- May deviate from rules to ensure safety
- 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
Section 5: Loading and Performance (15% 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
| Bank Angle | Load Factor |
|---|---|
| 0° (level) | 1.0 G |
| 30° | 1.15 G |
| 45° | 1.41 G |
| 60° | 2.0 G |
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
Section 6: Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Hazardous Attitudes
| Attitude | Description | Antidote |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Authority | "Don't tell me what to do" | Follow the rules |
| 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" | Taking chances is foolish |
| Resignation | "What's the use?" | I'm not helpless |
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
Part 107 Study Schedule
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airspace classes, sectional charts | 6-8 |
| 2 | METARs, TAFs, weather hazards | 5-7 |
| 3 | Regulations, Remote ID, waivers | 4-6 |
| 4 | Operations, CRM, emergencies | 4-6 |
| 5 | Performance, weight & balance | 3-4 |
| 6 | Practice tests, review | 5-6 |
Total: 27-37 hours of study
Test-Taking Tips
- Read carefully - Many questions have subtle word changes
- Use the supplement - You'll have the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement with charts
- Skip hard questions - Mark and return to them
- Eliminate wrong answers - Improve your odds
- Trust your preparation - You've studied the material
After You Pass
Getting Your Certificate
- Pass the exam - Get 42+ questions correct
- Wait for TSA vetting - Usually 24-72 hours
- Receive email - IACRA application instructions
- Complete IACRA application - iacra.faa.gov
- Receive temporary certificate - Print and carry
- 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
Career Opportunities
Drone Pilot Salary Ranges (2026)
| Industry | Entry Level | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Photography | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| Construction Surveying | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| Agriculture (Crop Monitoring) | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| Infrastructure Inspection | $55,000 | $100,000 |
| Cinematography | $50,000 | $120,000+ |
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 →Practice questions with detailed explanations
Additional Study Materials
- FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide - Free PDF at faa.gov
- Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement - Contains all charts used on exam
- FAA Sample Questions - Official practice questions
- Sectional Chart Training - FAA Safety Team courses
Key Takeaways
- Airspace is 30% of the exam - Master Class B, C, D, E, G
- Sectional charts are critical - Practice reading them
- Weather is 25% - Understand METARs and hazards
- Know your limitations - 400 ft, VLOS, 3 SM visibility
- CRM prevents accidents - Recognize hazardous attitudes
Good luck with your Part 107 exam!