100+ Free Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Practice Questions

Pass your Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) — Aerial Photography + FAA Part 107 Competency exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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~85-92% first-time pass rate on the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (FAA statistics) Pass Rate

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Question 1

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Under 14 CFR Part 107, what is the maximum allowable altitude for a small unmanned aircraft operation?

500 ft AGL at all times

400 ft AGL, or within 400 ft of a structure's uppermost limit

1200 ft AGL in Class G airspace

No altitude ceiling in uncontrolled airspace

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Exam

Part 107 Test Items

FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test

2 hr

Time Limit (Part 107)

PSI Aeronautical Knowledge Testing Center

70%

Passing Score

FAA Part 107 knowledge test (~42 of 60 correct)

~$175

2026 Part 107 Fee

PSI Services (initial knowledge test)

24 mo

Recurrent Training

FAA ALC-677 online recurrent training

400 ft

AGL Ceiling

14 CFR 107.51(b) with structure exception

QDP is a hybrid credential: the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot knowledge test (60 MCQ, 2 hr, 70% pass, ~$175 at PSI) is the legal foundation for commercial drone work, plus an aerial photography competency credential (PAPA or similar). Content weights across our 100 practice questions: FAA Part 107 & airspace ~29%, drone camera tech ~11%, flight ops/safety ~11%, aerial photography technique ~10%, weather/aerodynamics ~9%, post-processing ~8%, business/licensing ~7%, ethics/privacy ~6%, videography ~5%, mission planning ~4%. Requires age 16+, English proficiency, TSA background vetting, and recurrent online training (ALC-677) every 24 months.

Sample Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR Part 107, what is the maximum allowable altitude for a small unmanned aircraft operation?

A.500 ft AGL at all times

B.400 ft AGL, or within 400 ft of a structure's uppermost limit

C.1200 ft AGL in Class G airspace

D.No altitude ceiling in uncontrolled airspace

Explanation: Part 107.51 caps sUAS at 400 ft AGL, but allows flight higher than 400 ft AGL if the drone remains within a 400 ft radius of a structure and does not fly more than 400 ft above the structure's uppermost limit. This enables tower, rooftop, and tall-building inspection missions.

2What is the maximum groundspeed permitted for a small unmanned aircraft under Part 107?

A.55 mph / 48 knots

B.87 mph / 76 knots

C.100 mph / 87 knots

D.120 mph / 104 knots

Explanation: Part 107.51(c) limits groundspeed to 100 mph (87 knots). Ground speed — not airspeed — is the regulated metric because tailwinds can push real-world travel past airspeed indications. Exceeding this requires a Part 107.205 waiver.

3Which document authorizes commercial drone photography operations in the United States?

A.TRUST certificate

B.Remote Pilot Certificate with sUAS rating (Part 107)

C.Private Pilot Certificate

D.FCC Amateur Radio license

Explanation: Commercial work — including paid aerial photography — requires a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating under 14 CFR Part 107. TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) covers recreational flyers only and does not authorize compensated operations.

4What is the minimum age to be issued a Remote Pilot Certificate?

A.14 years old

B.16 years old

C.17 years old

D.18 years old

Explanation: Per 14 CFR 107.61, an applicant must be at least 16 years old, read/speak/write English, be physically and mentally fit to operate safely, and pass the aeronautical knowledge test (or hold a non-student Part 61 certificate with a flight review and complete the online Part 107 training).

5As of September 16, 2023, what Remote ID compliance options are available to a Part 107 operator?

A.Standard Remote ID drone, Remote ID broadcast module, or fly within an FRIA

B.Wi-Fi SSID broadcast only

C.A visible N-number decal on the fuselage

D.A transponder set to squawk 1200

Explanation: The three compliant paths are: (1) a Standard Remote ID UAS that broadcasts ID/location/altitude/control-station location; (2) attaching an FAA-accepted Remote ID broadcast module; or (3) flying only within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Full enforcement began September 16, 2023.

6Which airspace class normally requires LAANC or a DroneZone authorization before a Part 107 flight?

A.Class G

B.Class A

C.Class B, C, D, and the surface area of Class E

D.Class W

Explanation: Controlled airspace at or below 400 ft AGL — Class B, C, D, and lateral surface areas of Class E — requires ATC authorization. Most operators obtain this near-instantly via LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) through approved providers like Aloft, AirMap, or Avision.

7In which airspace class may a Part 107 operator fly without prior ATC authorization?

A.Class A

B.Class B

C.Class G (uncontrolled)

D.Class D

Explanation: Class G is uncontrolled airspace — no ATC authorization required, though all other Part 107 rules (VLOS, 400 ft AGL, weather minimums, daylight/twilight rules, Remote ID, etc.) still apply. Most rural and suburban areas below 1,200 ft AGL are Class G.

8What is the minimum flight visibility required by Part 107?

A.1 statute mile

B.3 statute miles

C.5 statute miles

D.10 kilometers

Explanation: Part 107.51(d) requires at least 3 statute miles of flight visibility from the control station. Cloud clearance is 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from any cloud. Ground-level haze or fog that drops visibility below 3 SM grounds the flight.

9What are the Part 107 cloud clearance requirements?

A.Clear of clouds at all times

B.500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds

C.1,000 ft below and 1 SM horizontally from clouds

D.No cloud clearance requirement below 400 ft AGL

Explanation: Part 107.51(d) requires the sUAS remain at least 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from any cloud. This preserves see-and-avoid margins against manned aircraft that may emerge from the cloud base.

10For night operations under Part 107 (per the 2021 rule update), what equipment is required?

A.Navigation strobes visible for 2 SM

B.Anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles

C.Red and green navigation lights only

D.An FAA waiver is still required for all night flights

Explanation: Since April 21, 2021, Part 107.29 permits civil twilight and night operations without a waiver if the aircraft is equipped with anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, and the remote pilot has completed updated recurrent training covering night operations.

About the Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Exam

The Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) is a professional aerial photography credential layered on top of the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate — no single unified body administers a universal 'QDP' exam. The Part 107 knowledge test is the legal floor for any commercial drone photography work in the United States (60 multiple-choice items, 2 hours, 70% to pass, administered by PSI Services for ~$175). On top of that, professional aerial photography bodies such as the Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA) offer competency credentials covering camera technique, composition, post-processing, business/licensing, and ethics. Content spans 14 CFR Part 107 operating rules (400 ft AGL, 100 mph, VLOS, daylight ops, Remote ID), Class B/C/D/E/G airspace and LAANC, sectional chart symbology, weather (METAR/TAF, density altitude, wind limits), drone camera technology (DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, Autel EVO Max 4T, Four Thirds/1-inch/1.3-inch sensors, D-Log, ND filters, H.265), aerial composition and cinematic moves, post-processing (RAW/DNG, LUTs, HDR, panorama stitching), business (image licensing, contracts, model releases, drone liability insurance via SkyWatch.AI/Verifly), and ethics/privacy (state Peeping Tom statutes, NPS launch/land ban, wildlife disturbance).

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

FAA Part 107: 2 hours (60 MCQ). Aerial photography credential portion varies by body

Passing Score

70% on the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot knowledge test (42 of 60); aerial photography credential bodies set their own standards

Exam Fee

~$175 FAA Part 107 initial knowledge test at PSI + $100-$500 aerial photography credential fees (Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA) + FAA Part 107 foundation (administered by PSI Services))

Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Exam Content Outline

~29%

FAA Part 107 & Airspace

14 CFR Part 107 operating rules (400 ft AGL ceiling with structure exception, 100 mph groundspeed max, visual line of sight, daylight and civil twilight with anti-collision lighting, 3 SM visibility, 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds), Class B/C/D/E surface/G airspace recognition on VFR sectional charts, LAANC near-real-time authorization (Aloft/AirMap/Kittyhawk), TFRs and NOTAMs via B4UFLY, operations over people (Category 1-4 based on kinetic energy and injury thresholds), operations over moving vehicles, night operations with anti-collision lighting visible 3 SM, Remote ID rule (Sep 16, 2023 compliance — Standard Remote ID, Broadcast Module, FAA-Recognized Identification Areas/FRIAs), NDAA Section 1862 and the Blue UAS List (Skydio X10, Parrot Anafi USA, Teal 2), recurrent training ALC-677 every 24 calendar months, Part 108 BVLOS NPRM awareness, FAA Reauthorization Act 2024 provisions.

~11%

Drone Camera Technology

Sensor sizes — DJI Mavic 3 Pro main (Hasselblad Four Thirds CMOS), medium telephoto (1/1.3-inch), long telephoto (1/2-inch); Mini 4 Pro (1/1.3-inch); Air 3 (dual 1/1.3-inch wide + medium tele); Autel EVO Max 4T (wide + telephoto + thermal + laser rangefinder). Variable aperture (f/2.8-f/11 on Mavic 3 Pro main), dynamic range via D-Log, D-Log M, HLG, and HDR video, codecs (H.264 baseline; H.265/HEVC for 10-bit efficiency; Apple ProRes 422 on Mavic 3 Cine), bit depth and chroma (8-bit 4:2:0, 10-bit 4:2:0, 10-bit 4:2:2), RAW/DNG still workflow, ND filter stops (ND4/8/16/32/64 to hit the 180-degree shutter rule), 3-axis gimbal stabilization, focal-length equivalents, LiDAR/RGB combo payloads.

~11%

Flight Operations & Safety

Preflight inspection (propellers, motors, battery health, firmware currency, compass/IMU calibration, GPS lock with 10+ satellites, HDOP <1.5), LiPo battery management (3.7-4.35 V per cell nominal, storage at 40-60%, never discharge below 20-30%, retire on swelling or capacity <80%), return-to-home behavior (RTH altitude above obstacles, failsafe on signal loss, auto-RTH on low battery, smart RTH), geofencing (DJI GEO 2.0 zones, custom unlock for authorized ops), crew resource management (PIC, VO visual observer duties under 107.33), emergency procedures (flyaway, GPS loss switching to ATTI mode, lost-link behavior), Part 107.9 accident reporting thresholds (serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage ≥$500 within 10 calendar days).

~10%

Aerial Photography Technique

Composition — rule of thirds, leading lines, natural framing, symmetry, negative space, patterns and textures — especially powerful from nadir and oblique altitudes. Exposure triangle (ISO low for dynamic range, aperture fixed or variable, shutter speed per 180-degree rule ≈ 1/(2×fps)), golden hour and blue hour scheduling, top-down (bird's-eye/nadir) vs oblique (45-degree real-estate angle), parallax and layering (foreground/midground/background), altitude for scale, orbital/point-of-interest shots, reveal shots, dronie, panorama stitching (sphere/180°/240°), and stitched high-resolution composites.

~9%

Weather & Aerodynamics

METAR/TAF decoding (winds, visibility, ceiling, temperature/dewpoint, altimeter), AIRMET (Sierra mountain obscuration, Tango turbulence, Zulu icing) and SIGMET interpretation, density altitude impact on thrust and endurance at high altitude or hot temps, wind shear and gusts (typical consumer drone limit 20-24 kt / 23-27 mph), temperature inversions, icing risk below 5 °C with visible moisture, precipitation and IP ratings, sea-level pressure and altimeter setting, prop blade efficiency, ground effect on takeoff/landing, vortex ring state (settling with power) during fast vertical descents, solar K-index and GPS interference.

~8%

Post-Processing (Aerial)

D-Log and D-Log M LUT application, color grading to Rec.709 (broadcast), Rec.2020 (HDR delivery), and DCI-P3 (cinema), RAW/DNG development (highlight recovery, graduated and radial filters, lens profile corrections for rectilinear and fisheye), HDR bracketing and exposure blending for high-dynamic-range scenes, panorama stitching (PTGui, Lightroom Photo Merge, Photoshop), noise reduction at high ISO (Topaz DeNoise AI, DxO DeepPRIME), sharpening pipelines for web vs print, frame interpolation, stabilization (Warp Stabilizer, ReelSteady), proxy workflows for H.265 and ProRes editing.

~7%

Business & Licensing

Commercial operations require a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 (TRUST — The Recreational UAS Safety Test — is for recreational flyers only and does NOT authorize paid work), drone registration via FAA DroneZone ($5 per aircraft >0.55 lb / 250 g, valid 3 years), business structure (sole proprietor vs LLC), contracts and model/property releases, image licensing models (rights-managed, royalty-free, editorial vs commercial use), pricing structures (hourly, per-deliverable, day rate, licensing), drone liability and hull insurance options (SkyWatch.AI and Verifly for on-demand per-flight coverage; BWI and Global Aerospace for annual policies), client deliverable formats (RAW + graded masters + usage terms), and Part 107.200 waiver application for operations beyond regulatory baseline.

~6%

Ethics & Privacy

State and local privacy statutes (Peeping Tom laws, anti-voyeurism, anti-paparazzi — e.g., California Civil Code 1708.8 covering physical and constructive invasion of privacy), nuisance and trespass principles (navigable airspace questions below 200 ft post-U.S. v. Causby), wildlife disturbance prohibitions (USFWS, NOAA marine mammal advisories of 1,000 ft for MMPA species), National Park Service ban on launching, landing, and operating in park units (36 CFR 1.5 closure), publication ethics (disclosure of significant digital manipulation, editorial vs illustrative use), consent and newsworthiness balancing, cultural and Indigenous heritage site sensitivities, and anti-drone harassment laws.

~5%

Videography

Cinematic moves — reveal, orbit/point-of-interest, tracking/chase, fly-through, pull-back, and top-down reveal — paired with appropriate frame rates (24p cinema, 30p broadcast, 60p sports/action, 120p slow-motion on supported platforms). 180-degree shutter rule: shutter speed ≈ 1/(2×fps) → 24p=1/50, 30p=1/60, 60p=1/120. ND filter selection to hit target shutter in bright sun, log vs normal color profiles, gimbal speed and expo tuning, subject-tracking modes (DJI ActiveTrack/APAS, Autel Dynamic Track), hyperlapse/timelapse modes, waypoint missions for repeatable/matched shots, and ambient audio recorded on the ground (drones are too noisy to record in-flight).

~4%

Mission Planning

Pre-mission airspace check via B4UFLY, LAANC auto-authorization requests through Aloft / AirMap / Kittyhawk, SkyVector or ForeFlight for VFR sectional chart reading, dedicated flight planning apps (DroneDeploy, Pix4Dcapture, Litchi, DJI Fly/Pilot 2), waypoint and grid missions for mapping and inspection, survey image overlap (front 75-85%, side 65-75%), ground control points (GCPs) and PPK/RTK post-processing for survey-grade accuracy, KP index and GPS health monitoring, egress/ingress corridor planning, and battery-swap logistics for large-area coverage.

How to Pass the Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% on the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot knowledge test (42 of 60); aerial photography credential bodies set their own standards
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: FAA Part 107: 2 hours (60 MCQ). Aerial photography credential portion varies by body
Exam fee: ~$175 FAA Part 107 initial knowledge test at PSI + $100-$500 aerial photography credential fees

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize Part 107.51 operating limits cold — 400 ft AGL ceiling (with the structure exception allowing flight within 400 ft radius and not more than 400 ft above a structure's uppermost limit), 100 mph groundspeed max, 3 statute miles flight visibility, cloud clearance of 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontal. These are the most heavily tested regulatory numbers on the Part 107 knowledge test.

2Know airspace on sectional charts: Class B is solid blue rings, Class C is solid magenta, Class D is blue dashed, Class E surface is magenta dashed, Class E at 700 ft AGL is magenta shaded (fuzzy), Class E at 1,200 ft AGL is blue shaded, Class G is everything below Class E floors. LAANC provides near-real-time authorization for Class B/C/D/E surface operations up to published UAS Facility Map altitudes.

3Remote ID compliance (effective Sep 16, 2023): three options — Standard Remote ID (built-in broadcast of drone ID, position, altitude, velocity, control station location, time, emergency status), Broadcast Module (retrofit for pre-2022 drones; broadcasts drone ID, takeoff location, position, altitude, velocity, time, emergency status — no control station location), or operation at an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Flying without Remote ID compliance outside a FRIA is a violation.

4180-degree shutter rule for cinematic drone video: shutter speed ≈ 1/(2×fps) → 24p → 1/50, 30p → 1/60, 60p → 1/120. In bright sun you need ND filters to hit this target without stopping down excessively (diffraction softens image past f/8-11 on small sensors). Common stack: ND8 for bright sun, ND16-32 for very bright, ND4 for golden hour.

5Part 107.9 accident reporting: report to the FAA within 10 calendar days if the operation results in serious injury to any person (or any loss of consciousness) OR damage to any property, other than the unmanned aircraft, with a fair market value or repair cost greater than $500. Below those thresholds, reporting is not required. Report via faadronezone.faa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qualified Drone Photographer (QDP) credential?

QDP is a professional aerial photography credential that sits on top of the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. There is no single unified body that administers a universal 'QDP' exam — instead, the Part 107 knowledge test is the legal foundation for any commercial drone work in the United States, and professional aerial photography bodies such as the Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA) offer aerial photography competency credentials covering camera technique, composition, post-processing, business, and ethics. Treat QDP as a hybrid: Part 107 knowledge plus aerial photography craft.

Who is eligible to take the Part 107 knowledge test?

Candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of the test, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, physically and mentally able to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft, and must pass a TSA aeronautical security background check (completed as part of the IACRA application once a passing score is on file). An FAA Tracking Number (FTN) is required before scheduling at a PSI-authorized Aeronautical Knowledge Testing Center.

What is the format of the FAA Part 107 exam?

The FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test is a 60-question multiple-choice exam administered at PSI-authorized Aeronautical Knowledge Testing Centers. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. A scaled score of 70% or better (approximately 42 of 60 correct) is required to pass. Items cover regulations, airspace and requirements, weather, loading and performance, operations, aeronautical decision-making, radio communication procedures, and airport operations.

How much does the 2026 Part 107 exam cost?

The FAA Part 107 initial knowledge test costs approximately $175 at a PSI-authorized testing center. Retake fees are the same — approximately $175 per attempt. Aerial photography credential fees vary by administering body (typically $100-$500). Additional costs may include drone registration ($5 per aircraft >0.55 lb / 250 g, valid 3 years via FAA DroneZone) and optional ground-school prep courses ($50-$200).

How long is the Remote Pilot Certificate valid?

The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate is valid indefinitely, but pilots must complete free online recurrent training (ALC-677 on faasafety.gov) every 24 calendar months to maintain currency. Missing recurrent training does not void the certificate, but the pilot cannot exercise Part 107 privileges until recurrent training is complete. Aerial photography credentials typically require periodic renewal and continuing education as set by the administering body.

What is the Remote ID rule?

The FAA Remote ID rule required compliance by September 16, 2023. It mandates that most drones broadcast identification and location information during flight, similar to a digital license plate. Compliance options: Standard Remote ID (built into the drone), Broadcast Module (add-on for older drones), or operating at an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Flight without Remote ID compliance outside a FRIA is a regulatory violation and can result in certificate suspension or civil penalties.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include Part 107 operating rules (400 ft AGL with structure exception, 100 mph groundspeed, VLOS, daylight/civil twilight, cloud clearances), Class B/C/D/E/G airspace recognition on sectional charts, LAANC authorization, TFRs and NOTAMs, Remote ID compliance, operations over people Category 1-4, weather minimums and METAR/TAF decoding, density altitude effects, battery/LiPo management, RTH failsafes, Part 107.9 accident reporting thresholds, 180-degree shutter rule for cinematic video, image licensing, state privacy laws, and NPS launch/land ban.

How should I study for this exam?

Use a structured 2-4 month plan. Start with FAA Part 107 regulations and airspace (the bulk of the Part 107 test), then layer weather and aerodynamics, flight operations and safety, and aeronautical decision-making. Use the free FAA ALC-451 online course, sectional chart practice, and high-volume practice questions. Once Part 107 is solid, move to drone camera technology (sensors, codecs, D-Log, ND filters), aerial composition and cinematic moves, post-processing (RAW/DNG, LUTs, panorama stitching), business and licensing, and ethics/privacy. Complete 2-3 full-length timed mock exams before test day.