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

Key Facts

• The FAA Part 107 knowledge test (Unmanned Aircraft General - Small, UAG) has 60 multiple-choice questions and a 2-hour time limit.
• You must answer 42 of 60 questions correctly to pass the Part 107 exam, a 70% minimum passing score (FAA).
• Knowledge testing centers charge approximately $175 for the Part 107 knowledge test, booked through PSI Services at an FAA-approved center (FAA).
• Operations is the largest Part 107 content area at 35-45% of questions under the FAA UAS ACS (FAA-S-ACS-10B).
• Part 107 applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to read, write, speak, and understand English (FAA).
• Remote Pilot certificates require free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months; the FAA dropped the recurrent exam in 2021.
• The FAA's Drones by the Numbers page listed 481,760 certificated remote pilots as of November 2025 (FAA).
• Standard Part 107 limits include 400 feet AGL altitude, 100 mph ground speed, and 3 statute miles visibility (FAA).
• Every drone flown under Part 107 must be FAA-registered regardless of weight; registration costs $5 per drone and lasts three years (FAA).
• The FAA's proposed Part 108 rule (NPRM August 2025) would enable routine drone flights beyond visual line of sight.

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.

Part 107 Exam Overview

• Feature Details
• Questions 60 multiple-choice
• Time Limit 2 hours
• Passing Score 70% (42 correct)
• Exam Fee About $175 (FAA estimate)
• Recurrent Free online training every 24 months
• Testing Vendor PSI Services (psiexams.com)
• 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 listed 481,760 certificated remote pilots as of November 2025 (FAA Drones by the Numbers).

• 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.

• Domain Weight (ACS) Approx. Questions Key Topics
• Operations 35-45% ~21-27 Emergency procedures, CRM, ADM, physiology, radio, maintenance
• Regulations 15-25% ~9-15 Part 107 rules, waivers, Remote ID, registration
• Airspace & Operating Requirements 15-25% ~9-15 Class B/C/D/E/G, sectional charts, LAANC, TFRs
• Weather 11-16% ~7-10 METARs, TAFs, wind, thunderstorms, fog, density altitude
• Loading & Performance 7-11% ~4-7 Weight & balance, loading, CG, performance limits

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

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

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 ATC authorization (LAANC or FAADroneZone)
• 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 ATC authorization (LAANC or FAADroneZone)
• 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 ATC authorization (LAANC or FAADroneZone)
• 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 airport symbol and data Airport with a control tower
• Magenta airport symbol and data All other airports
• Star beside the airport symbol Rotating or flashing beacon, dusk to dawn
• Tick marks around the symbol Fuel available (see the Chart Supplement)

Different symbols by runway type Hard-surfaced 1,500 to 8,069 ft, longer hard-surfaced, and other-than-hard-surfaced runways

Understanding Airport Data:

• Example: KABC CT 125.4 ★ / 47 L 30 122.95
• KABC: Airport identifier
• CT 125.4 ★: Control tower primary frequency; the star means the tower is part-time
• 47: Elevation (47 ft MSL)
• L: Runway lighting sunset to sunrise ( *L means limitations; check the Chart Supplement)
• 30: Longest runway in hundreds of feet (3,000 ft)
• 122.95: UNICOM (aeronautical advisory station)
• 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 of latitude is about 1 nautical mile
• Degrees: 60 minutes = 1 degree
• Section 3: Weather for Drone Pilots (11-16% 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: Stay at least 20 miles from any thunderstorm identified as severe or giving an intense radar echo (FAA AC 00-24C)

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 (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)

Limitation Rule Waiver Available?

• Altitude 400 ft AGL Yes
• Speed 100 mph (87 knots) Yes
• Visibility 3 statute miles Yes
• Cloud Clearance 500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontal Yes

Night and civil twilight Anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles; night also needs current training Lighting rule: Yes

• VLOS Visual Line of Sight required Limited waiver
• Remote ID Requirements (2026)

Standard Remote ID:

• Broadcasts location, altitude, speed
• Built into the drone (a broadcast module is the add-on alternative)

Broadcast Information:

• Drone identification
• Drone location and altitude
• Velocity
• Control-station location (standard Remote ID) or takeoff location (broadcast module)
• Time mark

FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA):

• Community-based organization locations
• Educational institutions
• No Remote ID equipment needed inside a FRIA, if you and the drone both stay inside and keep it in sight
• Night Operations (2026 Rules)
• Anti-collision light required (visible for 3 statute miles)
• Must flash, at a rate sufficient to avoid a collision
• Must be affixed to drone
• Knowledge test covers night vision and physiology
• Flying Over People

• Category Requirements Risk Level
• Category 1 0.55 lb or less, no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate skin Minimal
• Category 2 Declaration of Compliance Low
• Category 3 DOC + pilot cannot fly over open-air assemblies Moderate
• Category 4 Airworthiness certificate (Part 21) 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 (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

• 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:

Keep people back and do not pick up a burning or venting pack

Cool it with water: FAA fire-safety tests found water-based agents the most effective at stopping lithium-ion thermal runaway from spreading

• Keep cooling after the flames go out, because other cells can still go into thermal runaway
• 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 it 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:

• P ilot (experience, currency, health)
• A ircraft (airworthiness, battery, equipment)
• e n V ironment (weather, terrain, airspace)
• E xternal pressures (schedules, clients, budget)

IMSAFE Checklist:

• I llness
• M edication
• S tress
• A lcohol
• F atigue
• E motion
• 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 - Keep the Airman Knowledge Test Report and its 17-digit exam ID
• Complete Form 8710-13 in IACRA - The test record may take up to 48 hours to appear
• Submit the signed application - Follow the IACRA prompts
• Wait for TSA vetting - The FAA sends a confirmation email after the background check
• Print the temporary certificate - Follow the email instructions in IACRA
• Permanent certificate - Mailed after remaining FAA processing is complete
• Registering Your Drone
• Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered, whatever its weight
• 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). The FAASTeam course page lists no cost.

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. As of October 20, 2026 it is still a proposed rule: comments closed October 6, 2025, the FAA reopened comments from January 28 to February 11, 2026, and no final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Part 107 remains the certificate to earn today; Part 108 is a separate proposed framework.

• Career Opportunities
• Where Part 107 Pilots Work

Common commercial uses include real estate photography, construction surveying, agriculture (crop monitoring), infrastructure inspection, and cinematography. Pay varies widely by specialty, region, and experience. We found no official, dated pay data for drone pilots by specialty, so this guide does not list salary figures.

• Free Part 107 Practice Resources
• Start Practicing Today
• 200 Part 107 practice questions
• Detailed explanations for every answer
• Sectional chart practice with real examples
• AI tutor to explain airspace and weather concepts