Free FAA Part 107 2025 Study Guide

The FAA Part 107 certification allows commercial drone pilots in the United States to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) legally. Below is a detailed study guide to help you prepare for the Part 107 knowledge test.

1. Regulations and Operating Rules

1.1. Key Definitions

  • sUAS: Small Unmanned Aircraft System, weighing less than 55 lbs.
  • Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC): The individual responsible for the operation of the sUAS.
  • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The requirement that the operator or visual observer must maintain unaided sight of the sUAS at all times.

1.2. Operational Limits

  • Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL), unless within 400 feet of a structure.
  • Maximum speed: 100 mph (87 knots).
  • Daylight-only operations or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting.
  • Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles.
  • Cloud clearance: 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

1.3. Prohibited Operations

  • Flying over people (unless in certain conditions).
  • Operating from a moving vehicle (allowed in sparsely populated areas only).
  • Night operations without a waiver.

2. Airspace Classification

2.1. Airspace Types

  • Class A: Not applicable to sUAS operations (18,000 feet and above).
  • Class B: Requires ATC authorization; surrounds major airports.
  • Class C: Requires ATC authorization; surrounds regional airports.
  • Class D: Requires ATC authorization; surrounds smaller airports with an ATC tower.
  • Class E: Controlled airspace; may require ATC authorization depending on proximity to airports.
  • Class G: Uncontrolled airspace; no ATC authorization required.

2.2. Understanding Sectional Charts

  • Latitude and Longitude: Used for determining precise locations.
  • Legend and Symbols: Understand chart symbols for airports, obstructions, and airspace boundaries.
  • Airspace Boundaries: Use bold and dashed lines to identify different classes.

2.3. ATC Authorization

  • Use FAA’s LAANC system or FAA DroneZone for requesting airspace authorization.

3. Weather

3.1. Weather Sources

  • METARs and TAFs: Aviation weather reports and forecasts.
  • AWOS/ASOS: Automated weather reporting systems.
  • NOTAMs: Notices to Airmen for temporary changes or hazards.

3.2. Key Weather Concepts

  • Density Altitude: Affects aircraft performance; increases with temperature and altitude.
  • Wind Shear: Sudden changes in wind speed/direction.
  • Fronts and Thunderstorms: Avoid flying in turbulent weather.
  • Microbursts: Extremely dangerous downdrafts.

4. Aerodynamics and Flight Operations

4.1. Principles of Flight

  • Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag: Forces acting on an aircraft.
  • Center of Gravity: Affects stability and control.

4.2. Load Factors

  • Increases with sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers.
  • Excessive load factor may cause structural damage or loss of control.

4.3. Emergency Procedures

  • Lost link (communication loss) protocols.
  • Flyaway prevention and recovery strategies.
  • Battery management for safe landings.

5. Physiology and Decision-Making

5.1. Human Factors

  • Fatigue: Leads to impaired judgment and reaction time.
  • Stress: Reduces performance and increases errors.
  • Alcohol and Drugs: Legal limit: Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) < 0.04%; no operation within 8 hours of consumption.

5.2. Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)

  • Use the “DECIDE” model:
    • Detect a problem.
    • Estimate the significance.
    • Choose a solution.
    • Identify actions.
    • Do the action.
    • Evaluate the outcome.

6. Maintenance and Inspection

6.1. Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Inspect propellers, motors, batteries, and other components.
  • Verify GPS signal strength.
  • Ensure the software is up-to-date.

6.2. Post-Flight Checklist

  • Inspect for damage.
  • Recharge or replace batteries.
  • Log flight data and maintenance records.

7. Exam Preparation Tips

7.1. Study Resources

  • FAA’s Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-H-8083-25).
  • Online courses and practice exams (e.g., FAA Safety Team, third-party providers).

7.2. Key Exam Topics

  • Airspace and charts.
  • Aviation weather.
  • sUAS operations and regulations.
  • Loading and performance.
  • Emergency procedures and human factors.

7.3. Exam Logistics

  • 60 multiple-choice questions.
  • Passing score: 70% (42 correct answers).
  • 2-hour time limit.
  • Testing fee: Approximately $175 at an approved FAA Knowledge Testing Center.

8. Post-Certification Requirements

  • Recurrent Training: Complete FAA online training every 24 months.
  • Operational Compliance: Always carry your Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Log Records: Maintain flight logs and incident reports.

This study guide provides an in-depth overview of the material needed to pass the FAA Part 107 exam and operate a drone commercially. Combine this guide with practical experience and additional study materials to ensure success.

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