COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATION
FAA Part 107 Study Guide
Your complete free resource to pass the FAA Part 107 commercial drone knowledge test.
What is Part 107?
The FAA Part 107 certification allows commercial drone pilots in the United States to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) legally. This guide covers everything you need to know to pass the knowledge test and fly commercially.
Exam at a Glance
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 70% (42 correct)
- 2-hour time limit
- ~$175 at an FAA Knowledge Testing Center
Section 1
1. Regulations & Operating Rules
Key Definitions
sUAS
Small Unmanned Aircraft System, weighing less than 55 lbs.
Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
The individual responsible for the safe operation of the sUAS.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
The operator or visual observer must maintain unaided sight of the sUAS at all times.
Operational Limits
- Maximum altitude: 400 feet 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.
Prohibited Operations
- Flying over people (unless specific conditions are met).
- Operating from a moving vehicle (allowed in sparsely populated areas only).
- Night operations without a waiver.
Section 2
2. Airspace Classification
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.
ATC Authorization via LAANC
Use the FAA's LAANC system or FAA DroneZone to request airspace authorization before flying in controlled airspace.
Sectional Charts
Learn latitude/longitude, chart symbols for airports and obstructions, and how bold and dashed lines identify airspace class boundaries.
Section 3
3. Weather
METARs & TAFs
Aviation weather reports (METARs) and terminal area forecasts (TAFs) — your primary preflight weather sources.
AWOS / ASOS
Automated weather reporting systems at airports that provide real-time conditions.
NOTAMs
Notices to Airmen — always check for temporary flight restrictions, hazards, or airspace changes before you fly.
Density Altitude
Affects aircraft performance — increases with higher temperature and altitude. Reduces lift and motor efficiency.
Wind Shear & Microbursts
Sudden changes in wind speed or direction, and extremely dangerous downdrafts. Avoid flying in turbulent or storm conditions.
Section 4
4. Aerodynamics & Flight Operations
Four Forces of Flight
Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag act on the aircraft at all times. Understanding their balance is critical for stable flight.
Center of Gravity
Affects stability and control. An improperly balanced payload can make the aircraft unstable or unflyable.
Load Factors
Increases with sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers. Excessive load factor can cause structural damage or loss of control.
Emergency Procedures
Know your lost-link protocols, flyaway prevention strategies, and battery management procedures for safe emergency landings.
Section 5
5. Physiology & Decision-Making
Fatigue
Leads to impaired judgment and slower reaction time. Never fly when significantly fatigued.
Stress
Reduces performance and increases the likelihood of errors. Recognize stress before it affects your decisions.
Alcohol & Drugs
Legal BAC limit is below 0.04%. No operation within 8 hours of alcohol consumption.
The DECIDE Model
Detect a problem → Estimate significance → Choose a solution → Identify actions → Do the action → Evaluate the outcome.
Section 6
6. Maintenance & Inspection
Pre-Flight Checklist
- Inspect propellers, motors, batteries, and all components for damage.
- Verify GPS signal strength before launch.
- Ensure firmware and software are up to date.
Post-Flight Checklist
- Inspect the aircraft for damage after every flight.
- Recharge or replace batteries and log their cycle count.
- Log flight data, duration, and any maintenance performed.
Section 7
7. Post-Certification Requirements
- Complete FAA online recurrent training every 24 months to maintain your certificate.
- Always carry your Remote Pilot Certificate when operating commercially.
- Maintain flight logs and incident reports as required by FAA regulations.
Exam Preparation Tips
- Use the FAA's official Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-H-8083-25) as your primary reference.
- Take at least 3 full practice exams before test day — focus on airspace classification and sectional chart reading.
- Study METARs and TAFs carefully — weather questions are a significant portion of the exam.
- Join online Part 107 study communities to discuss tricky questions with other candidates.
Part 107 Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge across airspace, weather, and regulations with instant feedback on every answer.