Part 107 Exam Includes
Let’s break down exactly what the exam includes, how it’s structured, and what topics you need to study to pass.
Exam Format and Requirements
- Number of Questions: 60 multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: 70% or higher (you must get at least 42 questions correct)
- Time Limit: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Location: Administered at authorized FAA-approved testing centers (often PSI centers)
- Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old, able to read/write/speak English, and physically/mentally fit to safely fly a drone
You do not need to attend flight school or take a training course to be eligible, although studying is strongly recommended.
What’s on the Test?
The FAA designed the Part 107 exam to assess your understanding of aviation concepts specific to small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS)—drones under 55 pounds. The topics covered include both general aviation knowledge and drone-specific rules.
Here are the major sections included on the test:
1. Regulations (15–25% of the test)
Covers the core rules under 14 CFR Part 107 including:
- Who needs a Remote Pilot Certificate
- Limitations on altitude, speed, and airspace
- Waiver processes for restricted operations
- Registration requirements for drones
- Pilot responsibilities and crew member roles
- Requirements for reporting accidents or incidents
- Rules about transporting hazardous materials
2. Airspace Classification and Flight Restrictions (15–20%)
This section tests your knowledge of:
- Airspace classes (A, B, C, D, E, G)
- Understanding Sectional Charts (aviation maps)
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
- Controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace
- When and how to request LAANC authorization to fly in controlled airspace
3. Weather and Weather Effects on Drones (10–15%)
Here, you’ll learn how weather impacts drone operations:
- Recognizing safe flying conditions
- Understanding METARs and TAFs (aviation weather reports)
- How temperature, wind, and humidity affect drone performance
How to interpret aviation weather sources
4. Loading and Performance (7–10%)
Covers aircraft performance basics:
- Effects of weight and balance on flight
- Payload considerations
- Center of gravity and battery loading
- How environmental conditions affect performance
5. Operations (35–45%)
This is the largest section of the test and covers real-world operational knowledge:
- Preflight inspection procedures
- Risk management and crew resource management
- Emergency procedures
- Lost-link procedures and system malfunctions
- Maintenance best practices
- Rules about flying over people, vehicles, or at night (with waivers)
- Radio communication basics (CTAF, UNICOM)
6. Physiology and Decision Making
- The impact of drugs, alcohol, and fatigue
- How stress affects pilot decision-making
- Crew roles and human factors
Test-Taking Tips
- Use FAA’s Remote Pilot Study Guide (PDF) – It’s free and comprehensive
- Take practice exams to test your knowledge and identify weak spots
- Familiarize yourself with Sectional Charts—a common sticking point for beginners
- Don’t ignore the weather and airspace sections—these carry a lot of weight
After the Test
Once you pass the test, your score will be transmitted to the FAA, and you can then complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA to obtain your temporary certificate. Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate will arrive by mail after the TSA background check is complete.
