Preparing for the Part 107 Exam
IGIS Tech Notes describe workflows and techniques for using geospatial science and technologies in research and extension. They are works in progress, and we welcome feedback and comments below.
Summary
To legally fly a drone for non-recreational purposes FAA regulations require you to get a Remote Pilot License with a sUAS Rating, also known as a Part 107 License. The primary requirement for getting your Part 107 license is passing a written test. Doing well on the exam does require preparation, but it is not difficult to find study resources.
Basic Info About the Exam
The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions, with three options (A, B, and C) per question.
Each question is independent of other questions; therefore, a correct response to one does not depend upon, or influence, correct responses on other questions.
Some questions may require visual references, like airspace maps or charts. A booklet with all the required charts and tables will be provided (see Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement below).
The minimum passing score is 70% (42 correct answers).
You’re allowed two hours to complete the exam (plenty of time).
Online Study Resources
Summary of the Part 107 Rules
https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf
FAA’s 'Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) FAQs
https://www.faa.gov/uas/faqs/
Free Part 107 Test Study Guide from Rupprecht Law
https://jrupprechtlaw.com/part-107-test-study-guide
Study Guide with Companion Videos
https://northrup.photo/free-faa-part-107-suas-drone-certification-study-guide/
Mastering the Aeronautical Chart Video Series (by America View)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEHyYp32cIJH3E-4mPIbg6DxUCVxHnixs
Study Prep Podcast with Test Questions
https://commercialdrones.fm/podcast/faa-part-107-test-study-guide-test-prep-drone-pilots/
Study Checklist
http://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Study-Guide-Checklist_DPGS.pdf
3DR Webinar on Part 107
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zygbga-E_zk&t=651s
Study Guides and Books
Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). FAA, 2016
Official study guide from the FAA. Summarizes important facts of the regulations with links to more in-depth documents. 87 pages.
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
FAA Advisory Circular 107-2
Easiest to read summary of new regulations. 52 pages.
https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_107-2.pdf
Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Private Pilot (FAA-CT-8080-2G)
This FAA test supplement contains the actual charts and tables you’ll be given at the testing center to answer exam questions.
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements/media/sport_rec_private_akts.pdf
Also available in hard copy from online sellers.
Remote Pilot Test Prep - UAS. ASA Test Prep Board
Study guide from ASA, ~$15
http://www.asa2fly.com/Remote-Pilot-Test-Prep-C738.aspx
Practice Exams
5 Most-Missed Questions
http://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/missed-part-107-test-prep-questions/
Prepware Remote Pilot App ($5)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asa2fly.prepware.remote&hl=en
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prepware-remote-pilot/id1135991142?mt=8
Courses
Palomar College, GEOG 158 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Procedures and Regulations (online)
http://www.curricunet.com/palomar/reports/course_outline_html.cfm?courses_id=29018
Drone Pilot Ground School (online course)
http://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/
$300, access to materials for 5 years
Other
Part 107 classes may also be offered through learning sites such as Udemy. Private classes are sometimes advertised on Meetups.
Taking the Exam
- Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.
- Sign-up to take the exam at a testing center near you at:
https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login - After you pass the exam, go to https://iacra.faa.gov and complete FAA Form 8710-13 (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) for a remote pilot certificate. Write down your registration number, because retrieving it later is a hassle. Your card will be mailed to you.
Navigation / Sectional Charts
Sectional Charts – useful for flight planning
https://skyvector.com/
Sectional Charts – better quality map images
http://vfrmap.com
Weather
METAR Explained
http://www.moratech.com/aviation/metaf-abbrev.html
METAR Decoder
https://www.skystef.be/metar-decoder.htm
Questions, feedback, updates? Please email us!
This work was supported by the USDA - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch Project 1015742; Powers).