FAA Part 107 Study Guide: Pass the Remote Pilot Certificate Exam
Complete study guide for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam — airspace, weather, regulations, and everything else tested on the knowledge test.
What Is Part 107 and Who Needs It
14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial small unmanned aircraft operations (drones under 55 lbs). If you fly a drone for any commercial purpose — real estate photography, inspection work, mapping, film production — you need a Remote Pilot Certificate. The exam is available at FAA-authorized testing centers (CATS or PSI). The exam fee is $175, and you must be at least 16 years old.
Airspace Classification Is the Core of the Exam
Airspace questions make up the largest portion of the Part 107 exam. You need to know the six classes of airspace (A, B, C, D, E, G), the communication and clearance requirements for each, and how to read a sectional aeronautical chart. For Part 107 operations, you need authorization to fly in Classes B, C, D, and E surface areas — done through LAANC or DroneZone.
Weather Products and Interpretation
Weather accounts for a significant portion of the exam. You need to interpret METARs, TAFs, and understand density altitude, wind shear, and thunderstorm hazards. Being able to read a METAR fluently will answer 5–8 questions directly. Know the standard METAR format: station, date/time, wind, visibility, clouds, temperature/dewpoint, altimeter.
Part 107 Operational Rules You Must Know
Key operational rules: maximum altitude 400 ft AGL; visual line of sight required at all times; daytime operations only (civil twilight with anti-collision lighting); no flying over moving vehicles or people without a waiver; maximum groundspeed 100 mph; minimum visibility 3 SM. These rules are tested both directly and in scenario format.
How to Study and What to Expect
The Part 107 exam has 60 multiple-choice questions and you must score 70% to pass. The FAA provides an Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement with all the charts, figures, and tables used in the exam — download it and get familiar with reading sectional chart excerpts. Study sessions of 30–45 minutes focused on one topic area work better than marathon sessions.