FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Study Guide 2025

Introduction

• Purpose: Provide tools and information to pass the FAA Part 107 exam
• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration):
  • Manages and regulates civil and commercial aviation in the US
  • Oversees airspace safety
  • Sets standards for airports
• Part 107: Governs small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under 55 lbs

Importance of Part 107 Exam

• Necessary to pass for legal drone operation in commercial activities (e.g., real estate, photography)
• Required to use drone footage legally in the US

Key Definitions

• sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems): Drones under 55 lbs
• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC): Individual responsible for drone operation

Drone Registration

• Drone must be registered with the FAA if used commercially or weighs between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs
• Recreational drones under 0.55 lbs do not require registration unless used commercially
• Registration valid for 3 years, costs $5 per drone

Remote ID

• Required for all unmanned aircraft as of September 16, 2023
• Exceptions for drones under 0.55 lbs used recreationally

Exam Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Ability to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Must be in physical and mental condition for safe operation

Basic Rules and Regulations

• Altitude: Maximum of 400 ft AGL (Above Ground Level)
• Speed: Max 100 mph or 87 knots
• Visibility: Minimum of 3 statute miles visibility
• Cloud Clearance:
  • 500 ft below clouds
  • 2,000 ft horizontal distance from clouds
• Civil Twilight: Anti-collision lights required
• Alcohol: No operation within 8 hours of consumption, BAC limit 0.04%

Airspace Classification

• Class A: 18,000 ft to 60,000 ft MSL, controlled airspace
• Class B: Surrounds busiest airports, controlled
• Class C: Moderately busy airports, controlled
• Class D: Smaller airports, extends up to 2,500 ft AGL
• Class E/G: Controlled/uncontrolled airspace

Exam Structure

• 60 multiple-choice questions
• Requires a 70% score to pass
• Certificate must be renewed every 24 months

Additional Considerations

• Insurance: Recommended to have insurance
• Alcohol and Drug Convictions: May affect certification
• Indoor Flights: Not regulated by FAA, but consider venue rules

Resources

• FAA testing supplements and materials available online
• Recommended to review aeronautical charts and phonetic alphabet

This guide provides important information and requirements needed to pass the FAA Part 107 exam and legally operate drones for commercial purposes in the US.