Part 107 Study Guide by Matt Kendall

Introduction

• Objective: Prepare for the Part 107 exam.
• Covers basic rules, sectional charts, and weather.
• Designed with practice questions throughout.
• FAA releases some sample questions; familiarity is key.

Understanding Part 107

• FAA & FAR AIM:
  • FAR AIM: Federal Aviation Regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual.
  • Contains rules for unmanned aircraft systems or drones.
• Part 107 Basics:
  • Rules for civil operations of drones.
  • Required for commercial drone operations.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • Severe fines and potential jail time.
• Who Needs a License:
  • Anyone flying for compensation.

Drone Registration and Compliance

• Registration Requirements:
  • Drones must be registered if between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs.
  • Registration includes obtaining a unique registration number.
• Remote ID:
  • Digital license plate for drones.
  • Required for compliance; newer drones have it built-in.

FAA Exam Details

• Conducted at an approved FAA testing facility.
• Exam Structure:
  • 60 multiple choice questions.
  • 2-hour time limit; requires a 70% pass rate.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be 16+, able to read/write English.
• Post-Exam:
  • Online recurrency training every 24 months.

Remote Pilot Responsibilities

• Pilot in Command (PIC):
  • Responsible for compliance with Part 107.
  • Assign roles if operating with a crew.
• Flight Crew Roles:
  • Visual Observer: Monitors drone location.
  • Person Manipulating Controls: Another licensed operator.
• Safety:
  • Avoid posing threats to people/property.

Operating Rules and Limitations

• Drone Specifications:
  • Weight: 0.55lbs to 55lbs.
  • Speed: Max 100 mph.
• Altitude and Visibility:
  • Max altitude: 400ft AGL.
  • Maintain 500ft below clouds, 2000ft horizontally.

Special Operation Considerations

• Flying Over People:
  • Can only fly over people if meeting specific category requirements.
• Flying from Moving Vehicles:
  • Allowed if in sparsely populated areas.

Airspace and Sectional Charts

• Types of Airspace:
  • Controlled: Classes A-E.
  • Uncontrolled: Class G.
• Identifying Airspace on Sectional Charts:
  • Symbols and colors indicate different classes.
  • Requirement for ATC clearance in controlled airspace.

Weather and METAR/TAF Reports

• Basic Weather Concepts:
  • Sun as the source of weather patterns.
  • Importance of understanding fronts and air masses.
• Reading METARs and TAFs:
  • Provides real-time weather conditions and forecasts.
  • Key for determining flight feasibility.

Final Review and Resources

• Study Recommendations:
  • Utilize practice exams and FAA resources.
  • Register for the FAA exam at an approved facility.

Note: For further practice, refer to FAA's official resources and consider additional study materials recommended by Matt Kendall.