Guide to FAA Part 107 Regulations

Sep 30, 2024

Part 107 Study Guide Overview

Introduction

  • Presenter: Matt Kendall
  • Purpose: Prepare for the Part 107 exam (FAA drone regulations)
  • Content: Rules, regulations, sectional charts, weather, practice questions

What is Part 107?

  • FAA Organization: Federal Aviation Administration
  • FAR-AIM: Federal Aviation Regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual
  • Part 107: Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones)
  • Commercial Drone Flying Requirement: Must be licensed; penalties for non-compliance can be severe

Who Needs to Follow Part 107?

  • Commercial Operators: Must be licensed
  • Recreational Operators: Have guidelines, but not as strict
  • Compensation: Any form of compensation requires a license

Drone Registration

  • Requirements: 13+ years, U.S. citizen/resident, drone weight 0.55 - 55 pounds
  • Process: Register online, display registration number

Remote ID

  • Function: Digital license plate for drones
  • Requirement: Built-in on new drones or add-on module for older drones

FAA Exam Overview

  • Location: FAA testing facilities
  • Format: 60 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour limit
  • Passing Score: 70% or higher
  • Eligibility: 16+ years, English proficiency, physically and mentally fit
  • Recurrency Training: Every 24 months online

Remote Pilot Responsibilities

  • PIC: Remote Pilot In Command
  • Flight Crew Roles: Visual Observer, Person Manipulating Controls, Control Station

Operating Rules and Limitations

  • Weight and Speed: 0.55 - 55 pounds, max speed 100 mph
  • Altitude: 400 feet AGL limit
  • Visibility: Minimum 3 statute miles
  • Cloud Separation: 500 feet below, 2000 feet horizontally

Right of Way and Emergencies

  • Aircraft Priority: Must yield to manned aircraft
  • In-Flight Emergencies: Maintain control, deviate from rules if needed

Battery Safety

  • Hazards: Highly flammable
  • Disposal: Use designated facilities

Damages and Reporting

  • Threshold: Report damages over $500

Exam Topics

  • Sample Questions: Reflect exam material

Flying Over People

  • Restrictions: Must meet specific conditions or categories

Operations from Vehicles

  • Conditions: Sparsely populated areas, maintain visual line of sight

Privacy and Payloads

  • Regulations: No reckless flying or hazardous cargo drops

Address Change Notification

  • Requirement: Notify FAA within 30 days of moving

Alcohol and Drug Regulations

  • Time Restriction: 8 hours from consuming alcohol to flying

CRM (Crew Resource Management)

  • Requirements: Physically and mentally capable crew

Risk Factors

  • Personality Risks: Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Macho, Anti-authority, Resignation

National Airspace System

  • Airspace Types: Controlled vs. Non-Controlled
  • Airspace Classes: A to G (no F in US)

Sectional Charts

  • Airspace Identification: Colors and patterns signify different airspaces

Other Airspace Considerations

  • Prohibited Areas: No-fly zones for security
  • Restricted and Warning Areas: Military and international airspace

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

  • Conditions: Temporary restrictions for events, disasters

National Parks

  • Regulations: No flying without special permits

Airport Operations

  • Traffic Patterns: Standard and non-standard
  • Tower and Non-tower Airports: Difference in operations

Weather Considerations

  • Weather Impact: Sun, wind, air masses, fronts
  • Optimal Flying Conditions: Cool, dry air

Thunderstorms

  • Stages: Cumulus, mature, dissipating
  • Hazards: Lightning, hail, microbursts

Weather Information Sources

  • METAR and TAF: Standard weather reports
  • Decoding Reports: Understanding weather symbols and data

Conclusion

  • Final Tips: Practice exams, study resources, FAA test registration
  • Resources: Practice exams and additional study material available