How long does it take to study for the Part 107 exam?

Most remote pilots study 4–8 weeks. Time depends on your aviation background and study intensity. Those with prior aviation experience may need only 3–4 weeks; beginners may benefit from 8 weeks of structured review.

What is the passing score on the Part 107 knowledge test?

You must score at least 70% (42 out of 60 questions correct) to pass the Part 107 exam. Scores are provided immediately upon completion at the testing center.

Can I retake the Part 107 exam if I fail?

Yes. If you score below 70%, you can retake the exam. There is no limit on retakes, but you must wait at least 30 days before applying again and pay the $175 fee for each attempt.

What airspace do I need authorization to fly in?

Class B and Class C airspace always require ATC authorization. Class D and E airspace require authorization if you fly above ground level. Class G (uncontrolled) does not require authorization but may have TFRs or MOAs active.

Do I need a spotter or observer when flying a drone commercially?

No, you do not legally require an observer. However, you must maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) yourself. An observer can help monitor the airspace around your drone, but they cannot substitute for your own visibility.

How often do I need to renew my Part 107 certificate?

Your Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for 24 months. Before expiration, you must either pass a new Part 107 knowledge test or complete an FAA-approved recurrent training course to maintain your certificate.

What weather minimums apply to Part 107 drone flights?

You need at least 3 statute miles ground visibility and 500 feet vertical separation from clouds. Wind limits depend on your drone's design; most commercial drones are limited to 20 knots or less.

Part 107 Drone Exam Study Guide 2026

What Is the Part 107 Drone Exam and Why It Matters

The FAA Part 107 knowledge test is the gateway to operating small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) commercially in the United States. Passing this exam proves you understand federal aviation regulations, airspace rules, weather principles, and safe operating procedures that keep your drone flights legal and safe.

Unlike the private pilot written exam, which runs 60 questions over 2.5 hours, the Part 107 test is shorter and more focused. You face 60 multiple-choice questions, have 120 minutes to complete the exam, and must score at least 70% (42 correct answers) to pass. The test costs $175 at an FAA-approved testing center (as of 2026).

What Topics Does the Part 107 Exam Cover?

FAA Regulations and Operations (14 CFR Part 107)

The largest section of the exam focuses on rules you must follow as a commercial drone operator. Expect questions about:

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) responsibilities: You are legally responsible for safe drone operations, and the exam tests your understanding of when you can and cannot fly.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The drone must remain visible to you without aid, or you need an observer. The exam probes scenarios where VLOS is lost or challenged by terrain.
Altitude restrictions: Standard limit is 400 feet above ground level (AGL), though Part 107 allows waivers for specific operations.
Airspace categories: Class A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace rules differ. Class B (commercial airport airspace) is heavily tested; flying within it typically requires airspace authorization.
Daylight-only operations: The exam covers when you can and cannot fly; as of 2024, operations beyond daylight now require a waiver, but basic knowledge of the rule is essential.
Distance from people: You cannot operate the drone over people not directly involved in the operation unless a waiver is granted.

Airspace and Navigation

Understanding airspace is critical for any commercial drone operation. Study materials cover:

How to read Sectional Charts and identify controlled airspace.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): The exam tests your ability to identify when a TFR is active (e.g., around presidential movement, wildfires, or sporting events).
MOA (Military Operations Area) and Restricted Airspace: You must know when these areas are active and how to check before flying.
Using tools like B4UFLY or checking NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) to confirm airspace is available.

Weather for Drone Operations

While less technical than a private pilot's weather exam, Part 107 includes practical weather knowledge:

Wind limits: Operations are restricted if wind exceeds the drone's design limits. Most commercial drones operate safely below 20 knots.
Visibility minimums: You need at least 3 statute miles of ground visibility and 500 feet vertical separation from clouds.
Density altitude: Higher elevation and temperature reduce air density, affecting drone performance and flight time.
Reading METAR and TAF reports: Basic ability to extract wind, visibility, and cloud data from aviation weather reports.
Thunderstorms and precipitation: Recognizing hazardous weather and grounding operations accordingly.

Emergency Procedures and Safety

The exam tests your judgment in abnormal situations:

Battery management: Maintaining reserve power to return and land safely.
Signal loss or GPS failure: How to safely recover the drone if the signal drops.
Loss of control: Procedures if the drone drifts into restricted airspace or over a crowd.
Reporting accidents: Any injury, property damage, or loss of the aircraft must be reported to the FAA within 10 days (per 14 CFR 107.19).

Maintenance and Preflight Inspection

You must know when a drone is airworthy:

Visual inspection of the aircraft before each flight.
Recognition of damage that makes the drone unairworthy (e.g., cracked propeller, water damage).
Understanding manufacturer limitations and restrictions.

How to Study for the Part 107 Exam

Official FAA Resources

Start with the FAA's official study material:

Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide (FAA publication): Free PDF available on faa.gov; it covers all test topics and includes sample questions.
FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107): Read the actual rules; they are not overly complex and provide definitive answers to regulatory questions.
Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement (AKTS): Contains figures for airspace diagrams, sectional chart excerpts, and weather charts used in test questions.

Third-Party Study Platforms

Most pilots complement official materials with practice tests and structured courses:

Rotate offers a dedicated Part 107 practice test with real exam-style questions and explanations. Tailor your study to weak areas.
Other platforms include dedicated drone exam prep sites that simulate the real test environment and provide progress tracking.

Study Timeline: 4–8 Weeks

Most commercial drone pilots dedicate 4 to 8 weeks to Part 107 study:

Weeks 1–2: Read the FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide end-to-end. Familiarize yourself with Part 107 regulations, focusing on VLOS, altitude, airspace, and emergency procedures.
Weeks 2–3: Study weather, sectional charts, and NOTAMs. Practice reading sample METARs and understanding wind/visibility limits.
Weeks 3–4: Take a full-length practice test to gauge readiness. Aim for 80%+ before you book the real exam.
Weeks 4–8: Review weak areas intensively. Retake practice tests until you score consistently above 80%.

Key Study Techniques

Flash cards for regulations: Create cards for key numbers (400 ft AGL, 3 SM visibility, 500 ft cloud separation, 100 ft from obstacles). Repetition locks these in.

Scenario-based learning: Think through real-world situations. "I want to fly over a shopping mall. What airspace is it in? Do I need authorization? What if wind is 18 knots—can I fly?" This method trains judgment, not just memorization.

Sectional chart practice: Print a local sectional chart and mark airspace, TFRs, and MOAs. Practice finding your flying area and identifying restrictions in 30 seconds.

Video explanations: Some platforms offer video breakdowns of difficult topics like airspace classification or weather interpretation.

Common Part 107 Exam Pitfalls

Confusing Airspace Rules

Many test-takers struggle with Class B and Class D airspace. Remember: Class B always requires authorization from ATC before you fly. Class D requires authorization if your drone will be above ground level in that airspace.

Overlooking the NOTAM Check

The exam tests your responsibility to check NOTAMs before every flight. Temporary Flight Restrictions are active frequently (e.g., around airports, wildfires, major events). Know how to check and interpret them.

Misreading Weather Data

Practice reading METARs and TAFs. A question like "METAR shows 5 SM visibility in rain; winds 16G22. Can you fly?" requires you to spot the wind gust exceeding typical limits and visibility below minimums.

Underestimating Battery Management

The exam assumes you maintain adequate reserve power. Questions test whether you understand that if your battery can only get you 18 minutes of flight time and the return trip takes 10 minutes, you have only 8 minutes to operate before returning.

Registering for the Part 107 Exam

Step 1: Create an FAA Account

Visit the FAA IACRA system and create an account. You will use this to apply for your remote pilot certificate after passing the knowledge test.

Step 2: Schedule at an Approved Testing Center

The FAA contracts with Pearson VUE and other testing centers. Search for a location near you, select a date and time, and pay the $175 exam fee. The test is offered Monday–Friday at most centers; availability is typically within 1–2 weeks of applying.

Step 3: Bring Identification

Bring government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, military ID) and a signed form of ID. Your name must match your registration exactly.

After You Pass: Next Steps

Passing the knowledge test is step one. To legally operate a drone commercially, you must:

Apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate via IACRA within 24 months of passing the knowledge test.
Maintain knowledge: Your certificate is valid for 24 months; you must recertify by passing a new knowledge test or passing a Part 107 recurrent training course.

Once certified, you can fly for compensation—whether that's aerial photography, real estate videography, construction site surveys, or other commercial operations.

Ready to Pass the Part 107 Exam in 2026?

Your path to a commercial drone license starts with mastering the knowledge test. Use the FAA's official materials to build a solid foundation, then practice with real exam-style questions to refine your answers and timing.

Take your study to the next level with Rotate's comprehensive Part 107 practice test suite. Identify weak spots, review detailed explanations, and build the confidence you need to walk into the testing center prepared. Start your free practice test today, or subscribe to Rotate monthly for unlimited study resources—use code PILOT50 for 50% off your first month.

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