Part 107 Oral Exam Prep

Under Part 107, the remote PIC must: fly at or below 400 feet AGL (or within 400 feet of a structure), maintain visual line of sight with the UAS, fly at or below 100 mph (87 knots), yield right of way to manned aircraft, not fly over people not directly participating in the operation (unless under an approved category), not fly from a moving vehicle (unless in sparsely populated areas), fly only during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lights, and fly only in conditions with at least 3 SM visibility. The UAS must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff.

You need prior authorization from ATC before operating in Class C airspace. The fastest way to obtain this is through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability), which provides near-real-time authorization at participating airports. You submit your request through a LAANC-enabled app (like DroneZone, AirMap, or KittyHawk), specifying your location, altitude, and time. If LAANC is not available at that airport, you must apply for airspace authorization through the FAA DroneZone website, which can take up to 90 days. You should also check for any active TFRs or NOTAMs in the area.

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. High density altitude (caused by high temperature, high elevation, or high humidity) means the air is less dense, which reduces propeller efficiency and motor performance. This results in decreased lift, reduced battery performance, shorter flight times, and increased power required for hovering. Before flying in high-altitude or hot conditions, pilots should reduce payload, plan for shorter flights, and be aware that the UAS may not perform to its published specifications. A drone rated for 30 minutes of flight at sea level might only manage 20 minutes at 7,000 feet density altitude.

Under 14 CFR 107.9, the remote PIC must report to the FAA within 10 calendar days any operation that results in: serious injury to any person or loss of consciousness, or damage to any property other than the small UAS, if the cost of repair or fair market value exceeds $500. The report must be filed through the FAA DroneZone portal and include the UAS operator's name, date/time/location of the accident, a description of the event, and damage/injury details. Minor incidents that don't meet these thresholds do not require reporting but should still be documented.

This is the observation from JFK airport on the 12th at 1856 Zulu. Wind is from 180 degrees (south) at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. Visibility is 3 statute miles with mist (BR). Clouds are scattered at 1,500 feet and overcast at 2,500 feet. Temperature is 18 degrees C, dewpoint is 16 degrees C (close together, indicating high humidity and potential for fog). Altimeter setting is 29.90 inches of mercury. For a drone operation at this location, the 3 SM visibility meets the minimum requirement, but the gusty winds (25 knots) would be a significant concern for most small UAS. The close temperature-dewpoint spread suggests conditions could deteriorate to fog.

Remote ID is an FAA requirement (effective September 2023) that requires most drones to broadcast identification and location information during flight. There are three compliance methods: (1) Standard Remote ID — the drone has built-in Remote ID capability and broadcasts the drone's ID, location, altitude, velocity, the control station location, and a time mark. (2) Remote ID Broadcast Module — an external device attached to the drone that broadcasts similar information, but the drone must stay within visual line of sight of the pilot. (3) Flying in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) — a defined area where drones without Remote ID may operate, established by community-based organizations or educational institutions. All drones operating under Part 107 must comply with one of these methods.

The minimum weather conditions for Part 107 operations are: visibility of at least 3 statute miles from the control station, and the drone must not be operated in a manner that interferes with or creates a hazard to other aircraft. While Part 107 does not specify explicit cloud clearance requirements for Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL, the remote PIC must maintain visual line of sight with the UAS, which effectively limits operations in low-visibility conditions. In Class E airspace (which begins at either the surface or 700/1200 feet AGL depending on the area), standard cloud clearance requirements of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds apply.

Operations Over People are divided into 4 categories based on risk. Category 1: UAS weighs 0.55 lbs or less, no exposed rotating parts. Category 2: UAS doesn't cause injury severity greater than what an FAA-accepted standard specifies, has no exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin, and the operator has an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance. Category 3: Same injury severity standard as Category 2 but allows operations only over open-air assemblies with transit operations (no hovering), and requires the operation not to be over an open-air assembly of people. Category 4: Requires an airworthiness certificate and operating limitations for Part 107 operations. All categories require Remote ID.

Yes, as of the April 2021 rule update, Part 107 allows night operations without a waiver. However, the drone must have anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles with a flash rate sufficient to avoid collision. The remote PIC must also complete an updated initial or recurrent knowledge test that includes night operations topics, or take a free online training course from the FAA. The anti-collision light can be reduced in intensity if the remote PIC determines that it would be in the interest of safety to do so due to the light creating a distraction or hazard.

A Visual Observer (VO) is a person who assists the remote PIC by maintaining visual contact with the UAS and scanning for hazards, including other aircraft. Under Part 107, a VO is not required but is recommended, especially for complex operations. If used, the VO must be positioned to maintain visual line of sight with the UAS and must be in direct communication with the remote PIC. The VO can expand the operational area by extending the visual line of sight coverage. However, the remote PIC retains final authority and responsibility for the operation, even when using a VO.

On a sectional chart, airspace is identified by specific symbols and colors. Class B (around major airports) is shown with solid blue lines and altitude shelves. Class C (around medium airports) is shown with solid magenta lines with altitude MSL figures. Class D (around smaller tower-controlled airports) is shown with dashed blue lines. Class E starting at the surface is shown with a dashed magenta line. Class E starting at 700 feet AGL is shown by a faded magenta shading. Class G is the uncontrolled airspace not designated as any other class. For drone operations, you need LAANC or ATC authorization for Class B, C, D, and surface-level Class E. Class G generally does not require authorization but still requires compliance with all Part 107 rules.

Before each flight, the remote PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe operation. This includes: checking the structural integrity of the airframe for cracks, loose screws, or damage; inspecting propellers for nicks, cracks, or imbalances; verifying battery charge levels and checking for swelling or damage; testing control link between the controller and UAS; verifying GPS lock and satellite count; checking camera and payload security; testing failsafe features (return-to-home, low battery behavior); inspecting motors for debris or unusual sounds; and confirming Remote ID is functioning. The remote PIC must also assess the operating environment: wind, weather, obstacles, and people in the area.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibit or restrict flight operations in a defined area for a specific time period. Common TFR triggers include: presidential/VIP movement, sporting events (stadiums over 30,000 capacity), wildfires and disaster areas, space launch operations, and national security. Drone pilots must check for TFRs before every flight using the FAA NOTAM system, apps like ForeFlight or the FAA B4UFLY app, or the FAA website. Flying in a TFR without authorization is a violation that can result in certificate action, civil penalties up to $37,377, and criminal penalties. TFRs typically appear as a circle or shape on sectional charts and apps with specific altitude and time restrictions.

To obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, you must: be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS, and pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (Unmanned Aircraft General - Small) at an FAA-approved testing center. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, you need 70% to pass, and you have 2 hours. The certificate is valid for 24 calendar months, after which you must pass a recurrent knowledge test or complete online recurrent training. If you hold a current Part 61 pilot certificate (other than student), you can complete an online initial training course instead of the proctored test.

For an industrial facility inspection, I would assess: electromagnetic interference from industrial equipment that could affect control links and GPS; tall structures like smokestacks, cranes, and power lines that create obstacle hazards; restricted airspace if near an airport or under a MOA; wind effects around large structures (mechanical turbulence, downdrafts); thermal updrafts from industrial heat sources; operations over people (workers on site — may need to coordinate area closures); communication with facility safety personnel; emergency landing areas if the UAS loses power; the 400-foot AGL rule and whether the structure exceeds this (you can fly within 400 feet of the structure); and weather conditions including wind speed at altitude near the structure.