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FAA / UASbeginner20-40 hours over 2-4 weeks

Complete Part 107 Study Guide (2026)

Everything you need to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam on your first attempt. Covers airspace, weather, regulations, loading, and operations with real test questions and study strategies.

beginner

Difficulty

20-40

Study Hours

12

Topics Covered

Who Is This For?

  • Aspiring commercial drone pilots
  • Photographers & videographers looking to add aerial services
  • Real estate professionals wanting to offer aerial photography
  • Construction managers needing site survey capabilities
  • Anyone wanting to fly drones commercially in the US

What You'll Learn

1Applicable regulations relating to small UAS (14 CFR Part 107)
2Airspace classification & operating requirements (107.41)
3Weather sources, effects of weather on sUAS performance
4Loading and performance of small UAS
5Emergency procedures and crew resource management
6Radio communication procedures
7Determining the performance of sUAS
8Physiological effects of drugs & alcohol on operators
9Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
10Airport operations and ground-based visual indicators
11Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
12Reading sectional charts for UAS operations

Key Regulations

14 CFR 107.12

Requirement for a Remote Pilot Certificate

No person may operate a small UAS for commercial purposes unless they hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating.

14 CFR 107.29

Operation in Certain Airspace

Operations in Class B, C, D, or within the lateral boundaries of Class E surface area require prior ATC authorization via LAANC or DroneZone.

14 CFR 107.31

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

The remote PIC must maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS at all times during flight without using vision-enhancing devices (other than corrective lenses).

14 CFR 107.37

Operation Near Aircraft

Each small UAS must yield the right of way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch/reentry vehicles. If a collision hazard exists, you must alter course.

14 CFR 107.51

Operating Limitations

Max groundspeed 100 mph (87 knots), max altitude 400 ft AGL (or within 400 ft of a structure), minimum visibility 3 statute miles from the control station.

Start Studying Today — 50% Off

Get full access to practice questions, study guides, and exam simulations. Use code PILOT50 for 50% off your first month.

Career Opportunities

Commercial Drone Pilot

$50,000 - $90,000

Fly drones for photography, videography, surveys, and inspections across multiple industries.

Aerial Photography/Videography

$60,000 - $100,000

Specialize in real estate, events, marketing, and cinematic aerial footage.

Drone Mapping Specialist

$65,000 - $110,000

Create orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and topographic surveys for construction and agriculture.

Infrastructure Inspector

$70,000 - $120,000

Inspect cell towers, power lines, bridges, and wind turbines using specialized drones.

Study Guide

1

Week 1: Foundations

Read 14 CFR Part 107 in its entirety (available on eCFR.gov)
Learn airspace classifications (A, B, C, D, E, G) and their ceilings/floors
Study sectional chart symbology — airports, airspace boundaries, obstacles
Memorize operating limitations: 400 ft AGL, 100 mph, 3 SM visibility
2

Week 2: Weather & Performance

Learn to read METARs and TAFs for wind, visibility, and cloud data
Understand density altitude effects on sUAS performance
Study microbursts, wind shear, and thunderstorm hazards
Learn weight & balance concepts as applied to drone payloads
3

Week 3: Operations & Decision-Making

Study crew resource management and the IMSAFE checklist
Review radio communication procedures and common frequencies
Understand loading performance: CG effects, battery management
Learn emergency procedures and contingency planning
4

Week 4: Practice & Review

Take full-length practice tests (aim for 85%+ before real exam)
Review all missed questions and weak areas
Practice reading sectional charts under timed conditions
Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center ($175 fee)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Part 107 exam?

The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 2 hours to complete the exam and need a score of 70% (42 correct answers) to pass.

How much does the Part 107 exam cost?

The testing fee is $175, paid directly to the PSI testing center. There are no FAA application fees for the Remote Pilot Certificate itself.

How long is the Part 107 certificate valid?

Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but you must complete recurrent training or testing every 24 calendar months to maintain your privileges.

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