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This Part 107 study guide covers every topic area tested on the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate knowledge exam. Use it alongside official FAA materials to prepare for your aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. The guide is organized to match the exam’s content areas: airspace classification, aviation weather, regulations, loading and performance, and radio communications.

Everything you need to prepare for your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam.

Airspace Classification

Understanding airspace is crucial for Part 107 operations. Here’s what you need to know:

Class A Airspace

Altitude: 18,000 ft MSL to FL600
Operations: Not accessible to drones
Authorization: N/A - completely off-limits

Class B Airspace

Altitude: Surface to ~10,000 ft MSL
Chart Color: Solid blue lines
Shape: Upside-down wedding cake
Authorization: ATC authorization required (LAANC or manual)

Surrounds the busiest airports in the U.S. (30+ largest airports including ATL, LAX, ORD, DFW). Multiple altitude layers with different ceilings. Always requires authorization before operating.

Class C Airspace

Altitude: Surface to ~4,000 ft AGL
Chart Color: Solid magenta lines
Shape: Two-layer cylinder
Authorization: ATC authorization required

Surrounds busy airports with IFR operations and passenger service. Inner and outer shelves with different altitude limits. LAANC authorization typically available.

Class D Airspace

Altitude: Surface to ~2,500 ft AGL
Chart Color: Dashed blue lines
Shape: Cylinder
Authorization: ATC authorization required

Surrounds airports with operating control towers. Important: Only exists when tower is operational—reverts to Class E or G when tower closes. Always check tower operating hours.

Class E Airspace

Altitude: Various (700 ft AGL, 1,200 ft AGL, or surface)
Chart Color: Magenta or blue dashed/shaded lines
Authorization: May require LAANC depending on location

Controlled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D. Different types:

  • Surface Area - Dashed magenta line around airports
  • 700 ft AGL - Magenta shading (most common transition areas)
  • 1,200 ft AGL - No specific marking (default controlled airspace)

Class G Airspace

Altitude: Surface to base of overlying controlled airspace
Chart Color: No marking (absence of other airspace)
Authorization: None required

Uncontrolled airspace, but Part 107 rules still apply: 400 ft AGL max, 3 SM visibility, clear of clouds, daylight operations (or with anti-collision lighting).

Download Airspace Quick Reference PDF

Weather Minimums for Part 107

Part 107 requires specific weather conditions:

Visibility & Cloud Clearance

  • Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles
  • Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontally
  • Operations: Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) only
  • No operations through clouds at any altitude

Understanding METARs

METARs provide current weather observations. Example:

KFAY 061745Z 09008KT 10SM FEW250 23/14 A3012

Translation:

  • KFAY - Fayetteville Regional Airport
  • 061745Z - 6th day, 17:45 UTC
  • 09008KT - Wind from 090° at 8 knots
  • 10SM - 10 statute miles visibility ✓
  • FEW250 - Few clouds at 25,000 feet ✓
  • 23/14 - Temperature 23°C, Dew point 14°C
  • A3012 - Altimeter 30.12 inHg

This meets Part 107 minimums - visibility >3 SM, clouds well above 500 ft.

TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)

Provides weather forecasts for 24-30 hours. Use TAFs to plan flight operations and identify potential weather issues before they arrive.

Download Weather Decision Chart PDF

Key Part 107 Regulations

Altitude Limits

  • Maximum: 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
  • Exception: Can fly higher than 400 ft when within 400 ft of a structure
  • No waivers typically granted above 400 ft in most airspace

Speed Limits

  • Maximum groundspeed: 100 mph (87 knots)
  • Applies to the aircraft, not just cruise speed

Weight & Registration

  • Under 0.55 lbs - No registration required
  • 0.55 lbs to 55 lbs - Must register with FAA ($5 for 3 years)
  • Registration number must be visible on aircraft (externally or in battery compartment)

Pilot Requirements

  • Minimum age: 16 years old
  • Remote Pilot Certificate required (pass Part 107 exam)
  • Certificate validity: 24 months (recurrent training required)
  • English language proficiency required

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

  • Must maintain visual contact with aircraft unaided by any device (except corrective lenses)
  • FPV goggles alone do NOT satisfy VLOS requirement
  • Visual observer may assist but doesn’t replace PIC responsibility

Operations Over People

Allowed under specific categories:

  • Category 1: <0.55 lbs
  • Category 2: <55 lbs, no exposed rotating parts, injury criteria met
  • Category 3: <55 lbs, operations over crowds with specific restrictions
  • Category 4: Requires FAA certification

Night Operations

Permitted if:

  • Remote PIC completed recurrent training including night operations
  • Aircraft has anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
  • All other Part 107 rules apply (VLOS, weather minimums, etc.)

Operations from Moving Vehicles

Allowed when operating over sparsely populated areas
Prohibited over densely populated areas

Prohibited Operations

  • NO: Careless or reckless operation
  • NO: Operations from moving aircraft
  • NO: Carrying hazardous materials
  • NO: Operations that interfere with manned aircraft
  • NO: Flying under the influence (8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule, <0.04% BAC)

Sample Practice Questions

Test your knowledge with these questions:

Question 1: What is the maximum altitude a Part 107 pilot can fly without a waiver?

  • A) 400 feet MSL
  • B) 400 feet AGL ✓
  • C) 500 feet AGL
  • D) No limit in Class G airspace

Question 2: To operate in Class B airspace, you must:

  • A) File a flight plan
  • B) Obtain ATC authorization ✓
  • C) Only fly during daylight
  • D) Have a visual observer

Question 3: The minimum visibility required for Part 107 operations is:

  • A) 1 statute mile
  • B) 3 statute miles ✓
  • C) 5 statute miles
  • D) No minimum specified

Take Full 50-Question Practice Test →

Airspace Authorization Methods

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)

  • Response time: Seconds to minutes (near real-time)
  • Availability: Most controlled airspace up to 400 ft
  • Cost: Usually free or small fee
  • Apps: Aloft, AirMap, Kittyhawk, others

Manual Authorization Request

  • Response time: 90+ days
  • Use when: LAANC unavailable or requesting >400 ft altitude
  • Portal: FAA DroneZone
  • Cost: Free

Official FAA Resources

Required Study Materials

Registration & Testing

Aviation Weather

Exam Information

Test Details

  • Questions: 60 multiple choice
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Passing score: 70% (42 questions correct)
  • Cost: $175
  • Results: Immediate (pass/fail shown on screen)
  • Certificate: Issued after passing and IACRA application

Test Content Areas

  1. Regulations (15-20%)
  2. Airspace (15-20%)
  3. Weather (15-20%)
  4. Performance & Loading (10-15%)
  5. Operations (15-20%)
  6. Physiology (5-10%)

Study Tips

  1. Study consistently - 30 minutes daily beats cramming
  2. Use multiple resources - Don’t rely on one source
  3. Take practice tests - Identify weak areas
  4. Understand, don’t memorize - Exam tests comprehension
  5. Focus on practical application - Questions are scenario-based

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Last Updated: February 2025 | Based on current 14 CFR Part 107 regulations