FAA Part 107 Drone License

Part 107 Study Guide Overview

• It helps drone operators prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam.
• The guide covers rules, sectional charts, and weather.
• Emphasis is placed on video watching, targeted study areas, and practice with FAA sample questions.
• The FAA might include sample questions in the official exam, but it is not guaranteed.

What is Part 107

• FAA's FAR AIM book contains aviation rules, including 14 CFR Part 107 for drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
• Part 107 has rules for drone operations in the national airspace.
• It ensures safe flying for recreational and commercial drone use.
• Commercial drone operators need an FAA license.
• Flying for profit without a license may lead to penalties, including fines and jail.

Who Must Follow Part 107

• Part 107 rules apply to commercial drone operators.
• Similar guidelines apply to recreational operators.
• An FAA license is required for any drone flight for compensation, even bartering.
• Selling aerial photos or videos taken recreationally is considered commercial operation.

Drone Registration Requirements

• Drones between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs must be registered.
• Registration requires being 13+ and a US resident or citizen.
• Registered drones get a unique number to be displayed.
• The FAA website is provided for registration.
• Drones under 0.55 lbs (250g) do not need registration for recreational use.
• A Part 107 license is still needed for commercial use of drones under 0.55 lbs.

Remote ID

• Drones need remote ID, which transmits a trackable signal, acting as a digital license plate.
• It transmits drone position, altitude, and the operator's location.
• Apps like Drone Scanner or Air Centennial can be used to track remote ID.
• Newer drones often have remote ID built-in.
• Older drones may need a separate module for remote ID.

FAA Exam Details

• The Part 107 exam is at an approved FAA testing facility.
• It consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, with 2 hours allowed to answer.
• A passing score is 70% or higher.
• Retakes are allowed after 14 days.
• Eligibility includes being 16+, English proficiency, and physical/mental health.
• Recurrent training is required every 24 calendar months.
• Training can be completed online for free on the FAA website.

Remote Pilot Responsibilities

• The Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) must comply with Part 107 rules.
• They must ensure that there is no threat to people, property, or manned aircraft.
• The PIC is liable for damages if the drone crashes.
• Control can be transferred to another licensed operator.
• A flight crew can include the PIC, a Visual Observer, a person manipulating the controls, and the control station.
• The Visual Observer monitors the drone and communicates with the PIC.
• The control station refers to where the drone is controlled from.

Operating Rules and Limitations

• Drones have to weigh between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs.
• Drones over 55 lbs need an FAA exemption or special airworthiness certificate.
• The top speed of a drone is restricted to 100 mph under Part 107
• Altitude is restricted to 400 ft Above Ground Level (AGL).
• Above Ground Level (AGL) measures altitude from the ground.
• Mean Sea Level (MSL) measures altitude from sea level.
• The minimum visibility required is three statute miles.
• A 500 ft separation below clouds and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds must be maintained.

Altitude Exceptions

• An exemption exists for inspecting structures taller than 400 ft, such as radio towers, without needing FAA permission in uncontrolled airspace.
• Drones can fly higher than 400 ft, maintaining a 400 ft separation from the structure.
• Drones are allowed to fly 400 ft above the top of the structure.

Right of Way

• Manned aircraft always have the right of way over drones.
• Drones must give way to oncoming traffic.
• Descending to a lower altitude is the best way to avoid conflicts.

In-Flight Emergencies

• Maintaining drone control while assessing the situation is a priority during emergencies, such as battery fires or loss of control.
• Pilots are authorized to deviate from Part 107 regulations in a collision emergency.
• A written report to the FAA is mandatory after deviating from regulations due to an emergency.

Battery Fires

• Drone batteries are highly flammable, requiring pre-use defect checks.
• Batteries should cool before recharging after a flight.
• Damaged batteries need proper disposal at designated facilities.

Damage to People or Property

• Reporting is required to the FAA for drone-caused damages exceeding $500 to people or property.

Sample Questions

• A small UAS is defined as weighing less than 55 lbs, operating under 14 CFR Part 107, adopting civil small UAS operations in national airspace.
• Recurrent training must be completed every 24 months after receiving a Part 107 certificate.
• The PIC is responsible for preventing hazardous situations.

Flying Over People

• Drones cannot fly over people unless they are directly involved.
• Exceptions include being under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle.
• Alternatively, drones must meet requirements from one of four categories.
• Category 1: Drones under 0.55 lbs with protected propellers and remote ID, not hovering.
• Categories 2 & 3: Weighing over 0.55 lbs, dependent on kinetic energy upon impact, requiring FAA compliance documents.
• Category 4: Drones requiring an airworthiness certificate and operate under an approved flight manual with operating limitations.

Flying Over People New Update

• A waiver must be submitted to the FAA.
• A visual observer must be present.
• Prop guards and anti-collision lights must be mounted on the drone.
• The drone must have Remote ID.
• An ASM parachute is needed if the drone weighs more than 8.8lbs or 399g.

Flying from Cars/Boats

• Flying from moving vehicles is allowed in sparsely populated areas.
• Visual line of sight and communication with the crew must be maintained.
• The drone pilot must be a passenger.
• The operation is prohibited from manned aircraft.

Privacy and Payloads

• Drones should be flown responsibly.
• Pilots should avoid reckless operation and payload drops.
• There is a responsibility to avoid non-participants, manned aircraft, and overloading.
• Drones can deliver cargo.
• The drone and cargo combined must weigh less than 55 lbs.
• Operation must be within the state and maintain visual line of sight.

Part 107 License

• The FAA must be notified within 30 days of changing addresses after receiving a part 107 license.
• Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Drones, Alcohol, and Drugs

• An 8-hour waiting period is required after alcohol consumption before drone operation.
• The blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.04%.
• Affecting drug use is prohibited.
• Refusal to comply with drug/alcohol tests can result in license revocation or suspension.

Crew Resource Management

• Crew Resource Management prioritizes physical and mental fitness.
• Any impaired crew member needs to be replaced.
• Hyperventilation and fatigue compromise alertness needing resolution.
• Drug/alcohol use prohibits operation.

Personality Risk Factors

• Impulsivity, invulnerability, machoism, anti-authority behavior, and resignation can affect drone operations.
• A stable crew is crucial for safe drone operations; any signs of above need to be addressed.

Intro to National Airspace System

• Permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) is required for controlled airspace.
• Non-controlled airspace does not need the same permission.
• There are six classes of airspace: A, B, C, D, E, and G.
• The phonetic alphabet is used in aviation.
• Classes A-E are controlled airspace, while Class G is uncontrolled.

Class A (Alpha) Airspace

• Class A (Alpha) starts at 18,000 ft MSL and extends up to 60,000 ft.
• It is not shown on sectional charts.

Class B (Bravo) Airspace

• Class B (Bravo) surrounds busy airports, appearing as an upside-down wedding cake.
• It is depicted with solid blue lines on sectional charts.
• Sectional chart numbers indicate altitude, adding two zeros to the end.
• For example, 30/100 indicates 3,000 ft to 10,000 ft.

Class C (Charlie) Airspace

• Class C (Charlie) surrounds airports with moderate traffic.
• It is depicted with two solid magenta lines on sectional charts.
• It Includes an inner core (5 NM, surface to 4,000 ft AGL), an outer core (10 NM, 1,200 ft to 4,000 ft AGL), plus an outer area with 20 nautical mile radius.

Class D (Delta) Airspace

• Class D (Delta) extends up to 2,500 ft AGL, with a radius of four nautical miles.
• It is depicted in blue dashed lines on sectional charts.
• Numbers inside brackets indicate the altitude extent, adding two zeros.
• For example, 35 indicates 3,500 ft AGL.

Class E (Echo) Airspace

• Class E (Echo) varies in start altitude (700 ft or 1,200 ft).
• It is mostly at airports without control towers and between 14,500 and 17,999 ft.
• Most gaps between other airspace classes fill it.

Class G (Golf) Airspace

• Class G (Golf) is uncontrolled.
• It ranges from the surface up to 700 ft or 1,200 ft, depending on overlying controlled airspace.

Sectional Chart Sample Questions

• Operating in Class B airspace requires clearance from ATC; ditto Class C airspace.
• Hayward Executive Airport is in Class D airspace.
• Airspace within 5 miles of Barnes County Airport is Class G.

Prohibited Areas

• National security-protected Prohibited Areas have no-fly zones that restrict aircraft from entering.

Restricted Areas

• Restricted Areas contain hazards like guided missiles or artillery.
• Entry requires permission or inactive status.
• They are shown with a blue pattern.

Warning Areas

• International airspace contains Warning Areas, similar to Restricted Areas.
• They alert potential dangers without restricting flight.

Alert Areas

• Training occurs in Alert Areas that increase aircraft volumes.
• Pilots need caution when flying in these areas.

Military Operating Areas

• Military activity is kept separate from IFR aircraft in Military Operating Areas.
• Pilots are advised to use caution.

Military Training Routes

• Military Training Routes (MTRs) are indicated by faded blue lines.
• Aircraft fly at faster speeds along these routes.

Temporary Flight Restrictions

• Flights are temporarily restricted due to Temporary Flight Restrictions for events, disasters, or government travel.
• Pilots need to wait for the restrictions to expire.

National Parks

• Operations are generally prohibited unless for special use.
• Violations can result in fines or jail time.
• They are depicted with blue lines and dots.

Reading Airport Information

• Airports underlying Classes B-E that Airports With Control Towers are labeled are in blue.
• Airports without a control tower are in magenta.
• The Airport identifier (e.g., K... for US) and Tower Frequency can be found in aviation charts.
• ASOS/AWOS replaces CT if Airport Doesn’t Have a Tower.
• Common traffic advisory frequency is used.
• Airport elevation is given in feet.
• Information on Runway length (in hundreds of feet), lighting, and Unicom frequency for FBO services are given.

Sectional Chart Questions

• Blue airport information on sectional charts indicates a control tower.
• Flying through a restricted area may be permitted with authorization.
• VR routes (visual flight rules) at or below 1,500 ft AGL can be a hazard.
• Airports without a Control Tower and CTAF Frequency need monitoring.

Topography - Latitude and Longitude

• Lines of latitude run east-west, with the equator at 0° and poles at 90°.
• Lines of longitude run north-south, with the prime meridian in Greenwich, England, at 0°.
• Measuring distance involves dividing degrees into minutes.

Topography Chart Question Example

• The Walker Mooney airport is approximately 47° 9' N, 94° 38' W.

Intro to Air Operations

• Pilots need to stay aware of Notams at airports in uncontrolled airspace.

Airport Traffic Patterns

• There are departure, crosswind, downwind, base, and final legs for aircraft approach.
• Standard and non-standard patterns may be used.
• Aircraft enter at a 45° angle to the downwind leg.
• An upwind leg is often included.
• Aircraft may depart straight out or at a 45° angle.
• Altitudes are around 1000 feet.

Airport Movement Areas

• There are movement areas (taxiways/runways, tower contact needed) and non-movement areas (ramps/aprons).
• The boundary is solid yellow + dashed line; solid line = non-movement.
• Tower contact is needed to cross when the dashed line is opposite.

Airway Taxiways

• Aircraft routes are painted with yellow lines, either centre, yellow, or both.

Runway Markers

• There is a HOLD SHORT LINE.
• Crossing the Hold Short Line from solid before authorization is illegal.
• Runways are always marked white.

Runway Markings

• Markings indicate the Aiming Point, Number, etc

Mandatory Signage

• Signage is for Runway or Hazardous areas.

Destination Signage

• Signage is for the Runway, ramp, etc.
• It informs about areas.

Review Questions

• Aircraft on final for Runway 9 is west of the airport.
• Pilots approaching holding lines (solid lines first) must wait for tower clearance.
• Departing Runway 36 with a right traffic pattern puts it on a heading north then eastward.

Monitoring Air Frequencies

• Radio - Listen only or airfield personnel only to communicate.

Weather

• The Sun has the biggest effect.
• Uneven heating of the planet creates weather change.

Wind

• Air circulation patterns depend on surface and temperature.
• Warm sand and pavements create updrafts.

Air Masses

• Same conditions all over.

Fronts

• Warm and cold fronts create a division line.
• Fronts lie in troughs, while high pressure is a ridge.
• Blue indicates a cold front; it moves quickly after cold weather and causes bad conditions as it passes.
• Red indicates warm fronts that move slower with heavy rain and low visibility.

Best Weather

• Not Warm + moist air, but cool + dry stable air.

Stability

• Stability equals resistance to vertical motion.

Weather and Aviation

• It is essential to follow minimums and cloud heights for legal operation.

Fog

• There are five types of fog.
• Radiation Fog/Ground Fog is commonly found.
• Advection/Sea Fog are found over water.
• Upslope occurs due to terrain.
• Precipitation-induced fog comes from frontal activity.
• Steam fog occurs during winter.

Density Altitude

• Aircraft feels changes in altitude.
• Factors include temperature, humidity, and elevation.
• Hotter, more humid air at higher elevations creates an adverse situation.

Thunderstorms

• There are three stages: Cumulus, Mature and Dissipating.
• The dissipating stage looks like anvils.

Lightning Distance Rule

• Every second between seeing lightning and hearing thunder approximates a mile of distance for the strike.

Microbursts

• Microbursts are impossible to foresee with wind sheer and very bad.
• Fly away from storms 20 miles.

1800wxbrief

• This is the Weather Info Hotline.
• It is a source for METAR's and Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts.

METAR (Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report)

• UTC indicates the time the weather report was generated.
• "Auto" means the report was generated automatically.
• "CO" indicates a corrected weather report.
• Winds are reported as direction and speed (e.g., 080 at 20 knots gusting to 38).
  • The direction is the compass heading the wind comes from.
  • Wind speed is in knots, with gusts indicating maximum wind speed.
• Visibility is reported in statute miles (e.g., 1/2 statute mile).
• Runway Visual Range (RVR) indicates the distance a pilot can see down the runway (e.g., R36L/2400ft).
• Weather symbols indicate current weather conditions.
  • "+" means heavy intensity, "-" means light intensity.
  • TS = Thunderstorms, RA = Rain.
• Sky conditions indicate cloud coverage and altitude.
  • Scattered at 008 means scattered clouds at 800 feet AGL
  • Overcast at 012 means overcast clouds at 1,200 feet AGL.
  • CB indicates cumulonimbus clouds.
• Temperature and dew point are reported in Celsius (e.g., 20/18).
  • Dew point is the temperature at which moisture in the air will condense.
  • Higher dew points indicate muggier conditions.
• Altimeter setting ensures accurate altitude readings.
• RMK indicates remarks.
  • AO2 is the station type.
  • TSB24 means thunderstorms began 24 minutes past the hour.
  • RAB24 means rain began 24 minutes past the hour.
• SLP134 is the sea level pressure.

TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)

• TAFs are released by airports to predict weather within a 5-mile radius.
• TAFs can span multiple days.
• The structure is similar to METARs.
• The report includes the date and time of issuance and the valid period (e.g., 170000-180600).
• Conditions at the airport include winds (e.g., 17009KT) and visibility (e.g., P6SM).
• Forecast sections provide weather forecasts for specific times.
  • FM means "from" a specific time.
  • Tempo means temporary.
• Each line gives a forecast for a specific time.
• Wind information is similar to METARs.
• Visibility is reported as in METARs.
• Weather conditions (e.g., VCSH for showers in the vicinity).
• Cloud information includes coverage and altitude (e.g., BKN250 for broken clouds at 25,000 feet).

Practice Questions

• Identify the correct METAR or TAF information to answer weather questions.
  • Wind information is true, never magnetic.