FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Exam: Complete Study Guide for 2026

The commercial drone industry is booming, and the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your ticket to legally earning money with a drone. Whether you're looking to start an aerial photography business, conduct roof inspections, or provide agricultural surveying services, passing the Part 107 exam is the essential first step.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test on your first attempt.

What Is the FAA Part 107 Exam?

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, officially known as the "Remote Pilot Certificate with Small UAS Rating," is required by the Federal Aviation Administration for anyone who wants to operate a drone commercially in the United States. This includes any unmanned aircraft system (UAS) weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds.

The knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you'll have two hours to complete it. To pass, you must score at least 70%, meaning you need to answer at least 42 questions correctly. The exam is administered at FAA-authorized testing centers across the country.

Key Topics Covered on the Exam

1. Regulations (35-40% of Questions)

This is the largest section of the exam and covers:

Part 107 rules and restrictions - altitude limits (400 feet), speed limits (100 mph), daylight operations
Airspace classifications - Class A through G, and how to identify them
Operating restrictions - flying over people, moving vehicles, and crowds
Waivers and authorizations - LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
Remote Pilot Certificate requirements - renewal, currency, and documentation
Reporting requirements - accidents, incidents, and registration

2. Airspace and Flight Restrictions (15-20% of Questions)

Understanding airspace is critical:

Controlled airspace - Class B, C, D, and E dimensions and requirements
Uncontrolled airspace - Class G rules
Special use airspace - restricted areas, warning areas, military operation areas
TFRs - Temporary Flight Restrictions and how to check for them
NOTAMs - Notices to Air Missions and their importance

3. Weather (11-15% of Questions)

Weather knowledge keeps you safe and legal:

METARs and TAFs - how to read aviation weather reports
Cloud ceilings and visibility - minimum requirements for drone operations
Stability and instability - how weather affects drone performance
Wind and microclimates - understanding local weather patterns
Weather sources - where to get reliable aviation weather data

4. Loading and Performance (7-10% of Questions)

Know your drone's limits:

Weight and balance - how payload affects stability
Center of gravity - importance for safe flight
Performance charts - interpreting manufacturer data
Density altitude - how temperature and pressure affect performance

5. Operations (15-20% of Questions)

Practical flying knowledge:

Preflight inspection - what to check before every flight
Crew resource management - communicating with visual observers
Emergency procedures - lost link, flyaways, and battery failures
Aeronautical decision-making - risk assessment and mitigation
Night operations - requirements and considerations

6. Human Factors (5-8% of Questions)

Your health matters:

Physiological factors - fatigue, stress, and impairment
Vision and perception - how eyes work at altitude
Drug and alcohol regulations - strict FAA requirements

Study Strategy: How to Prepare

Step 1: Download and Read the Source Materials

Start with the official FAA resources:

FAA Part 107 Regulations (14 CFR Part 107) - the actual rules
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) - Chapters 12-16 are most relevant
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) - airspace and communications

Step 2: Take Practice Tests

Nothing prepares you better than practice. Work through multiple practice exams to:

Identify your weak areas
Get comfortable with the question format
Build test-taking stamina

Our Part 107 practice tests at Prepd simulate the real exam experience and provide detailed explanations for every answer.

Step 3: Focus on Airspace and Weather

These topics trip up more test-takers than any other. Spend extra time:

Learning to read sectional charts
Practicing METAR and TAF interpretation
Memorizing airspace dimensions and requirements

Step 4: Use Sectional Charts

Get comfortable with the visual language of aviation:

Download current sectional charts for your area
Practice identifying airspace boundaries
Learn the symbols for airports, restricted areas, and obstacles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating Weather Questions

Many test-takers assume weather questions are obvious. They're not. Learn to decode METARs and understand atmospheric stability.

2. Memorizing Without Understanding

The FAA wants you to understand why rules exist, not just recite them. Questions often present scenarios that require applying knowledge, not just remembering facts.

3. Ignoring the Small Details

Questions about minimum visibility (3 statute miles in controlled airspace) and maximum altitude (400 feet above ground level) are common. Know these numbers cold.

4. Not Practicing With Charts

Chart-reading questions are visual. If you haven't spent time with sectional charts, these questions will slow you down significantly.

Test Day Tips

Arrive early - Testing centers have strict check-in procedures
Bring proper ID - Government-issued photo ID is required
Budget your time - Two hours is plenty, but don't rush
Read questions carefully - Watch for words like "not," "except," and "minimum"
Mark and return - Flag difficult questions and come back to them

After You Pass

Once you pass the knowledge test:

Apply for your certificate through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
Complete TSA security vetting - usually takes 1-3 weeks
Receive your temporary certificate - valid until your permanent card arrives
Stay current - Complete recurrent training every 24 months

Why Choose Prepd for Part 107 Prep?

Our FAA Part 107 exam prep includes:

Realistic practice tests modeled after the actual exam
Detailed explanations for every question
Progress tracking to identify weak areas
Study guides for complex topics like airspace and weather
Mobile-friendly practice so you can study anywhere

Start Your Drone Pilot Career Today

The commercial drone industry is projected to grow significantly through 2030 and beyond. Getting your Part 107 certificate opens doors to opportunities in:

Real estate photography and videography
Construction site monitoring
Agricultural surveying and crop analysis
Roof and infrastructure inspections
Mapping and surveying
Event coverage and cinematography

Don't let the exam intimidate you. With proper preparation and the right study tools, you can pass the Part 107 knowledge test on your first attempt and launch your drone pilot career.

Ready to start studying? Check out our FAA Part 107 practice tests and take the first step toward your Remote Pilot Certificate.

Have questions about the Part 107 exam? Drop us a comment below or reach out through our contact page.