FAA Part 107 Drone Study Guide — Remote Pilot Certificate Prep
14 CFR Part 107 governs the commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) weighing less than 55 pounds in the United States. Whether you are flying for real estate photography, film production, inspection, mapping, or delivery, a Remote Pilot Certificate is required for any compensated or non-recreational drone operation. This guide covers everything you need to pass the UAG knowledge test and operate legally under Part 107.
Remote Pilot Certificate Requirements (14 CFR Part 107)
To become a certified remote pilot under Part 107, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Pass the UAG Aeronautical Knowledge and Safety Test at a PSI-approved testing center with a score of 70% or higher
- Pass a TSA security threat assessment (handled automatically by the FAA after your application)
- Apply for the certificate through FAA IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) within 48 months of passing the test
- Renew every 24 calendar months via the free online recurrent test or by retaking the UAG
Currently certificated manned pilots holding at least a Part 61 certificate (private, commercial, or ATP) who have completed a flight review within the past 24 months may take the free online WINGS course instead of the full UAG test.
Part 107 Knowledge Test Topics
The UAG knowledge test contains 60 questions and has a 2-hour time limit. The minimum passing score is 70%. The test covers the following subject areas:
The most heavily tested areas are airspace identification from sectional charts, weather interpretation (METARs, TAFs, winds aloft), and Part 107 operating rules. Expect multiple questions requiring you to read sectional chart excerpts and identify airspace classes, restricted areas, and airport proximity requirements.
Part 107 Operating Limitations
These are the standard operating limitations under §107.51 that apply to all Part 107 operations unless a waiver has been granted:
| Limitation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 400 ft AGL (or 400 ft above tallest structure within 400 ft) |
| Time of operations | Daylight only; civil twilight with anti-collision lighting (3 statute miles visibility) |
| Visual line of sight (VLOS) | Remote PIC and visual observer must maintain unaided VLOS at all times |
| Maximum groundspeed | 100 mph (87 knots) |
| Maximum weight (including payload) | 55 lbs (24.9 kg) |
| Flight over moving vehicles | Not permitted without waiver (except under Operations Over People rules) |
| Flight from moving vehicle | Not permitted except in sparsely populated areas |
| Visibility | Minimum 3 statute miles from control station |
| Cloud clearance | 500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds |
| Right-of-way | Must yield to all manned aircraft |
Part 107 Airspace Authorization
One of the most tested topics on the UAG exam is airspace authorization. Under §107.41, no person may operate a small UAS in Class B, C, D, or E surface area airspace without prior authorization from ATC.
LAANC — Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
LAANC is the FAA's automated airspace authorization system available through partner apps (AirMap, Kittyhawk, Aloft, etc.) and the FAA DroneZone. It provides near real-time authorization for operations at or below pre-defined UAS Facility Map (UASFM) altitudes. If you need to fly above the UASFM ceiling for a given area, you must request authorization manually through FAA DroneZone, which can take up to 90 days.
Airspace Classes and Authorization Requirements
- Class A (18,000 ft MSL and above): Drone operations practically prohibited without specific authorization
- Class B, C, D: Authorization required — use LAANC or DroneZone
- Class E surface area: Authorization required — use LAANC or DroneZone
- Class E (non-surface): No authorization required for operations below 400 ft AGL
- Class G: No authorization required for operations below 400 ft AGL
Part 107 Waivers Available
Under §107.200, the FAA may grant waivers to certain Part 107 restrictions when an applicant demonstrates the operation can be conducted safely. Common waiverable provisions include:
- Night operations (§107.29) — now permitted with anti-collision lighting without a waiver as of 2021
- Operations over people (§107.39) — now addressed by the Operations Over People rule (Category 1–4)
- Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) (§107.31) — most complex waiver; requires detailed safety case
- Operations from a moving vehicle (§107.25)
- Operations in controlled airspace (§107.41) — use LAANC for automated authorization
- Operating multiple sUAS simultaneously (§107.35)
Common Part 107 Questions Drone Pilots Ask
Q: What is the TRUST test and who needs it?
The TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is a free online safety test required for all recreational drone flyers (hobbyists). It is distinct from the Part 107 UAG test. Recreational flyers are those flying solely for fun under the special rules of §44809. TRUST does not replace the Part 107 certificate for commercial operations.
Q: Can I fly a drone at night under Part 107?
Yes, since the 2021 rule update, night operations are permitted under Part 107 without a waiver, provided the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles and the remote pilot is familiar with the night operations risks. Civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset) also qualifies with proper lighting.
Q: What happens if I fly a drone without a Part 107 certificate?
Operating a drone for commercial purposes without a Remote Pilot Certificate is a violation of 14 CFR Part 107. Penalties can include civil fines of up to $32,666 per violation, and criminal penalties in serious cases. The FAA actively enforces Part 107 compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate?
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate authorizes commercial drone operations in the US. It requires being 16+, passing the UAG knowledge test at a PSI testing center with 70%+, and passing a TSA security threat assessment.
What is the maximum altitude for Part 107 drone operations?
Under §107.51, the maximum altitude is 400 ft AGL, or 400 ft above the highest point of a structure within 400 feet of the drone. BVLOS and higher-altitude operations require a waiver.
Do I need FAA authorization to fly a drone near an airport?
Yes. Class B, C, D, and E surface airspace require prior authorization. Use LAANC for near real-time approval or FAA DroneZone for manual waivers. Class G below 400 ft AGL does not require authorization.
How do I renew my Part 107 remote pilot certificate?
Remote pilot certificates must be renewed every 24 calendar months by passing the free online recurrent safety test (ALC-677) through the FAA Safety Team website, or by retaking the UAG at a testing center.
Can I fly a drone over people under Part 107?
Under the 2021 Operations Over People rule, certain UAS may fly over people based on their category. Category 1 (under 0.55 lbs) may fly over people without restriction. Categories 2–4 have specific requirements. Flying over moving vehicles on public roads still generally requires a waiver.