Part 107 Study Guide: How to Pass Your Drone Certification Exam

What is a Part 107 Study Guide?

A part 107 study guide is a structured learning resource that helps aspiring commercial drone pilots prepare for the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft General knowledge exam. Effective study guides break down the five major test areas—airspace, weather, regulations, loading and performance, and operations—into manageable topics with study schedules, memory techniques, and practice strategies designed to maximize retention and exam success.

Passing the FAA Part 107 exam requires more than just reading through regulations. A well-structured part 107 study guide transforms the overwhelming volume of aviation knowledge into a systematic preparation plan that builds competency across all tested areas. Whether you have four weeks or four days, the right approach makes the difference between passing on your first attempt and returning for a costly retake.

The Part 107 certification opens doors to commercial drone operations, but the knowledge test presents genuine challenges. Airspace classifications, METAR decoding, and regulatory minutiae trip up even experienced drone hobbyists. This guide provides the structured methodology, topic-specific strategies, and memory techniques that successful candidates use to pass with confidence.

Understanding the Part 107 exam
Part 107 study guide: Creating your study plan
Subject-by-subject study strategies
Recommended study resources
Memory techniques for difficult topics
Test day preparation
Frequently asked questions
Implementation considerations
In summary

Understanding the Part 107 exam

Before diving into study strategies, understanding exactly what you are preparing for helps focus your efforts on the areas that matter most. The Part 107 knowledge test is administered at FAA-approved testing centers and follows a standardized format.

Exam format and specifications

Specification	Details
Total questions	60 multiple choice
Time allowed	120 minutes (2 hours)
Passing score	70% (42 correct answers)
Test fee	$175
Minimum age	16 years old
Language requirement	English proficiency required
Certificate validity	24 months (recurrent training required)

The two-hour time limit provides approximately two minutes per question, which sounds generous until you encounter chart-reading questions that require careful analysis. Most candidates finish within 90 minutes, leaving adequate time for review.

Subject area breakdown

The FAA draws questions from five major knowledge areas, each weighted differently on the exam:

Subject Area	Approximate Weight
Airspace and charts	15-25%
Regulations (Part 107 rules)	15-25%
Weather and meteorology	15-20%
Sectional chart reading	10-15%
Operations and decision-making	10-15%
Loading and performance	5-10%

Airspace and regulations together comprise roughly half the exam, making these areas your highest-priority study targets. Understanding different types of airspace and airspace requirements for drones forms the foundation of exam success.

What makes the exam challenging

The Part 107 exam challenges candidates in several specific ways. First, the questions require application of knowledge rather than simple recall. Instead of asking "What is Class D airspace?" the exam presents scenarios requiring you to determine whether a specific operation is permitted in Class D airspace under particular conditions.

Second, chart-reading questions demand practical skills that only develop through practice. You must locate specific airports, interpret symbols, identify airspace boundaries, and extract relevant information from legend tables—all within reasonable time constraints.

Third, weather questions require decoding METAR reports and understanding their operational implications. Raw memorization of abbreviations falls short; you must interpret weather data and make decisions based on that interpretation.

Part 107 study guide: Creating your study plan

Effective exam preparation requires a realistic schedule that matches your available time, learning style, and existing aviation knowledge. The following study plans provide frameworks that successful candidates adapt to their circumstances.

4-week comprehensive plan (recommended for beginners)

This plan suits candidates new to aviation concepts who want thorough preparation with time for review and practice testing.

Week 1: Regulations and Part 107 rules

Days 1-2: Read through 14 CFR Part 107 regulations completely
Days 3-4: Study operational limitations, pilot responsibilities, and aircraft requirements
Days 5-6: Focus on waivers, Remote ID requirements, and reporting obligations
Day 7: Take a regulations-focused practice quiz, review missed questions

Week 2: Airspace and chart reading

Days 1-2: Learn airspace classifications (Class B, Class D, Class E, Class G)
Days 3-4: Practice reading sectional charts using the FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide
Days 5-6: Study LAANC authorization and controlled airspace procedures
Day 7: Chart reading practice with sample test questions

Week 3: Weather and meteorology

Days 1-2: Learn METAR format and common abbreviations
Days 3-4: Study TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) interpretation
Days 5-6: Understand weather phenomena affecting drone operations (density altitude, wind shear, visibility)
Day 7: Practice decoding real METAR reports from aviation weather services

Week 4: Practice tests and weak area review

Days 1-2: Take full-length practice exam, identify weak areas
Days 3-4: Focused study on lowest-scoring topics
Days 5-6: Take second full practice exam, review all missed questions
Day 7: Light review, rest before exam day

2-week intensive plan

This accelerated plan works for candidates with some aviation background or those facing time constraints who can dedicate significant daily study time.

Days 1-3: All regulations Complete coverage of Part 107 rules, operational requirements, and pilot responsibilities. Review visual line of sight requirements, altitude limits, and airspace authorization procedures.

Days 4-7: Airspace deep dive Intensive focus on airspace classifications, chart reading, and controlled airspace operations. Practice identifying airspace boundaries and determining authorization requirements for specific locations.

Days 8-10: Weather interpretation Master METAR and TAF decoding, understand weather phenomena, and practice interpreting real aviation weather reports for operational decision-making.

Days 11-14: Practice tests and weak areas Take multiple full-length practice exams, systematically review incorrect answers, and reinforce understanding of challenging topics.

1-week crash course (experienced aviation background)

This condensed plan suits candidates with existing aviation knowledge—manned aircraft pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, or those who previously held Part 107 certification.

Days 1-2: Complete video course Use a structured online course to efficiently cover all material. Focus on Part 107-specific regulations that differ from manned aircraft operations.

Days 3-4: Focus on airspace and charts Intensive practice with sectional charts and airspace scenarios. Even experienced pilots sometimes struggle with UAS-specific altitude restrictions and authorization requirements.

Days 5-6: Practice tests Take multiple practice exams under timed conditions. Identify and address any knowledge gaps revealed by practice testing.

Day 7: Final review Light review of challenging topics, organize test day materials, and rest.

Daily study session template

Regardless of which plan you follow, structure individual study sessions for maximum retention:

Review (10 minutes): Briefly review material from previous session
New material (30-40 minutes): Study new content with active note-taking
Practice questions (15-20 minutes): Apply new knowledge to practice questions
Review mistakes (10 minutes): Analyze incorrect answers to understand why

Subject-by-subject study strategies

Each exam topic requires specific study approaches that match how questions are presented and what knowledge is actually tested.

Airspace: The largest exam component

Airspace questions test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. You must understand what each airspace class means and demonstrate ability to identify airspace on sectional charts.

Study approach for airspace:

Start by memorizing the basic characteristics of each airspace class. Create a reference chart comparing:

Airspace type (Class A, B, C, D, E, G)
Altitude range (floor to ceiling)
Communication requirements
UAS authorization requirements
Chart symbology (colors, line types)

Then transition to practical chart reading. Download sample sectional charts and practice:

Locating specific airports by identifier
Determining airspace class at specific coordinates
Identifying UAS ceiling altitudes in controlled airspace
Finding no-fly zones and restricted areas

Understanding Class G airspace is particularly important because most Part 107 operations occur there. Know where Class G airspace exists, its altitude limits in different areas, and the weather minimums that apply.

Weather and METAR decoding

Weather questions appear deceptively simple but require genuine understanding rather than surface-level memorization. The exam tests your ability to interpret weather data and understand its operational implications.

METAR decoding priorities:

Focus your study on these METAR elements, which appear most frequently on exams:

Wind direction and speed (including gusts)
Visibility in statute miles
Cloud coverage and ceiling heights
Present weather phenomena (rain, fog, haze)
Altimeter setting

Practice with real METAR reports from aviation weather services. The FAA's Aviation Weather Center provides current reports that you can decode for practice. This builds the automatic recognition that timed testing requires.

Weather phenomena to understand:

Beyond METAR interpretation, understand how weather conditions affect drone operations:

Density altitude effects on performance
Wind limitations and gusting conditions
Visibility requirements for Part 107 operations
Temperature inversions and their effects

Regulations: What to memorize versus understand

Part 107 regulations divide into two categories: specific numbers that require memorization and concepts that require understanding for application.

Numbers to memorize:

Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL
Maximum speed: 87 knots (100 mph)
Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles
Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal
Maximum weight: less than 55 pounds
Minimum pilot age: 16 years
Accident reporting: 10 days for serious injury or >$500 property damage
Certificate validity: 24 months

Concepts to understand:

Visual line of sight requirements and exceptions
Operations over people categories and requirements
When waivers are required versus prohibited
Pilot in command responsibilities
Pre-flight checklist requirements
Drone compliance obligations

For regulatory concepts, create scenarios that test your understanding. Ask yourself: "Can I fly over a crowd at a public event?" Then work through the regulations to determine the answer and required authorizations.

Loading and performance basics

This section carries the lowest exam weight but still requires preparation. Focus on:

Factors affecting aircraft performance (temperature, altitude, weight)
Basic weight and balance concepts
How payload affects flight characteristics
Density altitude calculations

The key insight for this section: high, hot, and heavy conditions reduce performance. Understand why (thinner air provides less lift) and you can reason through most questions.

Operations and decision-making

Operations questions test practical judgment and aeronautical decision-making. Study:

Pre-flight inspection requirements
Crew resource management for multi-person operations
Emergency procedures and contingency planning
Hazardous attitudes and their antidotes
Risk assessment processes

Many operations questions present scenarios requiring judgment calls. Practice identifying hazardous attitudes (anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, resignation) and selecting appropriate responses.

Recommended study resources

Selecting appropriate study materials significantly impacts preparation efficiency. Different resources serve different learning styles and budget constraints.

Free FAA resources

The FAA provides authoritative study materials at no cost:

Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22): The official study guide covers all tested knowledge areas. Download from the FAA's commercial operators page. This document outlines exactly what the exam covers.

Aeronautical Chart User's Guide: Essential for understanding sectional chart symbology. The digital version provides comprehensive legend information.

Advisory Circulars: AC 107-2 provides detailed guidance on Part 107 operations. While dense, it offers authoritative interpretation of regulations.

Paid course options

Commercial study courses offer structured learning with video instruction, organized content, and progress tracking. When evaluating paid options, consider:

Video quality and instructor clarity
Practice question quantity and quality
Mobile accessibility for studying on the go
Money-back guarantee if you fail the exam
Currency of content (regulations change)

Most reputable courses range from $100-$300. The investment often pays for itself by reducing study time and increasing pass rates, especially for visual learners who absorb video content more efficiently than text.

Practice test resources

Practice testing provides the most valuable preparation activity. Effective practice tests:

Mirror actual exam question formats
Cover all tested knowledge areas proportionally
Provide explanations for correct and incorrect answers
Track performance by topic to identify weak areas

The FAA's Part 107 practice test sample questions offer authentic question formats. Supplement with commercial practice tests that provide larger question banks.

Study apps and tools

Mobile apps enable study during otherwise unproductive time. Look for apps offering:

Flashcards for memorization (METAR abbreviations, regulations)
Quick practice quizzes for knowledge reinforcement
Offline access for studying without internet
Progress tracking to monitor preparation

Memory techniques for difficult topics

Certain Part 107 topics challenge most candidates. These memory techniques address the most commonly problematic areas.

Airspace classification mnemonics

"Alphabetical is vertical": Airspace classes generally stack alphabetically from the ground up—G at the bottom, then E, D, C, B, and A at the top (18,000+ feet).

Color coding for chart study: Create mental associations between airspace types and their chart colors:

Class B: Blue solid lines (think "B for Blue")
Class C: Magenta solid lines
Class D: Blue dashed lines
Class E: Magenta dashed or shaded areas

ABCDE pattern for communication requirements:

Class A: ATC clearance required (no UAS operations permitted)
Class B: Authorization required (LAANC or DroneZone)
Class C: Authorization required
Class D: Authorization required
Class E (surface): Authorization required in surface areas
Class G: No authorization required (but follow all rules)

METAR decoding shortcuts

METAR element order: Elements always appear in the same sequence. Memorize this order to quickly locate needed information:

Station identifier (KORD, KLAX)
Date and time (121755Z)
Wind (32015G25KT)
Visibility (3SM)
Weather phenomena (RA, SN, FG)
Cloud coverage (OVC010)
Temperature/dewpoint (15/12)
Altimeter (A2992)

Cloud coverage abbreviations: Use the increasing coverage pattern:

SKC/CLR: Sky Clear (0%)
FEW: Few clouds (1-25%)
SCT: Scattered (26-50%)
BKN: Broken (51-87%)
OVC: Overcast (88-100%)

Visibility shortcut: Numbers followed by "SM" indicate statute miles. Single digits (3SM) are whole miles; fractions (1/2SM) are partial miles.

Regulatory numbers memory system

Group related numbers together for easier recall:

The "fours and fives" group:

400 feet maximum altitude
less than 55 pounds maximum weight
500 feet minimum below clouds

The "threes and twos" group:

3 statute miles minimum visibility
2,000 feet horizontal from clouds
24 months certificate validity

Common test traps to avoid

Certain question patterns consistently trip up candidates:

Altitude confusion: Questions may reference both AGL (above ground level) and MSL (mean sea level). The 400-foot limit is AGL, but some chart references use MSL. Know the difference.

Visibility versus ceiling: Minimum visibility (3 miles) differs from cloud clearance requirements (500 below, 2,000 horizontal). Don't confuse these distinct requirements.

Class G weather variations: Weather minimums in Class G airspace differ based on altitude and time of day. Questions may test these variations.

Waiver versus prohibition: Some operations require waivers; others are simply prohibited. Since April 2021, night operations are permitted without a waiver if you have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles and have completed the required training. Other operations, like flying in Class A airspace, remain prohibited entirely.

Test day preparation

Proper test day preparation prevents anxiety and ensures you perform at your best.

What to bring

Required items for your testing appointment:

Government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport)
FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from your IACRA registration
Testing center confirmation with appointment time

The testing center provides all other materials including scratch paper, calculator, and testing supplements (charts, legends).

Do not bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Study materials or notes
Bags or personal items (lockers typically available)

Test center procedures

Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete check-in procedures. Staff will verify your identity, review testing rules, and escort you to the testing station.

The computer-based test presents one question at a time. You can flag questions for review and navigate backward to previous questions. The interface includes zoom features for chart images and reference material access.

Time management strategies

With 120 minutes for 60 questions, pace yourself at approximately two minutes per question. However, question difficulty varies significantly:

Quick questions (30-60 seconds): Regulation recall, basic definitions, straightforward calculations Medium questions (1-2 minutes): Weather interpretation, scenario application, multi-step reasoning Long questions (3-5 minutes): Chart reading, complex scenarios, questions requiring reference materials

Start by answering questions you know confidently, flagging uncertain ones for review. This builds momentum and ensures you capture all "easy" points. Then return to flagged questions with remaining time.

Question approach techniques

For each question:

Read the entire question before looking at answers
Identify what specifically is being asked
Eliminate obviously incorrect answers
Choose the best remaining answer
Flag uncertain answers for review

For chart-reading questions:

Note exactly what information is requested
Locate the relevant chart area
Use the legend to interpret symbols
Double-check your answer against the question

Remember: there is no penalty for guessing. Never leave questions unanswered.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I study for Part 107?

Most successful candidates study 15-25 hours total, distributed over 2-4 weeks. Candidates with aviation backgrounds may need less time, while those completely new to aviation concepts often benefit from the full 4-week plan. The key factors are consistent daily study sessions rather than cramming, and adequate practice testing to identify and address weak areas before exam day.

What is the hardest part of the Part 107 exam?

Airspace and chart reading challenges most candidates. These questions require both conceptual understanding and practical skills that only develop through practice. Weather interpretation, particularly METAR decoding, also presents difficulties because it requires quick recognition of abbreviations and understanding of operational implications. Candidates who focus disproportionate study time on these areas typically achieve higher scores.

Can I pass Part 107 without a study course?

Yes, many candidates pass using only free FAA resources and practice tests. The FAA's Remote Pilot Study Guide covers all tested material comprehensively. However, commercial courses often present information more efficiently, particularly for visual learners. The decision depends on your learning style, time constraints, and budget. If you fail using free resources, the $175 retake fee may exceed what a course would have cost.

How do I know when I'm ready for the exam?

You are ready when you consistently score 80% or higher on practice tests covering all knowledge areas. The 70% passing threshold provides a margin for exam-day nerves and unfamiliar question variations. If you score 75% on practice tests, you risk failing. Beyond practice test scores, you should be able to decode a METAR report without references and identify airspace classifications on an unfamiliar sectional chart within reasonable time.

Implementation considerations

Successfully passing the Part 107 exam marks the beginning of your commercial drone journey rather than its conclusion. Planning beyond certification maximizes the return on your preparation investment.

Before scheduling your exam, verify your eligibility and gather required documentation. Create your FAA Tracking Number through IACRA, which you will need for both exam registration and eventual certificate application. Many candidates overlook this step and face delays at the testing center.

Schedule your exam for a time when you can dedicate full attention without distractions. Morning appointments often work well before daily obligations accumulate. Avoid scheduling immediately after intense work periods when mental fatigue might affect performance.

After passing, begin building operational systems immediately. The knowledge you developed for the exam—airspace awareness, weather interpretation, regulatory understanding—applies directly to safe commercial operations. Implement pre-flight procedures and documentation practices before your first commercial flight.

Consider your career direction when prioritizing post-certification learning. Pilots pursuing drone pilot jobs in specific industries benefit from developing specialized knowledge—whether that's surveying and inspection work requiring precision mapping skills or construction and infrastructure projects demanding site documentation expertise. UAS pilot training programs offer advanced skills beyond basic certification requirements.

In summary

Passing the Part 107 exam requires structured preparation that addresses all five major knowledge areas while focusing intensive effort on airspace and weather topics that comprise the largest exam portions. The study plans outlined here provide frameworks that successful candidates adapt to their available time and existing knowledge.

The most effective preparation combines multiple study methods: reading official FAA materials for authoritative information, video courses for efficient concept absorption, and practice testing for knowledge application and gap identification. Memory techniques address commonly challenging topics, while test-day strategies ensure you perform at your actual knowledge level.

Beyond exam success, the knowledge you develop during Part 107 preparation serves your entire commercial drone career. Understanding airspace classifications, interpreting weather reports, and applying regulations to operational scenarios becomes automatic with sufficient practice. This foundational competency distinguishes professional operators from hobbyists attempting commercial work. Successful drone businesses consistently cite strong Part 107 fundamentals as the foundation for scaling their operations.

The path from aspiring drone pilot to FAA-certified commercial operator runs through dedicated preparation and successful examination. With appropriate study methodology, adequate time investment, and quality resources, first-attempt success is well within reach.

Ready to organize your drone operations?

After earning your Part 107 certification, successful commercial pilots need systems that match their professional credentials. From flight planning to equipment tracking and compliance documentation, operational organization determines business success.

Start your free trial today - no credit card required.

See how DroneBundle helps commercial operators manage the complexity of professional drone operations with tools designed for Part 107 pilots.