Free Part 107 Study Guide

What is FAA Part 107?

Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) is the FAA rule for flying small drones under 55 lb for commercial or other non-recreational purposes. To fly under it you need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, which you earn by passing the Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test. If you're flying purely for fun, you instead fly under the recreational exception and take the free TRUST test — see the FAQ.

The exam at a glance

You must be at least 16 years old to hold the certificate. After you pass, you apply through the FAA's IACRA system. The certificate doesn't expire, but you must complete free online recurrent training every 24 months to stay current.

The five knowledge areas

Every question maps to one of these. Regulations and airspace are the largest share, so that's where to spend your time.

1. Regulations — what Part 107 allows and prohibits: certification, waivers, operating limits, and remote ID.
2. Airspace & flight restrictions — airspace classes A–G, where authorization is required (LAANC), TFRs, and reading VFR sectional charts. Airspace classes explained →
3. Weather — reading METARs and TAFs, density altitude, and how weather affects performance. Often the hardest area.
4. Loading & performance — weight, balance, and how load and conditions change how the drone flies.
5. Operations — crew roles, preflight, maintenance, aeronautical decision-making, and emergency procedures.

The rules people get wrong

• 400 ft AGL ceiling. You may fly higher only within 400 ft of a structure, and no more than 400 ft above that structure's top.
• Visual line of sight (VLOS). You (or a visual observer) must keep the drone in unaided sight at all times.
• Controlled airspace. Class B, C, D, and surface Class E need ATC authorization — usually instant through LAANC. Class G is uncontrolled.
• Cloud clearance & visibility. Stay 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds, with at least 3 statute miles of visibility.

A free 2-week study plan

Most people need about 15–20 hours. Here's a simple path using only free resources:

1. Days 1–3: Regulations and certification — read the lessons, then quiz yourself.
2. Days 4–7: Airspace and sectional charts — this is the biggest payoff. Use the 3D airspace simulator to make the classes stick.
3. Days 8–10: Weather — METARs, TAFs, and density altitude.
4. Days 11–12: Loading, performance, and operations.
5. Days 13–14: Full practice tests until you're consistently above 80%.

Free study tools on this site

Official FAA resources

• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)
• eCFR — 14 CFR Part 107 (the actual rules)
• FAA — Airman Certification Standards (what's tested)