FAA Part 107 Training

14 CFR Part 107 — Regulations (15–25% of exam)

This section covers the rules that govern small UAS operations in the National Airspace System.

Remote Pilot Certificate Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test (UAG) at an FAA-approved testing center
• Must undergo TSA security vetting
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Must be in physical and mental condition to safely operate a sUAS

Registration Requirements

• All sUAS weighing between 0.55 lbs (250g) and 55 lbs must be registered with the FAA
• Registration number must be displayed on the aircraft and accessible without tools
• Registration is valid for 3 years
• Remote ID is now required on all drones — must broadcast identification and location info

Operational Limitations

Operations Over People (Subpart D)

• Category 1: sUAS weighs 0.55 lbs or less (including everything attached). Can fly over people with no additional requirements.
• Category 2: No exposed rotating parts that could cause laceration. Must not cause injury equivalent to a severity greater than what the FAA defines. Requires declaration of compliance.
• Category 3: Similar to Cat 2 but cannot operate over open-air assemblies. Must not operate over people unless those people are under a covered structure or inside a vehicle.
• Category 4: Must have an FAA-issued airworthiness certificate.

Accident Reporting

Waivers

• The FAA can waive certain Part 107 rules if the applicant demonstrates safe alternative operations
• Common waiver requests: night operations (no longer needed since 2021), BVLOS, operations over people, higher altitudes, multiple UAS operations
• Apply via FAA DroneZone (faadronezone.faa.gov)
• Waivers are not automatic — must demonstrate equivalent safety

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) Responsibilities

• RPIC is directly responsible for the safe operation of the sUAS
• Must ensure the sUAS is in a safe condition for flight (preflight check)
• Can designate a person to manipulate the controls, but RPIC retains responsibility
• Must be able to immediately take direct control of the sUAS
• Cannot operate if impaired by alcohol, drugs, or physical/mental condition
• 8-hour "bottle to throttle" rule: no alcohol within 8 hours of operation
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.04%

Aviation Weather — Weather (11–16% of exam)

Understanding weather is essential for safe flight planning. You'll need to interpret METARs, TAFs, and understand how weather affects drone performance.

Weather Sources for Pilots

• METAR: Aviation Routine Weather Report — current conditions at an airport. Updated hourly or more frequently.
• TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — weather forecast for 24–30 hours at an airport.
• AIRMET: Airmen's Meteorological Information — significant weather for all aircraft.
• SIGMET: Significant Meteorological Information — severe weather (thunderstorms, icing, volcanic ash).
• Aviation Weather Center (aviationweather.gov): Central source for all aviation weather.

Reading a METAR

Cloud Coverage Terms

• SKC/CLR: Sky clear
• FEW: 1/8 to 2/8 coverage
• SCT (Scattered): 3/8 to 4/8 coverage
• BKN (Broken): 5/8 to 7/8 coverage — constitutes a ceiling
• OVC (Overcast): 8/8 coverage — full ceiling

Weather Factors Affecting sUAS Operations

• Wind: Affects stability, battery life, and control. Headwinds reduce ground speed; tailwinds increase it.
• Temperature: High temps reduce air density → reduced lift and battery performance. Cold temps reduce battery voltage and capacity.
• Density Altitude: High temperature + high humidity + high elevation = high density altitude = reduced aircraft performance.
• Visibility: Must maintain 3 SM visibility. Fog, haze, rain, and smoke reduce visibility.
• Thunderstorms: Never operate near thunderstorms. Dangerous winds, turbulence, lightning, and hail.
• Microbursts: Intense localized downdrafts from thunderstorms. Extremely hazardous.

Temperature-Dewpoint Spread

• When temperature and dewpoint are close (within 4°F/2°C), fog or low clouds are likely
• The spread decreases as air cools — watch for this during early morning flights

Atmospheric Stability

• Stable air: Smooth conditions, stratiform (layered) clouds, poor visibility in haze/fog
• Unstable air: Turbulence, cumuliform (puffy/towering) clouds, good visibility outside of precipitation
• A temperature inversion (warm air over cool air) creates very stable conditions and traps pollutants/fog

Loading & Performance (7–11% of exam)

Understanding how weight, balance, and environmental factors affect your drone's performance is key to safe operations.

Weight and Balance Fundamentals

• Total weight of the sUAS (including payload and attachments) must remain under 55 lbs
• Center of gravity (CG) must stay within the manufacturer's specified limits
• Adding payload changes CG — ensure balanced loading
• Overloading reduces climb rate, increases battery consumption, and shortens flight time

Factors Affecting Performance

• Air Density: Thinner air (higher altitude, higher temp) = less lift = reduced performance
• Density Altitude: The "effective" altitude your aircraft experiences. Higher density altitude = worse performance.
• Temperature: Performance decreases as temperature increases. Hot batteries also degrade faster.
• Humidity: Moist air is less dense than dry air → reduced performance (water vapor is lighter than nitrogen/oxygen)
• Wind: Headwinds reduce groundspeed and increase battery consumption for forward flight. Strong gusts can cause loss of control.

Density Altitude Calculation

• Standard atmosphere: 29.92 inHg / 15°C at sea level
• Density altitude increases with higher pressure altitude, higher temperature, and higher humidity
• Use the pressure altitude + temperature on a Koch Chart or density altitude chart to determine performance impact
• Pressure Altitude = Field Elevation + ((29.92 - current altimeter setting) × 1,000)

Battery Performance

• LiPo batteries lose voltage in cold temperatures — preheat or keep warm before flight
• High discharge rates in aggressive maneuvers reduce overall flight time
• Always land with reserve battery (typically 20–30%)
• Battery voltage sag under load can cause unexpected power loss
• Never fly with damaged, swollen, or improperly stored batteries

Payload Considerations

• Payload changes the weight, CG, and aerodynamic profile of the sUAS
• Ensure any attached payload is secure and won't shift in flight
• Calculate total weight including payload before each flight
• Some payloads (cameras, sensors) may affect GPS or compass readings — calibrate after attaching

Flight Operations (35–45% of exam)

This is the largest portion of the exam. It covers everything from preflight procedures to emergency response and crew resource management.

Preflight Procedures

• Check weather conditions — METARs, TAFs, TFRs, and NOTAMs
• Inspect the sUAS: propellers, motors, batteries, sensors, firmware updates
• Verify GPS signal, compass calibration, and Return-to-Home settings
• Survey the flight area: obstacles, power lines, people, terrain, emergency landing zones
• Ensure Remote ID is functioning and broadcasting
• Verify you have LAANC or other airspace authorization if needed
• Brief all crew members (VO, RPIC roles and responsibilities)

Visual Observer (VO)

• A VO is optional but recommended for maintaining situational awareness
• VO's role: scan for traffic and hazards, communicate with RPIC
• VO must be able to see the sUAS at all times and communicate effectively with RPIC
• VO cannot manipulate the controls
• VO does not need a Remote Pilot Certificate

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

Right-of-Way Rules

• sUAS must yield right of way to ALL manned aircraft
• If you see a manned aircraft approaching, descend and/or move away
• Never fly in a manner that interferes with manned aircraft operations

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

• CRM is about effective communication, task management, and decision-making within the flight crew
• Clear communication protocols between RPIC and VO
• Sterile cockpit concept: focus only on flight-critical tasks during critical phases
• Use the IMSAFE checklist before flying: I llness, M edication, S tress, A lcohol, F atigue, E motion/Eating

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)

• ADM is a systematic approach to making safe decisions
• PAVE checklist: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures
• DECIDE model: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate
• Recognize hazardous attitudes: Anti-authority, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Macho, Resignation

Emergency Procedures

• Loss of control link: most sUAS will enter Return-to-Home or land autonomously
• Know your aircraft's failsafe settings before every flight
• If flyaway occurs, note last known position, altitude, and heading
• Battery failure: land immediately in the safest available area
• GPS loss: switch to manual/ATTI mode if possible
• If an emergency requires deviation from Part 107 rules, the RPIC may do so to the extent necessary to handle the emergency. Report deviations to FAA if requested.

Night Operations

• Night flight is permitted under Part 107 (since April 2021) with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
• Must complete updated Part 107 training that includes night operations
• Consider reduced visibility, obstacle identification challenges, and loss of visual references
• Allow 30 minutes for eyes to adapt to darkness before flight

Physiological Factors

• Hyperventilation: Caused by stress/anxiety. Symptoms: lightheadedness, tingling. Remedy: slow breathing rate.
• Hypoxia: Less relevant for sUAS ops (we're on the ground) but understand the concept.
• Spatial disorientation: Can occur with FPV flying — always maintain VLOS.
• Fatigue: Impairs judgment and reaction time. Don't fly when fatigued.
• Alcohol: 8 hours bottle-to-throttle, 0.04% BAC limit. Effects amplified at altitude.