FANR5640/7640: Lecture 3 – Part 107 Introduction

Part 107 Regulations, Pilot Requirements

Basic information and operator must know for flying under the small UAS rule (14 CFR part 107)

FAA Commercial Operations Branch: Part 107 UAS Operations

Pilot Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center
  • Must be vetted by the TSA
  • Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Must be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a sUAS
  • Must obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)  before sitting for the Part 107 knowledge test (effective January 13, 2020).
    • obtained online through the IACRA, Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application, website
    • details will be released once the system goes live

Certificate Requirements

  • Hard copy certificate must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
  • Must retest/renew every 2 years

Other

  • Must register aircraft every three years (more info)

Aeronautical Knowledge Test (Part 107 test)

Test questions include:

  • Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
  • Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
  • Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
  • Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
  • Emergency procedures
  • Crew resource management
  • Radio communication procedures
  • Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
  • Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
  • Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
  • Airport operations
  • Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures

The FAA states in the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards document (“FAA-S-ACS-10”) that

sUAS Topics Percentage of Items on Test
I.   Regulations 15 – 25%
II.  Airspace & Requirements 15 – 25%
III. Weather 11 – 16%
IV. Loading and Performance 7 – 11%
V.  Operations 35 – 45%
Total Number of Questions 60 (plus 3 extra that are not identified nor graded)

Sample Questions for today

FAA Suggested Study Materials

Practical Suggestion About Self-Studying for Part 107 Exam

Start studying for the exam early.  YouTube is a good starting point (search for Part 107 study guide).

The Materials I studied

I.  Part 107 Requirements, Rules & Regulations

FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems training course (FAA site)

  • Small UAS Characteristics and Requirements
  • Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) Responsibilities
  • Preflight Considerations
  • Operating Rules

(Alternative) Above website narrated by World Drone Academy (YouTube Playlist)

II.  Airspace

Class A – G Airspace (YouTube Playlist)

Class E

III.  Airport/Field Operations

IV.  Weather

V.  Preflight and Maintenance

Running list…

“FAA-G-8082-20.” FAA – Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017. <https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_guides/media/remote_pilot_ktg.pdf>.
“FAA-G-8082-22.” FAA – Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017. <https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf>.
“FAA-S-ACS-10.” FAA – Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017. <https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/media/uas_acs.pdf>.
“Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.” Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017. <https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/>.
“UAG Sample Exam.” FAA – UAG Sample Exam. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017. <https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_questions/media/uag_sample_exam.pdf>.