FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Course Overview
Posted in :
/
FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License Course Overview
Course Objective
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the regulations, operational requirements, and safety considerations under 14 CFR Part 107, enabling you to pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge test and operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) commercially.
Target Audience
Aspiring commercial drone pilots seeking to obtain their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Course Duration
Self-paced study, typically 20–40 hours, depending on prior aviation knowledge.
Key Topics Covered in the FAA Part 107 Exam
1. Regulations (14 CFR Part 107)
- Eligibility and Certification: Requirements to become a remote pilot (age, English proficiency, passing the knowledge test).
- Operating Rules:
- Maximum altitude (400 ft above ground level or within 400 ft of a structure).
- Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) requirements.
- Daylight operations (or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting).
- Yielding right-of-way to manned aircraft.
- No operations over non-participating people unless specific conditions are met.
- No operations from a moving vehicle (with exceptions in sparsely populated areas).
- Drone Registration: Rules for registering sUAS weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs.
- Alcohol and Drug Restrictions: Prohibition of operating under the influence (0.04% BAC limit).
- Waivers: Process for requesting waivers for certain Part 107 restrictions (e.g., night operations, beyond VLOS).
- Incident Reporting: Requirements for reporting accidents causing serious injury or property damage over $500.
2. Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
- Airspace Types: Understanding Classes A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace.
- Class A: 18,000 ft to 60,000 ft (not typically relevant for drones).
- Class B, C, D: Controlled airspace around airports—requires ATC authorization for drone ops.
- Class E: Controlled airspace starting at various altitudes.
- Class G: Uncontrolled airspace, most common for drone operations.
- Charts and Symbols: Reading sectional charts (e.g., identifying airspace boundaries, altitudes, and obstacles).
- NOTAMs and TFRs: Notices to Airmen and Temporary Flight Restrictions—how they affect drone flights.
- ATC Coordination: Procedures for obtaining permission to operate in controlled airspace.
3. Weather and Meteorology
- Weather Effects on Drones: Impact of wind, temperature, and precipitation on sUAS performance.
- Weather Sources: Using METARs, TAFs, and other aviation weather reports.
- Key Weather Concepts:
- Density altitude and its effect on lift.
- Fronts, thunderstorms, and turbulence.
- Cloud types and visibility requirements.
- Minimum Weather Conditions: Understanding visibility (3 statute miles) and cloud clearance requirements.
4. sUAS Loading and Performance
- Weight and Balance: Effects of payload on drone stability and battery life.
- Performance Limitations: Battery endurance, range, and environmental factors.
- Center of Gravity: Importance of proper loading for safe flight.
5. Emergency Procedures
- Lost Link: Steps to take if the drone loses connection with the controller.
- Battery Failure: Managing low battery warnings and emergency landings.
- Flyaways: How to prevent and respond to uncontrolled flight.
- Incident Response: Reporting and handling crashes or near-misses.
6. Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Human Factors: Fatigue, stress, and decision-making in drone operations.
- Team Coordination: Working with visual observers or other crew members.
- Situational Awareness: Maintaining awareness of the drone, environment, and hazards.
7. Radio Communication Procedures
- Phraseology: Basic aviation radio terms (e.g., “standby,” “roger,” “wilco”).
- ATC Interaction: Communicating with air traffic control when required.
- Frequencies: Understanding CTAF and UNICOM for situational awareness.
8. Airport Operations
- Runway Markings and Signs: Recognizing taxiway and runway indicators on charts and in the field.
- Traffic Patterns: How manned aircraft operate near airports and how drones must avoid them.
- Right-of-Way Rules: Prioritizing manned aircraft over drones.
9. Maintenance and Preflight Inspection
- Preflight Checklist: Inspecting the drone (propellers, battery, sensors, firmware).
- Maintenance Schedules: Keeping the sUAS airworthy.
- Recordkeeping: Logging flights and maintenance for compliance.
10. Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) and Risk Management
- Hazard Identification: Recognizing risks like power lines, crowds, or weather changes.
- Risk Mitigation: Strategies to reduce operational hazards.
- Judgment: Making safe go/no-go decisions based on conditions.
Exam Details
- Format: 60 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing Score: 70% (42 correct answers).
- Time Limit: 2 hours.
- Testing Centers: Administered at FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Centers (e.g., PSI or CATS locations).
- Cost: Approximately $175 (varies by testing center).
- Recertification: Required every 24 months via an online recurrent training course.
Study Tips
- FAA Resources: Use the FAA’s free study guide (Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide) and sample test questions.
- Sectional Charts: Practice reading VFR sectional charts with the FAA’s Chart User’s Guide.
- Practice Exams: Take online Part 107 practice tests to simulate the real exam.
- Focus Areas: Spend extra time on airspace, weather, and regulations—these are heavily tested.
Sample Exam Topics Breakdown
- Regulations: ~30–40% of questions.
- Airspace and Charts: ~15–25%.
- Weather: ~10–20%.
- Operations and Safety: ~15–25%.
This course outline provides a structured path to mastering the material for the FAA Part 107 exam. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing, as many questions require applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. Once you pass the exam and complete the FAA’s background check via the IACRA system, you’ll receive your Remote Pilot Certificate and can begin flying drones commercially! Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any specific topic.