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How to Pass the FAA Part 107 Exam

By Drone Test Finder Team•8 min read

The FAA Part 107 exam (officially the Unmanned Aircraft General - Small exam) is a 60-question multiple-choice test that you must pass to fly a drone commercially in the United States. While 60 questions might not sound like much, the exam covers complex aviation topics that most people have never encountered before.

1. Understand What's Actually on the Test

The FAA publishes the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), which outlines exactly what topics will be tested. The exam is broken down roughly into the following areas:

  • Regulations (15-25%): Operating rules, remote pilot certification, waivers.
  • Airspace & Requirements (15-25%): Airspace classification, operating requirements, and flight restrictions. This is often the hardest part for beginners.
  • Weather (11-16%): Aviation weather sources, effects of weather on drone performance.
  • Loading and Performance (7-11%): Weight and balance, effects on performance.
  • Operations (13-18%): Radio communications, airport operations, emergency procedures, maintenance.

2. Master Sectional Charts

You will be tested heavily on your ability to read VFR Sectional Charts. These are the maps that manned aircraft pilots use to navigate. You must learn how to identify airspace classes (Class B, C, D, E, G), minimum altitudes, restricted areas, military operations areas (MOAs), and airport data blocks.

Pro Tip: At the testing center, you will be given the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement. This book contains all the charts and figures referenced in the test. Bring a magnifying glass—the print is notoriously small!

3. Memorize Weather Reports (METARs and TAFs)

Aviation weather reports look like a random jumble of letters and numbers to the untrained eye (e.g., KLAX 121852Z 25004KT 6SM BR SCT007 SCT040 BKN250 18/16 A2991). You must learn how to decode these reports. Focus on understanding visibility, cloud cover codes (SKC, CLR, FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC), and wind direction/speed.

4. Use Practice Tests

Don't just read the material—test yourself constantly. The wording on FAA exams can be tricky, often featuring two answers that seem correct, but one is "more correct" based on specific regulatory phrasing. Taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions (you get 2 hours for the real test) is the best way to gauge your readiness.

4. Don't Cram the Night Before

The Part 107 exam requires synthesis of information—like looking at a chart, finding an airport, identifying its airspace, and determining if you need authorization to fly there. This type of knowledge cannot be crammed. Give yourself at least 2-4 weeks of consistent study time before booking your test.