How to Pass the FAA Drone Test: Part 107 Study Guide for the Airman Knowledge Test

The FAA Part 107 Airman Knowledge Test Topics

In order to make money with a drone, the FAA needs to make sure that all commercial drone pilots have the ability to act responsibly, coordinate with Air Traffic Control in case of an emergency, read aeronautical maps, and abide by all FAA drone rules and regulations pertaining to UAV regulations and also general aviation regulations. In order to make sure commercial drone pilots are knowledgeable on all of this information, the FAA Part 107 test covers each of the following topics:

1. Applicable regulations relating to sUAS rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation;

2. Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small UA operation;

3. Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small UA performance;

4. Small UA loading and performance;

5. Emergency procedures;

6. Crew Resource Management (CRM);

7. Radio communication procedures;

8. Determining the performance of small UA;

9. Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol;

10. Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and judgment;

11. Airport operations; and

12. Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures.

Do You Know Your FAA Drone Test Acronyms?

To pass the Airman Knowledge Test, use this section of our Part 107 study guide to help understand and recognize dozens of acronyms. Test some of your Part 107 knowledge below:

ADM: Aeronautical Decision Making
AFSS: Automated Flight Service Station
ATIS: Automatic Terminal Information Service
AGL: Above Ground Level
AIS: Abbreviated Injury Scale
AOA: Angle of Attack
ARINC: Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated
ARTCC: Air Route Traffic Control Center
ASOS: Automated Surface Observing Systems
ATC: Air Traffic Control
AWOS: Automated Weather Observing Systems
BAC: Blood Alcohol Content
CB: Cumulonimbus (clouds)
CG: Center of Gravity
COA: Certificate of Authorization
CONUS: Continental United States
CoW: Certificate of Waiver
CRM: Crew Resource Management
CS: Control Station
CTAF: Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
DA: Density Altitude
DUATS: Direct User Access Terminal Service
EP: Emergency Procedure
ETD: Estimated Time of Departure
FAA: Federal Aviation Administration
FDC: Flight Data Center
FSDO: Flight Standards District Office
FSS: Flight Service Stations
FTP: Flight Terminal Point
GPS: Global Positioning System
ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization
IFR: Instrument Flight Rules
ISA: International Standard Atmosphere
LAA: Local Airport Advisory
LOC: Loss of Control
METARs: Meteorological Aerodrome Report
MOA: Military Operation Area
MSL: Mean Sea Level
MTR: Military Training Route
NACG: National Aeronautical Charting Group
NAS: National Airspace Systems
NAVAID: Navigation Aid
NM: Nautical Mile
NOTAMs: Notice to Airmen
NSA: National Security Area
NWS: National Weather Service
OTC: Over the Counter
PA: Pressure Altitude
PIC: Pilot-In-Command
RF: Radio Frequency

Do You Know the Important Part 107 Aviation Terms?

This is not an exhaustive list, but in order to pass the FAA Airman Knowledge Test, you will need to make sure that you understand the following terms:

AGL
ADM
Aeronautical Charts
Air Masses
ATC
Alert Area
Atmosphere
Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric Stability
Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS)
Clearance
Control Station
Controlled Airspace
Controlled Firing Areas
CRM
Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS)
Drag
Exhaust Plumes
Fronts
Global Positioning System
Icing
Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR)
Lift
Local Airport Advisory
Lost Link
MSL
METARs
Military Operations Area
Military Training Route (MTR)
Mitigation
Nautical Mile
Non-Towered Airport
NOTAM
Remote PIC
Restricted Area
Rough Air
Seaplane Bases
Situational Awareness
Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)
Stable Air Mass
Stalling
Station Identifier
Statute Miles (SM)
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
Thrust
Towered Airport
Transcribed
Information Briefing Service (TIBS)
Uncontrolled Airspace
UNICOM
Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
Warning Area
Heliports   

Key Part 107 Phrases to Understand for the FAA Drone Test

Along with a comprehensive Part 107 study guide comes many FAA phrases and terms to understand in order to pass the Part 107 Airman Knowledge Test and become a commercial drone pilot to make money with a drone. There are many FAA articles and resources out there that focus on a lot of specific FAA vocabulary, but don’t necessarily explain what all of the terms mean in relation to the FAA drone test. As a UAV school who has trained thousands of drone pilots, we know how confusing it can be to try and keep up with all of these FAA terms, so we’ve put together a short list that explains some of the concepts and terms related to the FAA drone rules.

Part 107

If you haven’t heard the phrase “Part 107” by now, it’s time to read up on it and learn what it means. Part 107 has perhaps been the most talked about topic since the FAA notified the public of the rule change in June 2016. To be perfectly clear, Part 107 is a publication that was released by the FAA describing several changes to the current guidelines for the commercial use of drones. The 624 page document covers each FAA rule change in great detail, but essentially, Part 107 is designed to allow commercial drone use without a Section 333 exemption. The FAA drone rules include: a 400 foot maximum altitude limit while flying, the exclusion of night flights, obtaining an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate with a sUAS rating, and maintaining a visual line of sight at all times. The contents of Part 107 can be found on the FAA’s website.

The Aeronautical Knowledge Test

The aeronautical knowledge test is a written exam similar to a driver’s license test – it covers nearly every aspect of drone operations from emergency procedures to aircraft components. You only have to be 14 years of age to take the test, but you can’t receive a certificate or make money with a drone until you turn 16.

UAV License

Technically, the term “UAV License” is not correct, but many drone enthusiasts call it a UAV License. What they are referring to is the UAV Operator Certificate. Upon passing the Part 107 exam, test takers will need to apply for a UAV Operator Certificate, a new type of pilot’s license for commercial drone pilots that never expires. This certificate will allow people to make money with a drone. It could take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks after passing the Part 107 exam for the FAA to issue a permanent UAV Operator Certificate, but temporary certificates can be issued approximately 10 business days following a grant approval.

sUAS Small Operator Certificate

A sUAS Small Operator Certificate is a UAV Operator Certificate that allows you to legally operate UAVs weighing less than 55 lbs. It’s basically the equivalent to a pilot’s license for small unmanned aircrafts. For an operator certificate to be valid, it must also have a small UAS rating which is required by the FAA and added to existing pilot privileges.

14 CFR Part 61

14 CFR Part 61 is the written formula for obtaining a private pilot certificate. Pilots who choose to be trained under Part 61 undergo professional training that includes a number of knowledge and experience requirements. Holding a Part 61 pilot certificate allows you to fly commercially, but under Part 107, commercial operators no longer need a pilot’s license. The FAA drone rules only require prospective operators to pass the aeronautical knowledge test and obtain a sUAS Small Operator Certificate.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

Another term that has caused a buzz in the drone community is the NPRM. The four-letter acronym stands for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a 195 page proposal describing arrangements that would change the rules for commercial UAS operators. When the NPRM was published in February 2015, it was the first time anybody had heard about the new Part 107 FAA drone rules. Although it was unknown exactly when these guidelines would go into effect, the document highlighted several rule changes such as the removal of the Section 333 exemption and the introduction of the aeronautical knowledge test that satisfies 3 of the 4 current UAS certifications. The NPRM is no longer relevant now that Part 107 is available.

BLOS Certificate

Under Part 107, operators must maintain a visual line of sight at all times. This means that flying is prohibited if, at any point, the operator or visual observer cannot see your drone. Some commercial operators don’t have a problem with this rule, but others find it impeding if they are hoping to make long-distance deliveries or large inspections. Part 107 contains a provision that allows operators to apply for a BLOS certificate – “beyond line of sight.” Once granted a specific certificate by the FAA, operators can perform flights such as fly over people and operate a drone at night. We talk about this more in the “Waiver” section of this article.

Section 333 Exemption

Before Part 107 was introduced, obtaining a Section 333 exemption was mandatory in becoming a commercially certified pilot. A 333 exemption is a 12-20 page document submitted to the FAA that takes 4-7 months to get granted. Unlike hobbyists, commercial operators had to get the nod from the FAA by filing for an exemption and having it approved. Commercial pilots paid anywhere between $500 – $5,000 to have an exemption filed for them, and long wait times made getting one a hassle. Thankfully, prospective UAV operators no longer need a 333 exemption or a pilot’s license to fly commercially. Part 107 is designed to allow commercial drone use without an exemption, thus making the certification process a lot smoother.

Drone License

A drone license is no different than a sUAS Small Operator Certificate. Once you hold a certificate, you can legally operate a UAV under 55lbs. for commercial purposes.

The Airman Knowledge Test

The Airman Knowledge Test is your ticket into the aerospace industry. It’s the same thing as the aeronautical knowledge test, just different wording!