FAA Part 107: Lessons & Preparation Route
Short lessons, worked examples, and practice that connects.
Remote-pilot identity and recency
Initial Remote Pilot Certificate eligibility starts at age 16; other eligibility conditions also apply.
Operational limits and exceptions
Small unmanned aircraft under Part 107 weigh less than 55 lb at takeoff, including everything onboard or attached.
Controlled airspace and authorization
Part 107 operations in Class B, C, Dand surfaceClass E designated for an airport need the applicable prior ATC authorization; Class G is uncontrolled but still regulated.
Reading an original airspace diagram
AGL is height above the local ground; MSL is altitude above mean sea level. For supplied values, AGL=MSL altitude−terrain MSL elevation.
Weather observations and coded reports
A supplied METAR wind group gives true direction and speed inknots; Gintroduces gust speed. Compute gust increment as gust minus sustained speed.
Weather decisions and margins
Higher temperature and altitude generally reduce air density, which can reduce aircraft performance; numerical capability must come from the aircraft's applicable data.
Loading, energy and performance
Use the supplied aircraft-specific mass limit and include all onboard/attached items. A learning calculation does not establish an actual aircraft limit.
Preflight decisions and inspection
Before flight, the remote PIC must ensure that the small UAS is in condition for safe operation; finding a defect should change the decision.
Visual contact and crew coordination
The required visual line of sight is not replaced by a camera feed or binocular-only observation; crew arrangements must satisfy the actual VLOS requirements.
Abnormal situations and reporting
The remote PIC must manage hazards and may deviate from a rule to the extent necessary to address an in-flight emergency; any requested written report is a separate duty.
Night operations and people
Routine night operations can occur under current Part 107 when pilot training/testing and aircraft anti-collision-light conditions are met; night does not always require a waiver.
Registration and Remote ID
Part 107 aircraft registration is per drone and applies even below the recreational 250 g threshold; recreational registration is not the same operation-type registration.
Selected current Part 107 initial knowledge foundations; not complete official test coverage.