Official FAA Resources for Part 107

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the definitive source for all Part 107 regulations and safety guidance. The agency’s website hosts a wealth of materials designed specifically for commercial drone pilots. Start with the FAA Drone Zone portal, where you can apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate, register your drone, and manage renewals. The site also links directly to the Part 107 Rules page, which contains the full regulatory text alongside plain‑language summaries that clarify common operational limits, such as altitude caps, airspace restrictions, and daylight‑only operations.

For exam preparation, the Knowledge Test Guide outlines exactly what topics appear on the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test. This guide lists every subject area — from airspace classification and weather effects to crew resource management — and points you to the associated advisory circulars and other study materials. The FAA also publishes Advisory Circular 107-2B, which explains how to legally fly a small UAS under Part 107. It is a must‑read for anyone hoping to understand the “why” behind each rule. Finally, the FAA offers a free online course called “Part 107 Made Simple” through its FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website. This interactive module covers the basics of waiver applications, maintenance requirements, and emergency procedures.

Comprehensive Online Training Courses

While official FAA materials are essential, many pilots find structured video courses more engaging for mastering the nuances of the Part 107 exam. Several platforms have distinguished themselves by combining high‑quality instruction with realistic practice tests and safety simulations.

Remote Pilot 101

Remote Pilot 101 offers a self‑paced course that covers all FAA‑listed topics in a logical sequence. Each module ends with a quiz that mimics actual exam questions, and the full‑length practice exams reset periodically so you can track improvement. The course also dedicates a full section to safety procedures — from pre‑flight risk assessment to post‑flight battery handling. Many students appreciate the downloadable study guides and the active Facebook community where instructors answer questions directly.

Pilot Institute

Pilot Institute’s Part 107 course is known for its visual approach. Animations explain complex concepts like reading sectional charts, calculating density altitude, and understanding NOTAMs. The course includes a “Safety Briefing” module that goes beyond rote memorization, teaching practical risk‑mitigation strategies such as maintaining terrain awareness and evaluating wind shear in low‑altitude flights. Pilot Institute also provides lifetime access, which is valuable because the course is regularly updated whenever the FAA revises the exam.

DARTdrones

DARTdrones offers both online and in‑person training options. Their Part 107 prep course is divided into short, digestible segments that fit into a busy schedule. A standout feature is the “Real‑World Scenarios” section, where you watch a flight unfold and identify potential regulatory violations or safety hazards. DARTdrones also runs periodic webinars on topics like flying near airports and requesting airspace authorizations through LAANC. Their instructors are often current commercial pilots who share firsthand experiences.

UAV Coach

Although not a course per se, UAV Coach maintains an extensive library of free articles, checklists, and a popular podcast that covers Part 107 updates. Their free “Drone Pilot’s Guide to Part 107” PDF is a handy reference for rules like the visual line‑of‑sight requirement and the prohibition on flying over people without a waiver. The site’s blog posts frequently compare different training providers, helping you decide which course fits your learning style and budget.

Educational Websites, Forums, and Community Support

No single course can cover every edge case or keep you current with rapidly changing drone regulations. Community‑driven platforms fill that gap by providing continuous learning, peer support, and timely news.

DJI Education Resources

DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, produces official safety‑ and regulation‑focused content. Their DJI Education website offers interactive tutorials on topics like geofence zones, remote ID compliance, and the AeroScope system. The site also links to country‑specific regulations, though U.S. Part 107 content is highlighted. DJI’s FlySafe portal shows up‑to‑date airspace restrictions and can help you plan flights near controlled fields.

DroneU

DroneU is more than just a training platform — it runs a large community forum where Part 107 holders discuss everything from waiver applications to best practices for night flying (now permitted under the updated rule). The site’s “Regulation Watch” column tracks pending FAA changes and explains how they affect commercial operations. DroneU also publishes case studies of real drone inspections, mapping missions, and search‑and‑rescue flights, illustrating how safety procedures are applied on the job.

Reddit – r/drones and r/Part107

Reddit hosts active communities where both new and experienced pilots share advice. The r/drones subreddit features daily threads on Part 107 exam questions, tricky airspace interpretations, and common mistakes during checkrides. The smaller but more focused r/Part107 subreddit is an excellent place to ask specific regulatory questions; many contributors are certified flight instructors or FAA safety team members. Reddit’s upvote system quickly surfaces the most accurate answers, and users often link directly to FAA sources.

Commercial Drone Alliance

For advanced users, the Commercial Drone Alliance is a non‑profit organization that advocates for smart drone policy. Its website publishes white papers on waivers, airspace integration, and privacy best practices. Membership includes access to webinars featuring FAA officials, which can give you inside perspective on upcoming rule changes.

Understanding the Core Part 107 Requirements

Before diving into resources, it helps to know exactly what Part 107 requires. The regulation applies to any drone weighing less than 55 pounds used for commercial purposes. Key operational limits include:

  • Visual line of sight at all times — no flying beyond what you can see with unaided vision.
  • Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).
  • Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level, or within 400 feet of a structure.
  • Daylight or civil twilight only (unless you hold a night‑flying waiver or rely on the newer rule that allows night operations with anti‑collision lighting).
  • Yield right of way to manned aircraft at all times.
  • No flying over people unless your drone meets specific Category requirements (e.g., no exposed rotating parts, low kinetic energy).

Additionally, the Remote Pilot in Command must be at least 16 years old, be vetted by the TSA, and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test. The certificate is valid for 24 months; to renew, you must either retake the knowledge test or complete an online recurrent course (the FAA offers a free recurrent training program).

Preparing for the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test

The UAG test consists of 60 multiple‑choice questions, with a passing score of 70%. Most official test centers charge $175, but some resources offer discount codes. The major subject areas (by rough percentage of questions) are:

  • Airspace classification and requirements (~15%) – Learning how to read sectional charts, identify controlled airspace, and apply for LAANC authorization.
  • Weather and micro‑meteorology (~12%) – Understanding METARs, TAFs, and how terrain affects wind at low altitudes.
  • Loading and performance (~10%) – Calculating weight and balance, battery performance at different temperatures, and density altitude effects.
  • Emergency procedures (~10%) – Dealing with loss of GPS, lost link, motor failure, and flyaways.
  • Crew resource management (~8%) – Effective communication between pilot and visual observer, plus pre‑flight planning.
  • Regulations (~25%) – Direct recall of Part 107 rules, waiver processes, and remote ID requirements.
  • Radio communication procedures (~5%) – Appropriate frequencies and phraseology for contacting control towers.
  • Miscellaneous (~15%) – Physiology (e.g., effects of altitude on pilots), airport operations, and charts.

To study effectively, use a combination of official FAA materials, a structured course, and frequent practice tests. Most online courses include at least five full‑length exams. Aim for a consistent score of 85% or higher before scheduling your test. The FAA’s sample questions are also available for free at this link.

Staying Current with Regulatory Changes

The FAA revises Part 107 periodically. Recent updates include the Remote ID rule (effective September 2023 for most operators), the expanded ability to fly over people (Category 1–4), and the relaxation of night flying restrictions. To stay current, bookmark the FAA UAS Integration Office webpage and subscribe to the FAA Drone Zone Newsletter. Additionally, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) publishes a monthly regulatory update; while membership is paid, many of their articles are publicly accessible.

Another reliable source is DroneLife.com, an industry news site that covers legislative movements, enforcement actions, and waiver approvals. Their “Regulations” section is updated almost daily. If you operate under a specific waiver (e.g., for operations over people or beyond visual line of sight), the FAA’s own waiver database lets you search approved authorizations to see what others have done — a great way to understand how regulators think.

Practical Safety Procedures Beyond Regulations

Regulations set the legal floor; real‑world safety requires going above that minimum. The following practices are taught in the best online resources and should be part of every pre‑flight routine.

Pre‑Flight Inspection Checklist

Always perform a detailed inspection before arming the motors. Use a printed or electronic checklist that includes:

  • Airframe – Check for cracks, loose screws, and propeller nicks.
  • Motors – Spin freely, listen for grinding, and ensure ESCs are cool.
  • Battery – Verify full charge, physical swelling, and secure mounting. Check voltage after resting for 15 minutes.
  • Propellers – Ensure correct orientation and tightness. Replace if any edge is chipped.
  • Gimbal and camera – No obstructions, lens clean, SD card inserted and formatted.
  • GPS and compass – Confirm satellite lock and calibrate if necessary (especially if you traveled 50+ miles).
  • Remote controller – Fully charged, antenna orientation proper, cable connections secure.
  • Environment – Check NOTAMs, TFRs, weather radar, and wind speeds at flight altitude.

Weather Awareness

Part 107 does not explicitly forbid flying in rain or snow, but prudent operators avoid precip that can damage electronics or obscure vision. Use apps like Windy or Aviation Weather Center for low‑level forecasts. Pay special attention to wind gusts — many drones have a maximum wind rating of 20–25 mph, but safe flying often requires staying below 15 mph for stable footage or mapping.

Maintaining Line of Sight

The “visual line of sight” (VLOS) rule is the most frequently violated Part 107 requirement. Use a visual observer if you plan to focus on a screen. Even with FPV goggles, you must have a spotter maintaining unaided sight. Consider using a secondary orientation light on the drone’s belly for twilight flights.

Privacy and Public Perception

While Part 107 does not directly address privacy, state laws and common‑law torts apply. Always avoid flying over private property without permission, and never record where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) publishes voluntary best practices for drone privacy — a handy reference for building your own operational guidelines. In practice, notify nearby residents or businesses before a flight, and be prepared to land if someone voices concern.

Putting It All Together: A Suggested Learning Path

To efficiently master Part 107 regulations and safety procedures, follow this sequence:

  1. Read the FAA’s Knowledge Test Guide to understand the exam structure.
  2. Take a full structured course — Pilot Institute or Remote Pilot 101 are excellent starting points.
  3. Supplement with the FAA Advisory Circular 107-2B for deeper rule explanations.
  4. Join a community like r/Part107 or DroneU to ask questions and see real‑world scenarios.
  5. Practice with at least five full‑length tests until you consistently score 85%+.
  6. Pass the exam, then immediately apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate via the IACRA system.
  7. Establish a safety checklist and review it before every flight, even after certification.
  8. Subscribe to FAA Drone Zone newsletter and AUVSI updates to stay current.

Remember, Part 107 is a living framework. The best drone professionals treat regulatory education as an ongoing habit, not a one‑time event. By leveraging the resources described above — official FAA channels, well‑designed online courses, active forums, and a personal commitment to thorough safety procedures — you will not only pass the knowledge test but also build the foundation for a long, compliant, and injury‑free career as a remote pilot.