Introduction to Part 107 Preparation

Earning your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate opens the door to commercial drone operations, but the exam requires focused study and hands-on practice. Whether you are a hobbyist looking to monetize your flights or a professional entering the UAS industry, a structured study plan is essential. This guide reviews the most effective resources—official FAA materials, online courses, practice tests, mobile apps, and community support—to help you pass the test on your first attempt.

Official FAA Resources

The Federal Aviation Administration provides the authoritative foundation for Part 107 exam content. Relying on these primary sources ensures you are studying the exact regulations and concepts that appear on the test.

FAA Part 107 Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-17A)

The official study guide, FAA-G-8082-17A, is the single most important document. It covers all knowledge areas: airspace classification, weather effects, loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication procedures, and airport operations. Download it free from the FAA website.

Knowledge Test Outline

The FAA Knowledge Test Outline (available on the FAA’s Testing & Training page) lists every topic and subtopic with the number of questions per area. Use this as a checklist to track your coverage.

Sample Questions

The FAA releases sample questions that mirror the actual test format. Practicing these helps you understand phrasing and distractors. Combine them with the official Advisory Circulars (e.g., AC 107-2) for deeper regulatory insight.

Online Study Courses

Structured courses save time by organizing content into digestible lessons, often with video, quizzes, and instructor support. Here are the most trusted providers.

Remote Pilot 101

Remote Pilot 101 offers a thorough video course covering all test subjects, plus a generous guarantee: if you fail after completing their course, they refund your exam fee. Their practice exams closely simulate the real test environment.

Visit Remote Pilot 101 →

Drone Pilot Ground School

Created by Greg Reverdiau, a former FAA aviation safety inspector, this course is known for its depth and accuracy. It includes animated weather lessons, interactive airspace diagrams, and unlimited practice tests. The course has a 99% pass rate among students who complete it.

Visit Drone Pilot Ground School →

Pilot Institute Part 107 Course

Pilot Institute provides a self-paced online course with over 200 practice questions, downloadable cheat sheets, and lifetime access. Their video lessons are concise and focus on the most frequently tested topics. The course also covers night operations and recent regulatory updates.

Visit Pilot Institute →

Udemy Part 107 Courses

Udemy hosts several affordable courses from different instructors. Look for offerings with high ratings and recent updates (post-2021 to include night waiver topics). Courses like “FAA Part 107 Drone Certification Test Prep” often go on sale for under $20.

Practice Tests and Sample Questions

Taking timed, full-length practice exams is critical. They build test stamina, reveal weak areas, and familiarize you with the question style. Use these reliable sources.

FAA Practice Test Websites

Sites such as Part107Study.com and 3DR Part 107 Practice Test offer free quizzes covering airspace, weather, and regulations. For more comprehensive banks, DroneU and UAV Coach provide paid exams with detailed explanations for each answer.

Mobile Apps for Practice

  • Drone Pilot Ground School App – syncs with the online course, includes flashcards and timed tests.
  • Pilot Institute App – offers hundreds of practice questions and progress tracking.
  • FAA Part 107 Test Prep (by DARTdrones) – features real exam-like interface and scenario questions.

Online Question Banks

Many providers sell question banks separate from their full courses. Prepware Remote Pilot (by ASA) is a computer-based test simulation widely recommended. It draws from a large pool of questions and provides performance statistics.

Additional Study Strategies for High Scores

Beyond selecting resources, how you study matters. Implement these proven techniques to maximize retention.

Create a Study Schedule

Dedicate 1–2 hours per day for 2–3 weeks. Break topics into small chunks: one day for airspace classifications, another for weather, etc. Use the FAA Knowledge Test Outline to allocate time proportionally.

Master the Charts

Sectional charts appear on many exam questions. Learn to identify airspace boundaries, special use airspace, obstacles, and symbols. Use the FAA’s Chart User’s Guide (free PDF) for reference.

Understand Weather Products

METARs, TAFs, and weather charts are heavily tested. Practice decoding them daily. The Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28) is a valuable supplement.

Review Night Operations and Waiver Topics

Since 2021, the test includes questions about night operations (lighting, anti-collision lights, and crew resource management at night). Ensure your study materials cover the updated curriculum.

Take At Least 5 Full-Length Practice Exams

Simulate exam conditions: no notes, 2-hour time limit, and a score of 70% or higher. Review every incorrect answer by re-reading the relevant FAA source.

Mobile Apps and Tools for On-the-Go Study

Busy schedules demand flexible learning. These apps allow you to study in short bursts.

  • Anki Flashcards – create custom decks for Part 107 terms and acronyms. Spaced repetition boosts long-term retention.
  • FAA Part 107 License Test (by Hammad) – a free app with over 500 questions, detailed explanations, and a progress dashboard.
  • Sporty’s Remote Pilot App – includes video segments from actual flight instructors and does not require internet after download.

Study Groups and Online Communities

Learning with peers clarifies confusing topics and keeps motivation high. Consider joining:

  • FAA Part 107 Study Group on Facebook – active community sharing tips and recent test experiences.
  • Reddit’s r/drones and r/CommercialDrones – threads often discuss tricky questions and update changes.
  • Local Drone Clubs – visit AMA Club Finder to find nearby groups that offer in-person study sessions.

Final Words of Guidance

The Part 107 exam is challenging but thoroughly passable with the right preparation. Start with the official FAA documents, choose a structured online course that matches your learning style, and drill with multiple practice tests. Use mobile apps to fill downtime, and don’t hesitate to ask questions in study forums. By combining these resources with a consistent schedule, you will build the knowledge and confidence needed to earn your Remote Pilot Certificate and begin your commercial drone career.