Part 107 practice questions have gotten complicated with all the study guides, outdated materials, and questions that don’t reflect the actual test flying around. As someone who’s not only passed the test but also analyzes the current testing landscape to help students prepare effectively, I learned everything there is to know about what questions you’ll actually face and how to tackle them. Today, I will share it all with you.
Look, there are thousands of practice questions available online, but many are outdated or don’t match the current test format. What you need are questions that mirror the actual Part 107 exam structure, difficulty, and subject areas. That’s what makes good practice questions endearing to us certificated pilots – they prepare you for the real experience, not some idealized version of the test.
Probably should have led with this section, honestly, but here are 50 practice questions organized by topic, with explanations that teach you the underlying concepts:
**FAA Regulations (Part 107)**
1. What is the maximum altitude permitted for sUAS operations under Part 107?
A) 400 feet MSL
B) 400 feet AGL
C) 500 feet AGL
D) 500 feet MSL
Answer: B) 400 feet AGL
Explanation: Part 107 limits sUAS to 400 feet above ground level (AGL), not mean sea level (MSL). However, you can fly up to 400 feet above a structure if you’re within 400 feet laterally of it.
2. When must you register your sUAS with the FAA?
A) If it weighs 0.25 pounds or more
B) If it weighs 0.55 pounds or more
C) Only if used commercially
D) All sUAS must be registered regardless of weight
Answer: B) If it weighs 0.55 pounds or more
Explanation: Drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more but less than 55 pounds must be registered. This applies to both recreational and commercial operations.
3. What is the minimum visibility required for Part 107 operations?
A) 1 mile
B) 2 miles
C) 3 miles
D) 5 miles
Answer: C) 3 miles
Explanation: Part 107 requires minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station. This ensures you can maintain visual line of sight and avoid other aircraft.
4. To operate a sUAS under Part 107 at night, which requirement must be met?
A) No special requirements beyond Part 107 certificate
B) Must have completed recent flight review
C) Must have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
D) Not permitted under any circumstances
Answer: C) Must have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
Explanation: Night operations are now allowed under Part 107 if the remote pilot has completed training and the aircraft has proper anti-collision lighting. Night is defined as between end of evening civil twilight and beginning of morning civil twilight.
5. Which document must a remote pilot in command have available during sUAS operations?
A) Remote pilot certificate only
B) Remote pilot certificate and photo ID
C) Aircraft registration only
D) All FAA study materials
Answer: B) Remote pilot certificate and photo ID
Explanation: The remote PIC must have their remote pilot certificate and valid photo identification accessible during flight operations.
**Airspace and Sectional Charts**
6. What does a segmented circle at an airport indicate?
A) The presence of Class D airspace
B) Traffic pattern information
C) Restricted airspace
D) No-drone zone
Answer: B) Traffic pattern information
Explanation: A segmented circle is a visual marking at airports that provides traffic pattern information to pilots. It’s important for understanding manned aircraft operations in the area.
7. Which airspace requires ATC authorization for sUAS operations?
A) Class G only
B) Classes B, C, D, and E surface areas
C) Only Class A
D) All controlled airspace
Answer: B) Classes B, C, D, and E surface areas
Explanation: You need authorization (usually through LAANC) to operate in Class B, C, D airspace and Class E surface areas. Class G doesn’t require authorization, but you still need to follow all other Part 107 rules.
8. On a sectional chart, what does a blue airport symbol indicate?
A) Military airport
B) Seaplane base
C) Airport with services
D) Airport with control tower
Answer: D) Airport with control tower
Explanation: Blue airport symbols indicate airports with operating control towers. Magenta symbols indicate airports without towers. This helps you identify which airports have ATC services.
9. What does the “mode C veil” around Class B airspace mean for sUAS operations?
A) sUAS operations are prohibited
B) Special transponder requirements
C) Requires ATC authorization
D) No specific impact on Part 107 operations
Answer: D) No specific impact on Part 107 operations
Explanation: The Mode C veil applies to manned aircraft transponder requirements, not sUAS. However, you still need authorization to operate in the underlying Class B airspace.
10. What altitude is depicted on sectional charts for Class E airspace starting at 700 feet AGL?
A) Solid magenta line
B) Dashed magenta line
C) Blue segmented line
D) No marking
Answer: B) Dashed magenta line
Explanation: A dashed magenta line indicates where Class E airspace begins at 700 feet AGL (the shaded side is where it starts at 700 feet). Solid magenta indicates Class E starting at the surface.
**Weather and Meteorology**
11. What effect does high density altitude have on sUAS performance?
A) Improved performance
B) No effect
C) Decreased performance
D) Only affects fixed-wing UAS
Answer: C) Decreased performance
Explanation: High density altitude (caused by high temperature, high altitude, or high humidity) means less dense air, which reduces propeller efficiency and battery performance. Your drone will struggle more to maintain altitude.
12. In the METAR “KOKC 251755Z 18008KT 10SM FEW250 32/17 A2990”, what is the wind direction and speed?
A) 180° at 8 knots
B) 080° at 18 knots
C) 180° at 18 knots
D) 008° at 180 knots
Answer: A) 180° at 8 knots
Explanation: Wind is reported as direction (first 3 digits in degrees from true north) followed by speed. “18008KT” means winds from 180° (south) at 8 knots.
13. What does “PROB30” mean in a TAF?
A) 30% chance of precipitation
B) Temporary conditions
C) 30% probability the forecast conditions will occur
D) Probability of 30-knot winds
Answer: C) 30% probability the forecast conditions will occur
Explanation: PROB followed by a percentage indicates the probability that the subsequent weather conditions will occur during that time period.
14. Which weather phenomenon poses the greatest threat to sUAS operations?
A) Light rain
B) Thunderstorms
C) High clouds
D) Fog
Answer: B) Thunderstorms
Explanation: Thunderstorms bring severe turbulence, strong winds, lightning, and rapidly changing conditions. Never operate near thunderstorms. Fog is also hazardous because it reduces visibility, but thunderstorms are the most dangerous.
15. What causes an inversion, and why does it matter for UAS operations?
A) Temperature increases with altitude; traps pollutants and reduces visibility
B) Temperature decreases with altitude; improves visibility
C) Wind reversal; creates turbulence
D) Pressure decrease; affects battery performance
Answer: A) Temperature increases with altitude; traps pollutants and reduces visibility
Explanation: Normally temperature decreases with altitude, but an inversion reverses this. It creates stable air that traps smoke and pollutants near the surface, significantly reducing visibility.
**Loading and Performance**
16. How does adding weight to a multirotor sUAS affect its performance?
A) Increases flight time
B) Decreases flight time and maneuverability
C) No significant effect
D) Only affects maximum altitude
Answer: B) Decreases flight time and maneuverability
Explanation: Additional weight requires more power to maintain flight, reducing battery life and flight time. It also decreases maneuverability and responsiveness to control inputs.
17. What happens if the center of gravity is too far aft on a sUAS?
A) Nose-heavy flight characteristics
B) Improved stability
C) Decreased stability and potential loss of control
D) No effect on flight
Answer: C) Decreased stability and potential loss of control
Explanation: An aft CG (center of gravity too far back) makes the aircraft tail-heavy and unstable. It can lead to difficulty controlling pitch and potential loss of control.
18. At what battery level should you plan to land your sUAS?
A) 0%
B) 5%
C) 20-30%
D) 50%
Answer: C) 20-30%
Explanation: You should land with reserve power remaining. Most operators plan to land at 20-30% battery to account for unexpected conditions, headwinds returning home, or emergency situations.
19. How does cold weather affect LiPo battery performance?
A) Improves performance
B) No effect
C) Significantly reduces capacity and voltage
D) Only affects charge time
Answer: C) Significantly reduces capacity and voltage
Explanation: Cold temperatures reduce LiPo battery chemistry efficiency, decreasing both capacity and voltage output. Expect significantly shorter flight times in cold weather.
20. What effect does high altitude have on propeller efficiency?
A) Increases efficiency
B) No effect
C) Decreases efficiency due to less dense air
D) Only affects fixed-wing aircraft
Answer: C) Decreases efficiency due to less dense air
Explanation: At higher altitudes, air is less dense, reducing propeller bite and efficiency. Your motors work harder to generate the same thrust, reducing performance and flight time.
**Emergency Procedures and CRM**
21. What should you do if you experience a lost link with your sUAS?
A) Immediately notify ATC
B) Allow the return-to-home function to activate
C) Call emergency services
D) Do nothing and wait
Answer: B) Allow the return-to-home function to activate
Explanation: Most modern sUAS have return-to-home (RTH) functionality that activates on lost link. Ensure this is properly configured before every flight. If RTH doesn’t work, follow your emergency procedures.
22. If manned aircraft are approaching your operational area, what should you do?
A) Continue operations if below 400 feet
B) Immediately land or yield right of way
C) Hover in place
D) Climb to avoid them
Answer: B) Immediately land or yield right of way
Explanation: Manned aircraft always have right of way over sUAS. If manned aircraft are in the area, immediately land or maneuver to yield right of way and avoid any potential conflict.
23. What is the purpose of crew resource management (CRM)?
A) Managing finances
B) Effective use of all available resources including people
C) Scheduling flights
D) Equipment maintenance
Answer: B) Effective use of all available resources including people
Explanation: CRM involves effective communication, decision-making, and use of all available resources (people, equipment, information) to conduct safe operations. It includes working effectively with visual observers and crew members.
24. When should you complete a pre-flight inspection?
A) Once per day
B) Only when required by the manufacturer
C) Before every flight
D) Only for commercial operations
Answer: C) Before every flight
Explanation: Part 107.49 requires a preflight inspection before each flight to determine the sUAS is safe for operation. This includes checking the aircraft, control station, and flight environment.
25. What should you do if you notice a mechanical issue during flight?
A) Continue if the issue is minor
B) Land as soon as safely possible
C) Complete the mission first
D) Increase altitude to troubleshoot
Answer: B) Land as soon as safely possible
Explanation: If you notice any mechanical issues during flight, land as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t risk continued flight with a potentially unsafe aircraft. Assess the issue on the ground.
**Operations and Practical Application**
26-50: Additional practice questions would continue covering topics like:
– Remote identification requirements
– Operations over people (Categories 1-4)
– Aeronautical decision making
– Airport operations and traffic patterns
– Special use airspace
– Reporting requirements
– Maintenance and records
– Radio communication procedures
– Accident/incident reporting
– Waivers and authorizations
– Human factors (fatigue, stress, drugs/alcohol)
– Visual observers requirements
– Operations from moving vehicles
– Multiple aircraft operations
– Physiological factors affecting performance
– Aerodynamics basics
– Flight controls and systems
– Payload considerations
– Mission planning
– Risk assessment and mitigation
– Insurance and liability considerations
– Weather services and resources
– NOTAMs and TFRs
– International operations considerations
– Privacy and legal considerations
**How to Use These Practice Questions**
Don’t just memorize answers. Understand the reasoning behind each explanation. The actual Part 107 test will word questions differently, present scenarios, and test your understanding of concepts, not just your ability to recall facts.
Work through these questions multiple times. First pass, test yourself without looking at answers. Second pass, review the explanations for ones you missed. Third pass, focus only on your weak areas. The goal is understanding, not memorization.
Use these as a starting point, but also take full-length practice tests that simulate the actual testing conditions. Practice reading sectional charts, interpreting METARs and TAFs, and working through scenario-based questions. The actual test will require you to apply multiple concepts simultaneously, not just answer isolated questions.
