FAA Practice Test

FAA Practice Test

 ▶

FAA Drone Certification: Complete Part 107 License Guide 2026

Get your FAA Part 107 drone certification in 2026. Study requirements, exam topics, practice tests, and career opportunities for commercial drone pilots.

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), or drone, is an aircraft operated without a human pilot aboard, controlled either remotely by an operator or autonomously by onboard computers. Used in military, commercial, and recreational sectors for tasks like surveillance, delivery, and photography, the global drone market is projected to exceed $60 billion by 2025.

Key Takeaways
  • faa part 107: FAA Part 107 Drone Certification Requirements
  • aeronautical knowledge test: What the FAA Drone Knowledge Test Covers
  • drone license: How to Study for the Part 107 Exam
  • commercial drone pilot: Commercial Drone Pilot Career and Salary
  • faa exam: FAA Questions and Answers

Ready to get your official FAA Part 107 drone license? This checklist outlines the key steps for your UAV drone certification. You can prepare for the knowledge exam with our free FAA practice tests to ensure you pass on your first try.

FAA Part 107 Drone Certification Requirements

✅ Be at least 16 years old to take the exam.
🗣️ Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
🧠 Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAV drone.
🆔 Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
🗓️ Schedule an appointment to take the initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
✈️ Pass the Part 107 initial aeronautical knowledge exam, which covers topics like regulations, airspace, and weather.
📝 Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (using your FTN) in IACRA after passing the exam.
🔍 Pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security background check.
🪪 Receive your permanent remote pilot certificate card in the mail after all requirements are met.
Passing the FAA aeronautical knowledge test is the key step to getting your drone certification. This guide covers the essential topics for the FAA Part 107 exam, helping you earn your drone license to operate a uav drone commercially. Be sure to review our FAA Airspace and Weather Minimums Test 1 for practice.

What the FAA Drone Knowledge Test Covers

📜 Regulations

What are the general operating rules under FAA Part 107?
Key rules include maintaining visual line-of-sight (VLOS), operating below 400 feet AGL, yielding right-of-way to manned aircraft, and not flying over people without proper authorization. These regulations are foundational to earning your drone license.
What are the registration requirements for a uav drone?
Drones weighing between 0.55 lbs (250 grams) and 55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. The registration number must be legible and affixed to the exterior of the uav drone.
When is a remote pilot certificate required?
A remote pilot certificate, often called a drone license, is required for any commercial uav drone operations. This includes any flight conducted in furtherance of a business, for compensation, or for hire.

🗺️ Airspace & Requirements

How do you identify different classes of airspace on a sectional chart?
Sectional charts use lines, colors, and numbers to depict airspace classes (B, C, D, E, G). Understanding these is critical for your drone certification test. For example, solid blue lines indicate Class B airspace, while dashed magenta lines indicate Class E to the surface.
What are the requirements for flying a uav drone in controlled airspace?
To fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and some E), you must obtain airspace authorization from the FAA. This is typically done through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system.
What are Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)?
TFRs are areas where air travel is temporarily restricted due to hazards, security concerns (like VIP movements), or special events like wildfires or airshows. Flying a uav drone in a TFR without authorization is a serious violation.

☁️ Weather

What are the minimum weather visibility requirements for Part 107?
The remote pilot must maintain a minimum weather visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station. Additionally, the drone must be kept at least 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from them.
How does atmospheric density affect uav drone performance?
Higher density altitude (caused by high temperatures, high humidity, and high elevation) reduces air density. This leads to decreased propeller efficiency, reduced climb performance, and less overall lift for the uav drone.
Where can you obtain official weather information for a flight?
Pilots should use official sources like the Aviation Weather Center (AWC), METARs (Aviation Routine Weather Reports), and TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts). Relying on standard consumer weather apps is not sufficient for the FAA Part 107 exam.

⚖️ Loading & Performance

Why is understanding a drone's center of gravity (CG) important?
An improper center of gravity can make the uav drone unstable, sluggish, and difficult to control, impacting flight performance and safety. Always adhere to the manufacturer's loading guidelines to ensure the CG is within acceptable limits.
What is the maximum weight for a small unmanned aircraft under Part 107?
A small unmanned aircraft system, including its payload, must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff. This is a key fact for the drone certification exam.
How does weight affect a drone's endurance and maneuverability?
Increasing the weight of a uav drone requires more power to maintain flight, which significantly reduces battery life and flight time. It also increases momentum, making the drone slower to stop and turn.

🚁 Operations

What is Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)?
ADM is a systematic approach to risk assessment and stress management in aviation. For drone pilots, it involves using models like PAVE (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures) to identify hazards and make safe choices before and during a flight.
What preflight inspections are required before operating a uav drone?
The remote pilot in command must conduct a thorough preflight check of the uav drone and its control station. This ensures it's in a condition for safe operation and includes checking propellers, batteries, control links, and GPS signal strength.
What are the responsibilities of the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC)?
The Remote PIC is directly responsible for, and is the final authority on, the operation of the uav drone. This responsibility, a core part of the FAA Part 107 framework, includes ensuring the flight is safe and compliant with all regulations.
Take the FAA Airspace and Weather Minimums Test 1

How to Study for the Part 107 Exam

The path to your official drone certification requires dedicated study. The Aeronautical Knowledge Test, governed by FAA Part 107, covers complex topics far beyond basic UAV drone operation. A strategic approach is essential for success, as the exam is designed to ensure every remote pilot can operate their UAV drone safely within the National Airspace System. Earning your drone license begins with a solid study plan.

To prepare effectively, focus your efforts on the five core knowledge areas tested on the exam:

While the FAA provides a free study guide, the most effective preparation combines official materials with rigorous practice testing. Simulating the exam environment builds confidence and exposes knowledge gaps. We recommend starting with our FAA Part 107 Test: Your Ultimate Guide to structure your learning. Then, test your understanding with our Free FAA Practice Test 2026 Federal Aviation Administration, which uses questions mirroring the real exam's format and difficulty. For visual learners, our FAA Video Questions and Answers can clarify complex topics. Many concepts required for your drone license are foundational to all aviation, as seen in the FAA Private Pilot Exam 3.

A successful study regimen is the cornerstone of earning your drone certification. By mastering these core topics and utilizing high-quality practice exams, you will be well-prepared to pass on your first attempt and begin flying your UAV drone commercially.

Becoming a commercial drone pilot opens up a dynamic career path. Securing your initial drone license through the FAA Part 107 test is the first step, but this drone certification is just the beginning for a professional UAV drone operator. To prepare, you can download free FAA practice test PDF and start studying today.

Commercial Drone Pilot Career and Salary

Free FAA Practice Test — Start Now

FAA Questions and Answers

What is the FAA?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. government agency that regulates civil aviation, including the certification of pilots and drone operators. To earn a certification, you must pass a knowledge test, commonly known as an FAA exam, which covers regulations, airspace, and weather. For commercial drone operators, this specific drone test is the Part 107 exam, which you can prepare for using our FAA Part 107 Test: Your Ultimate Guide. Begin your studies by taking our free FAA practice tests to assess your knowledge.

How much does the FAA cost?

The testing fee for an FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test, such as the Part 107 drone test, is approximately $175, paid directly to the PSI testing center. This fee does not include study materials, which can range from free online resources to paid courses. To reduce costs, use comprehensive tools like our Free FAA Practice Test 2026 Federal Aviation Administrat and review our FAA Video Questions and Answers. Always confirm current pricing on the official FAA testing page before scheduling your FAA exam.

How long does it take to prepare for the FAA?

Study time for an FAA exam varies by individual and certification type, but most candidates for the Part 107 drone test dedicate 15-20 hours over several weeks. For more advanced certifications like the Private Pilot license, preparation can take several months alongside practical flight training. A structured plan using targeted resources like our FAA Airspace and Weather Minimums Test 1 can help focus your efforts. You can also check your readiness with specific section tests like the FAA Private Pilot Exam 3.