The Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) test is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) professionally. This certification ensures that pilots have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate drones safely and effectively. In this guide, we will explore the requirements for UAG certification, provide a study guide to help you ace the exam, discuss the costs associated with obtaining a UAG license, explore into pilot training, and highlight essential safety protocols. Practice with the free UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

Candidates targeting this certification can strengthen their exam readiness with our FAA sectional chart test 2026, which covers the key content areas and question formats tested in the official exam.

UAG Exam at a Glance

What changed for UAG in 2026

• Oct 26, 2026: Beginning October 26, 2026, the FAA UAG test will include image-based questions not found in the printed testing supplements, using current sectional chart images. The September 2026 advisory marks this date as corrected from the previous edition.^[4]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to Age 16+, English proficiency, fit to fly (previously Age 16+, English proficiency, fit to fly, pass the UAG).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Other (update 2026-10-26) changed to Beginning October 26, 2026, the FAA UAG test will include image-based questions not found in the printed testing supplements, using current sectional chart images. The September 2026 advisory marks this date as corrected from the previous edition. (previously Starting October 26, 2026, the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test will include image-based questions using current sectional chart images that are not in the printed testing supplement. The September 2026 advisory corrected this date from the October 27 given in earlier editions.).^[4]

Free UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Study Tools

Interactive UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to Federal Aviation Administration, “UAG Unmanned Aircraft General - Small 60 14 2.0 70”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through UAG questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which of the following automated weather systems is generally more sophisticated, providing information on the type and intensity of precipitation, and is a joint effort by the NWS, FAA, and DOD?

1. AWIS (Automated Weather Information Service)
2. ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)
3. ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)
4. AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System)

Answer: B. ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)

Explanation:

The correct answer is ASOS. It is the more sophisticated automated surface weather system, it reports the type and intensity of precipitation, and it is a joint effort by the NWS, FAA and DOD.

AWOS is the simpler system and may not report precipitation type and intensity, so it is the tempting near-miss. ATIS is a recorded broadcast of airport information, not a sensor network that measures weather. AWIS is a weather information service, not the joint observing program the question describes.

Rule to remember: when a question stresses advanced reporting and a joint agency effort, think ASOS. When it describes a simpler observing system, think AWOS.

Example 2

Question: A remote pilot is conducting an operation when the sUAS fails to respond to control inputs and begins to fly away erratically, a situation known as a 'flyaway'. What is the pilot's most critical and immediate responsibility?

1. Attempting to regain the control link by rebooting the control station.
2. Monitoring the aircraft's location and trajectory to warn air traffic control and ensure public safety.
3. Immediately driving in the direction of the flyaway to recover the expensive asset.
4. Documenting the last known GPS coordinates for the insurance claim.

Answer: B. Monitoring the aircraft's location and trajectory to warn air traffic control and ensure public safety.

Explanation:

The correct answer is to monitor the aircraft's location and trajectory and warn air traffic control and people nearby. In a flyaway, the priority shifts from saving the aircraft to protecting people and other aircraft.

Rebooting the control station is a reasonable later attempt, but it is not the most critical immediate duty while the aircraft is flying erratically. Driving after the aircraft puts you at risk, splits your attention and puts a piece of equipment ahead of safety. Writing down the last known coordinates helps with a claim or a search, but it does not reduce the hazard in the moment.

Rule to remember: in an emergency, safety of people and other airspace users comes before recovering the aircraft.

Example 3

Question: Under what condition is a Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) allowed to operate a small unmanned aircraft from a moving vehicle?

1. During daylight hours only.
2. When the vehicle is moving slower than 25 mph.
3. When operating over a sparsely populated area.
4. For the purposes of transporting property for compensation or hire.

Answer: C. When operating over a sparsely populated area.

Explanation:

The correct answer is that operating from a moving vehicle is allowed over a sparsely populated area. The rule is about where the operation takes place.

Daylight hours only is wrong because time of day is not the condition that permits vehicle operation. A speed limit of 25 mph is a distractor: the rule does not set a vehicle speed. Transporting property for compensation or hire is wrong because the rule does not allow that kind of operation from a moving vehicle.

Rule to remember: for moving-vehicle operations, look for the area condition, not speed or time of day, and watch for the exclusion on carrying property for hire.

How to use these practice tests

Start by reading the FAA's own material so you know the official wording. Then take a short practice set on each topic we list and note which ones feel weakest. Do not worry about your overall score at this stage; the goal is to find gaps.

Spend most of your time on the weak topics. Work through the set, read every explanation, and write the rule behind each miss in your own words. Pay attention to questions where you chose a tempting wrong option, since those usually show a habit of thinking that needs fixing. Regulations, airspace and charts, weather sources and emergency procedures are good places to look for rules you can state in a single sentence.

Closer to test day, mix topics so you are not relying on the order of a set. Practise answering at a steady pace, because the real test has 60 questions and a 2-hour limit, which leaves time to review. Treat our questions as practice, not as a preview of the real exam. If you do not reach 70% on your practice, go back to the official material instead of repeating the same questions until you remember the answers.

Key Takeaways:

Free UAG Practice Test Online

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• A sound physical and mental condition is necessary.
• Passing the FAA’s Part 107 exam is mandatory.
• Study FAA regulations, airspace classification, weather, loading, emergency procedures, radio communication, and decision-making.
• Use official FAA resources and take practice tests.
• Join study groups and consider prep courses.

UAG Certification Requirements: What You Need to Know

To become a certified UAG pilot, you must meet specific requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Understanding these prerequisites is essential to ensure a smooth certification process.

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for the UAG certification.
• Language Proficiency: You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Physical and Mental Condition: You must be in a physical and mental condition that allows you to safely operate a UAS.
• Knowledge Test: You must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test, also known as the Part 107 exam.

Study Topics:

UAG Exam Study Guide: Ace Your Test Prep

Preparing for the UAG test requires a comprehensive understanding of various topics related to unmanned aircraft systems. Here’s a study guide to help you succeed.

• Regulations: Familiarize yourself with FAA regulations, including Part 107 rules.
• Airspace Classification: Understand different classes of airspace and their operating requirements.
• Weather: Learn about weather effects on UAS performance and safety.
• Loading and Performance: Study how loading affects UAS performance.
• Emergency Procedures: Know the emergency procedures for UAS operations.
• Radio Communication: Learn basic radio communication procedures.
• Aeronautical Decision-Making: Develop skills for making informed decisions during UAS operations.

Study Tips:

• Use Official FAA Resources: Use the FAA’s study materials and guidelines.
• Take Practice Tests: Practice with sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Join Study Groups: Collaborate with others preparing for the test to exchange knowledge and tips.
• Attend a Prep Course: Consider enrolling in a Part 107 prep course for structured learning.

Cost Breakdown:

UAG License Cost: What You Need to Know

Obtaining a UAG license involves several costs. Being aware of these expenses will help you budget effectively.

• Test Fee: The Part 107 exam fee is approximately $150.
• Training Materials: Costs for study guides, books, and online resources can range from $50 to $200.
• Prep Courses: Enrollment in a prep course can cost between $100 and $500.
• Renewal Fee: The UAG certification must be renewed every 24 months, with a renewal fee similar to the initial test fee.

Additional Costs:

• Insurance: Liability insurance for commercial drone operations can vary widely based on coverage.
• Equipment: Costs for UAS equipment and accessories can be significant, depending on the type and quality of the drone.

Training Programs:

UAG Pilot Training: Soar to New Heights

Proper training is vital for UAG pilots to ensure safe and efficient drone operations. Here’s what you need to know about UAG pilot training.

• Basic Training: Covers fundamental UAS operation, safety procedures, and FAA regulations.
• Advanced Training: Includes specialized skills such as aerial photography, surveying, and inspection.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical training with real flight experience to develop piloting skills.

Training Providers:

• FAA-Approved Schools: Look for training programs approved by the FAA.
• Online Courses: Many online platforms offer comprehensive UAG training courses.
• Community Colleges: Some community colleges offer UAS training programs as part of their curriculum.

Key Safety Protocols:

UAG Safety Protocols: Ensuring Workplace Protection

Safety is critical in UAG operations. Adhering to established protocols ensures the protection of both the operator and the public.

• Pre-Flight Checklist: Conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection to ensure the UAS is in proper working condition.
• Operational Limits: Adhere to the operational limits set by the FAA, including altitude and speed restrictions.
• Risk Assessment: Perform a risk assessment before each flight to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication with team members and air traffic control when necessary.
• Incident Reporting: Report any incidents or accidents to the appropriate authorities as required by the FAA.

Best Practices:

• Regular Maintenance: Keep the UAS well-maintained to prevent mechanical failures.
• Weather Monitoring: Monitor weather conditions closely and avoid flying in adverse weather.
• Flight Planning: Plan flights carefully, considering factors such as airspace, obstacles, and population density.

• Conduct pre-flight inspections and adhere to operational limits.
• Perform risk assessments and maintain clear communication.
• Report incidents and keep the UAS well-maintained.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. To operate a small unmanned aircraft at night, the remote pilot must ensure the aircraft is equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least:

   • A. 1 statute mile
   • B. 3 statute miles
   • C. 5 nautical miles
   • D. 10 statute miles

   Answer: B. 3 statute miles

   According to 14 CFR § 107.29, for night operations, the small unmanned aircraft must have anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles. The rule also specifies the lights should have a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

2. How does increasing the angle of attack affect the lift generated by an unmanned aircraft's wing?

   • A. It decreases lift
   • B. It has no effect on lift
   • C. It increases lift up to a certain point
   • D. It only affects drag

   Answer: C. It increases lift up to a certain point

   Increasing the angle of attack, which is the angle between the wing's chord line and the oncoming air, generally increases the amount of lift generated by an unmanned aircraft's wing. This is due to greater air deflection downwards, creating more upward force. However, this increase in lift is only effective up to a certain point, known as the critical angle of attack, beyond which a stall occurs.

3. Which document must be available to the remote pilot during the operation of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)?

   • A. UAS registration certificate
   • B. UAS owner's manual
   • C. Pilot's logbook
   • D. Flight plan

   Answer: A. UAS registration certificate

   The FAA requires that the UAS registration certificate be readily available to the remote pilot in command during all unmanned aircraft system operations. This document serves as official proof that the drone is legally registered with the FAA. Having it on hand ensures compliance with federal regulations and facilitates identification if required.

4. In unmanned aircraft, what effect does an increase in airspeed have on the dynamic pressure exerted on the wings?

   • A. It decreases dynamic pressure
   • B. It has no effect on dynamic pressure
   • C. It increases dynamic pressure
   • D. It only affects static pressure

   Answer: C. It increases dynamic pressure

   In unmanned aircraft, an increase in airspeed directly leads to an increase in the dynamic pressure exerted on the wings. Dynamic pressure is a measure of the kinetic energy of the air flowing around the aircraft. Higher airspeed means faster airflow, which in turn generates greater dynamic pressure, a key factor in producing more lift.

Take the full UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General practice test

Sources & last verified

1. Federal Aviation Administration — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake policy (official source). “UAG Unmanned Aircraft General - Small 60 14 2.0 70” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
2. Federal Aviation Administration — exam fee (official source). “Knowledge Testing Centers charge approximately $175 to people seeking to take the initial aeronautical knowledge test.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
3. Federal Aviation Administration — renewal, delivery, eligibility (official source). “Certificate holders must complete an [online recurrent training](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot#keepCurrent) every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
4. Federal Aviation Administration — other (official source). “Beginning October 26, 2026*, the Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) and Unmanned Aircraft General-Small (UAG) tests will include image-based questions not found in the test supplements” Verified Oct 25, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.