FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When monitoring radio communications, which is the correct and standard way a pilot would state an altitude of 9,500 feet MSL?

"Niner thousand, five hundred feet" (Correct answer)
"Nine point five, altitude"
"Ninety-five hundred"
"Niner-five-zero-zero feet"

Correct answer: "Niner thousand, five hundred feet"

According to the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), for altitudes up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL, pilots should state the separate digits of the thousands, followed by the word "thousand," plus the hundreds. Therefore, 9,500 is stated as "Niner thousand, five hundred." [10, 17, 27]

Question 2: A remote pilot is preparing for a flight on a hot, humid day at an airport with a high field elevation. Which of the following effects on UAS performance should be anticipated?

Decreased takeoff distance and improved climb performance.
Increased propeller efficiency and longer flight times.
Reduced aircraft performance due to high density altitude. (Correct answer)
No significant impact on performance, as UAS are unaffected by density altitude.

Correct answer: Reduced aircraft performance due to high density altitude.

High temperature, high humidity, and high elevation all contribute to a high density altitude. High density altitude means the air is less dense, which reduces the efficiency of the propellers and motors. This leads to decreased overall aircraft performance, including longer takeoff distances, reduced climb rates, and shorter flight times.

Question 3: A Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is hired to inspect a 1,500-foot tall television tower. According to Part 107, what is the maximum altitude the sUAS can be operated at for this inspection?

1,900 feet above the ground (AGL).
400 feet above the ground (AGL).
400 feet above the television tower. (Correct answer)
1,500 feet above the ground (AGL).

Correct answer: 400 feet above the television tower.

Part 107 allows a remote pilot to fly an sUAS higher than 400 feet AGL if it remains within a 400-foot radius of a structure and does not fly more than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit. In this scenario, the maximum altitude would be 1,500 feet (tower height) + 400 feet = 1,900 feet AGL, which corresponds to 400 feet above the tower.

Question 4: A remote pilot is planning a flight for later in the day. Which weather product should be consulted to get an understanding of the forecast conditions expected at the specific destination airport around the planned flight time?

A PIREP, because it contains real-time, in-flight observations from other pilots.
A TAF, because it provides a forecast of expected weather conditions for a 5-statute mile radius around an airport. (Correct answer)
A Convective SIGMET, because it warns of severe thunderstorm activity.
A METAR, because it provides a detailed report of current surface weather observations.

Correct answer: A TAF, because it provides a forecast of expected weather conditions for a 5-statute mile radius around an airport.

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is the correct source for future planning at a specific airport. While a METAR provides current conditions, a TAF forecasts weather for a 24 to 30-hour period within a 5-statute mile radius of an airport, making it ideal for planning flights later in the day.

Question 5: A remote pilot is reviewing the following METAR: KLAX 182154Z 25015G25KT 10SM SCT040 23/11 A2992. What information can be derived from this report for a planned sUAS operation?

The altimeter setting is 29.92 inches of mercury, and there are scattered clouds at 400 feet AGL.
Visibility is 10 nautical miles, and the temperature is 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
The wind is from 250 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, with scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
The wind is from 250 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, and the sky is overcast at 4,000 feet.

Correct answer: The wind is from 250 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, with scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL.

This METAR indicates winds from 250 degrees (true north) at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots (25015G25KT), visibility of 10 statute miles (10SM), and scattered clouds at 4,000 feet Above Ground Level (SCT040). The temperature is 23°C and the dew point is 11°C (23/11), with an altimeter setting of 29.92 inHg (A2992). It is important to remember that cloud heights in METARs are given in feet AGL.

Question 6: When converting a true course to a magnetic course, a pilot in an area with 10° East magnetic variation should:

Subtract 10° from the true course (Correct answer)
Add 10° to the true course
No adjustment is needed; GPS uses magnetic north
Multiply the true course by the variation factor

Correct answer: Subtract 10° from the true course

With East variation, subtract the variation from the true course to obtain the magnetic course (East is least — subtract; West is best — add).

Question 7: Which of the following is true regarding operations in Class G airspace for a Part 107 remote pilot?

Operations are restricted to below 200 feet AGL.
No authorization from Air Traffic Control is required. (Correct answer)
Authorization from Air Traffic Control is always required.
Flights must remain at least 5 miles away from any airport.

Correct answer: No authorization from Air Traffic Control is required.

Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace. Part 107 operators are allowed to fly in Class G airspace without needing permission or authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC), as long as they adhere to all other operating rules under Part 107, such as altitude and visibility requirements.

Question 8: Who has the final authority and direct responsibility for the operation of a small unmanned aircraft system?

The person manipulating the flight controls.
The Remote Pilot in Command. (Correct answer)
The visual observer.
The owner of the sUAS.

Correct answer: The Remote Pilot in Command.

14 CFR § 107.19 explicitly states that the Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small unmanned aircraft system. This authority cannot be delegated.

Question 9: Which weather condition must be checked prior to conducting UAS operations?

Humidity levels
Temperature
Visibility and cloud cover (Correct answer)
Air pressure

Correct answer: Visibility and cloud cover

Prior to conducting UAS operations, checking visibility and cloud cover is crucial because these weather conditions directly impact the remote pilot's ability to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS). Poor visibility or low cloud ceilings can obscure the drone or other aircraft, posing significant safety risks. Adhering to weather minimums ensures safe and compliant flight operations.

Question 10: Under what condition is a Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) allowed to operate a small unmanned aircraft from a moving vehicle?

During daylight hours only.
When the vehicle is moving slower than 25 mph.
For the purposes of transporting property for compensation or hire.
When operating over a sparsely populated area. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When operating over a sparsely populated area.

14 CFR Part 107.25 permits operation from a moving vehicle, but only when the operation is conducted over a sparsely populated area. The rule does not allow this type of operation for the transportation of property for compensation or hire.

Question 11: Under Part 107, what is the minimum distance that must be maintained from a cloud during UAS operations?

500 feet horizontally and 500 feet vertically
400 feet horizontally and 400 feet vertically (Correct answer)
100 feet horizontally and 100 feet vertically
200 feet horizontally and 200 feet vertically

Correct answer: 400 feet horizontally and 400 feet vertically

FAA Part 107 regulations mandate specific cloud clearances for UAS operations to ensure safety and prevent collisions with manned aircraft. Remote pilots must maintain a minimum distance of 400 feet horizontally and 400 feet vertically from any cloud. This requirement ensures adequate visibility and separation in the airspace.

Question 12: You are operating a UAS near an airport that does not have a control tower, FSS, or UNICOM. What frequency would be designated as the CTAF for pilots to self-announce their positions?

The frequency of the nearest control tower
122.9 MHz (MULTICOM)
121.5 MHz (Emergency Frequency)
122.95 MHz (Towered Airport UNICOM) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 122.95 MHz (Towered Airport UNICOM)

At airports that have no tower, Flight Service Station (FSS), or UNICOM, the designated frequency for self-announcing procedures is MULTICOM, which is 122.9 MHz. [5, 20] This frequency serves as the CTAF in these specific situations, allowing pilots to coordinate with each other for safe operations.

Question 13: What is geofencing in the context of UAS navigation systems?

A FAA-mandated no-fly zone marked on sectional charts
Virtual geographic boundaries programmed to restrict UAS flight to defined areas (Correct answer)
A software feature that automatically updates airspace classification data
A physical fence used to contain unmanned aircraft on the ground

Correct answer: Virtual geographic boundaries programmed to restrict UAS flight to defined areas

Geofencing uses GPS coordinates to create virtual boundaries that automatically prevent or warn UAS from flying into restricted areas such as airports or sensitive locations.

Question 14: 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?

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

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

In a flyaway emergency, the remote pilot's primary responsibility shifts from aircraft recovery to public safety. The most critical action is to track the sUAS's path to provide real-time information to ATC (if applicable) and local law enforcement to mitigate risks to other aircraft and people on the ground.

Question 15: What is a key component of the FAA's LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system?

Provides real-time weather updates for UAS operations
Allows UAS operators to obtain near real-time airspace authorizations (Correct answer)
Offers pilot certification training for UAS operators
Monitors UAS flight paths for safety compliance

Correct answer: Allows UAS operators to obtain near real-time airspace authorizations

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is a key FAA system that streamlines the process for UAS operators to obtain airspace authorizations. It allows commercial drone pilots to receive near real-time approvals for operations in controlled airspace at altitudes below 400 feet. This capability significantly enhances operational efficiency and compliance for drone pilots.

Question 16: While conducting pre-flight planning, you hear on the local airport's automated broadcast that the visibility is 2 statute miles and the cloud ceiling is 700 feet. What operational limitation does this impose on an sUAS flight under Part 107?

The flight is prohibited because minimum visibility is 5 statute miles.
The flight is permissible, but the drone must stay at least 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
The flight is prohibited due to visibility being less than the required 3 statute miles. (Correct answer)
The flight is permissible as long as the sUAS remains below 400 feet AGL.

Correct answer: The flight is prohibited due to visibility being less than the required 3 statute miles.

Part 107 requires a minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station. Since the reported visibility is only 2 statute miles, the flight cannot legally be conducted without a waiver. Additionally, the drone must remain 500 feet below clouds; with a 700-foot ceiling, the maximum altitude would be 200 feet AGL, but the visibility requirement makes the flight illegal regardless.

Question 17: A Part 107 operation results in damage to a client's property. Which of the following scenarios requires the remote pilot to report the accident to the FAA?

The sUAS sustains $600 in damage, but there is no other damage or injury.
The cost to repair the damaged property is estimated to be $450.
A non-participating person experiences a minor scratch that does not require medical attention.
Damage to a client's satellite dish costs $550 to repair. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Damage to a client's satellite dish costs $550 to repair.

An accident report must be filed with the FAA within 10 days if there is serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness, or if there is damage to any property (other than the sUAS) where the repair cost (including labor and materials) exceeds $500. Damage to the sUAS itself is not considered in this calculation.

Question 18: In aviation radio communications, what is the primary reason for using the phonetic alphabet (e.g., "Alpha, Bravo, Charlie")?

To provide a coded language that only certified pilots can understand.
To ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretation of letters that may sound similar over the radio. (Correct answer)
To make transmissions sound more professional and standardized.
To shorten the length of radio calls and increase efficiency.

Correct answer: To ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretation of letters that may sound similar over the radio.

The primary purpose of the ICAO phonetic alphabet is to ensure clear and unambiguous communication. [6, 13] Many letters, such as 'B' and 'P', or 'M' and 'N', can sound alike over a noisy or static-filled radio transmission, and using distinct code words (Bravo, Papa, Mike, November) prevents potentially dangerous misunderstandings. [15, 18, 19]

Question 19: A remote pilot wants to use First-Person View (FPV) goggles to operate their sUAS for a commercial project. What is required to conduct this operation legally under Part 107?

The operation must take place in a sparsely populated area.
The pilot must have a special FPV endorsement on their remote pilot certificate.
A visual observer (VO) must be used to maintain visual line-of-sight with the aircraft. (Correct answer)
The FPV system must have a resolution of at least 1080p.

Correct answer: A visual observer (VO) must be used to maintain visual line-of-sight with the aircraft.

Part 107 requires the remote pilot in command or a designated visual observer to maintain unaided visual line-of-sight (VLOS) with the sUAS at all times. Since FPV goggles prevent the operator from maintaining direct VLOS, a separate visual observer is required to fulfill this role.

Question 20: What minimum number of GPS satellites must a receiver have line-of-sight to in order to calculate a three-dimensional position fix?

2 satellites
3 satellites
6 satellites
4 satellites (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4 satellites

A GPS receiver needs signals from at least 4 satellites to calculate latitude, longitude, altitude, and time simultaneously for a 3D position fix.

Question 21: What is the primary responsibility of the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) during UAS operations?

Recording flight data
Monitoring battery levels
Ensuring the safety of the operation (Correct answer)
Maintaining visual line of sight with the aircraft

Correct answer: Ensuring the safety of the operation

The primary responsibility of the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) during UAS operations is ensuring the safety of the entire operation. This encompasses comprehensive pre-flight planning, assessing environmental conditions, verifying aircraft airworthiness, and making critical real-time decisions to mitigate risks. The RPIC is ultimately accountable for protecting people and property throughout the flight.

Question 22: What is the primary difference between a METAR and a TAF?

A METAR is a forecast for a large geographical area, while a TAF is for a specific airport.
A TAF is issued every 20 minutes, while a METAR is issued only four times a day.
A METAR provides current, observed weather conditions, while a TAF is a forecast of future weather conditions. (Correct answer)
A METAR reports cloud heights in MSL, while a TAF reports them in AGL.

Correct answer: A METAR provides current, observed weather conditions, while a TAF is a forecast of future weather conditions.

The fundamental distinction is that a METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) provides a snapshot of the current weather conditions observed at an airport, typically updated hourly. A TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), on the other hand, is a forecast predicting weather conditions for the next 24-30 hours for the area around an airport.

Question 23: If the center of gravity (CG) of a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft is moved to the most aft limit, which performance characteristic is most likely to be experienced?

Less stability and a lower stall speed. (Correct answer)
Improved stall recovery characteristics.
A requirement for less tail-down force to maintain level flight, leading to increased drag.
Increased longitudinal stability and higher stall speed.

Correct answer: Less stability and a lower stall speed.

Moving the center of gravity (CG) aft decreases longitudinal stability, making the aircraft less stable but more maneuverable. An aft CG also results in a lower stall speed because less tail-down force is required to balance the aircraft, which means the wing can fly at a lower angle of attack for level flight.

Question 24: What is Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) in GPS navigation?

The reduction in GPS accuracy caused by poor satellite geometry (Correct answer)
The difference between WAAS and standard GPS accuracy
The time delay between GPS signal transmission and reception
The error introduced by atmospheric interference

Correct answer: The reduction in GPS accuracy caused by poor satellite geometry

PDOP quantifies how the geometric arrangement of visible satellites affects position accuracy; a low PDOP (under 4) means favorable satellite geometry and better accuracy.

Question 25: During a coordinated 60-degree banked turn, the load factor on a UAS would be approximately:

3 Gs
1 G
2 Gs (Correct answer)
1.5 Gs

Correct answer: 2 Gs

In a coordinated, level turn, the load factor increases with the angle of bank. The load factor is the ratio of the total lift produced to the aircraft's weight. In a 60-degree bank, the lift required to maintain altitude is twice the weight of the aircraft, resulting in a load factor of 2 Gs.

Question 26: Which document must be available to the remote pilot during the operation of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)?

UAS owner's manual
UAS registration certificate (Correct answer)
Pilot's logbook
Flight plan

Correct answer: 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.

Question 27: Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a remote pilot certificate under Part 107?

Minimum age of 18 years
Passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test (Correct answer)
Completing a flight training program
Holding a private pilot license

Correct answer: Passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test

A fundamental requirement for obtaining a remote pilot certificate under FAA Part 107 is successfully passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test. This comprehensive exam assesses an applicant's understanding of critical topics such as airspace regulations, weather, loading and performance, and emergency procedures. Demonstrating this knowledge is essential for safe and compliant UAS operations.

Question 28: Which FAA publication would a remote pilot check to learn about scheduled GPS signal outages or testing in a specific area?

Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD)
NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) (Correct answer)
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
Aviation Weather Services AC 00-45

Correct answer: NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions)

NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) are used to inform pilots, including remote pilots, of GPS anomalies, outages, and testing affecting navigation.

Question 29: A remote pilot monitoring a CTAF hears a manned aircraft pilot announce, "Centennial traffic, Skyhawk one-seven-two, midfield left downwind, runway one-seven left, Centennial." What is the aircraft's approximate position and direction of flight?

Flying away from the airport after having just taken off from runway 17L.
Flying perpendicular towards the runway, about to make the final turn to land.
Flying in the direction of landing, parallel to the runway but offset to the side.
Flying parallel to the runway in the opposite direction of landing. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Flying parallel to the runway in the opposite direction of landing.

The "downwind" leg of a standard traffic pattern is a flight path parallel to the landing runway, but flown in the opposite direction of the intended landing. [8, 9] "Midfield" indicates the aircraft is abeam the middle of the runway. "Left downwind" means the airport is to the pilot's left. [9, 11] Therefore, the aircraft is flying parallel to runway 17L in the opposite direction of landing.

Question 30: What is the primary force that opposes the weight of an unmanned aircraft in flight?

Drag
Thrust
Gravity
Lift (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lift

In flight, the primary force that directly opposes the weight of an unmanned aircraft is lift. Lift is an aerodynamic force generated by the movement of air over the aircraft's wings or rotors, creating a pressure differential that pushes the aircraft upwards. This upward force is essential for keeping the aircraft airborne against the pull of gravity.

FAA Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) Knowledge Test

The FAA UAG knowledge test is required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial small UAS (drone) operations under 14 CFR Part 107. It covers regulations, airspace classification, weather, flight operations, and UAS loading and performance.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

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