FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Course Notes

Part 107 applies to a small unmanned aircraft system when the unmanned aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds, including everything attached to or carried by it. Do not confuse that limit with the 0.55 pound registration threshold used in other FAA rules. The exam usually tests whether the aircraft fits Part 107 by total operating weight, not by payload alone.

• Using the 0.55 pound registration threshold as the Part 107 small UAS definition; Part 107 small UAS is less than 55 pounds including attachments and payload.

• If the question asks for the Part 107 small UAS weight limit, choose less than 55 pounds.

The remote PIC is responsible for regulatory compliance even when another person manipulates the controls. A person without a remote pilot certificate may fly only under the direct supervision of a certificated remote pilot who can immediately take control. The exam distinction is authority: the manipulator may move the sticks, but the remote PIC remains accountable.

• Believing the person manipulating controls owns responsibility; the remote PIC remains accountable when directly supervising.

• If a non-certificated person is flying, look for direct supervision by a certificated remote pilot who can take control.

Small unmanned aircraft used under Part 107 must be registered before operation when registration is required. Registration creates accountability by tying the aircraft to an owner or operator. The exam often asks whether registration must happen before flight, not after the first commercial job.

• Mixing aircraft registration marking with Remote ID broadcast requirements; one is physical marking and the other is in-flight identification.

• If the question says before operation, registration is usually the key clue.

A remote PIC must discontinue a flight when continuing would create a hazard to other aircraft, people, or property. That decision can happen before takeoff, during climbout, or after an equipment or weather change in flight. The rule tests judgment: if safety deteriorates, the correct response is to stop or change the operation.

• Continuing a flight after conditions become unsafe because the operation was legal at takeoff.

• If continuing the flight creates a hazard, discontinue or change the operation.

Part 107 prohibits careless or reckless operation that endangers life or property. A remote PIC cannot allow client pressure, convenience, or schedule demands to override safety. If a scenario describes a flight that creates an avoidable hazard, the correct action is to refuse, delay, modify, or discontinue the operation.

• Using the wrong groundspeed limit; Part 107 maximum groundspeed is 87 knots or 100 mph.

• If the question says maximum speed, choose 87 knots or 100 mph groundspeed.

Airspace class questions ask whether authorization is required and what chart clue identifies the area. Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace designated for an airport require FAA authorization for Part 107 operations. Class G generally does not require FAA airspace authorization, but all operating limits and right-of-way rules still apply.

• Assuming Class G needs the same FAA airspace authorization as Class B, C, D, or surface Class E.

• If the operation is in Class B, C, D, or surface Class E for an airport, look for authorization.

METARs report current observed weather at or near an airport. For Part 107, the key items are wind direction and speed, gusts, visibility, clouds, ceiling, precipitation, and altimeter setting. A METAR is a snapshot, so it helps with immediate decisions but should be compared with forecasts and local conditions.

• Using a TAF as current weather instead of recognizing METAR as the current observation.

• If the question asks for current weather, choose METAR.

Thunderstorms are hazardous to small UAS because they can produce severe turbulence, lightning, heavy rain, hail, rapidly changing visibility, and strong outflow winds. Operations should stay well away from thunderstorm activity rather than trying to fly around a cell at low altitude.

• Underestimating thunderstorms because the flight is low altitude; thunderstorm outflow, lightning, and visibility changes are hazardous.

• If thunderstorms are nearby, the safest answer is usually to delay or cancel.

Payload affects performance because added weight changes climb ability, endurance, handling, and sometimes regulatory status. It also affects center of gravity. A payload that is secure but mounted too far forward, aft, or to one side can make the aircraft unstable or force the flight controller to work harder than normal.

• Checking payload security but ignoring center of gravity and performance effects.

• If payload changes handling, look for center of gravity or manufacturer limits.

Part 107 allows emergency deviation when an in-flight emergency requires immediate action. The remote PIC may deviate from a rule to the extent necessary to address the emergency, but that authority is limited to the emergency need. If the FAA requests a report afterward, the remote PIC must provide it.

• Treating emergency deviation as a blanket permission instead of a limited authority for the immediate emergency.

• If an emergency requires immediate action, the remote PIC may deviate only as needed for safety.