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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.