Here’s your Part 107 UAS test study guide
The Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test for UAS operators is a mandatory test for anyone looking to fly drones commercially. Pass the test, and you’ll get a drone pilot’s license. That allows you to operate under the standards set under Part 107 (and allows you to make money off drones). But to pass the test, you’ll almost certainly want to enroll in some sort of Part 107 drone training course, or at the very least get some sort of Part 107 study guide.
The Part 107 test was first made available in August 2016. While the test is largely the same as the 2016 version, a lot has also changed since then, including new questions about night flying, and changes to taking your recurrent test. But one thing hasn’t changed: the Part 107 test is not easy to pass if you don’t have a pre-existing knowledge of aviation: unless of course you take a study course.
Check out my guide on UAS aeronautical knowledge test training courses here.
Some options for Part 107 online training courses include:
Drone Pilot Ground School
Drone Pilot Ground School offers a fantastic online training course with practice tests and repeatable videos. This is what I used to study for my test — and I passed on my first time — so I can guarantee it’s a good program! Use coupon code DroneGirl50 to get $50 off. It includes numerous quizzes, a one-page Part 107 study guide, access to weekly newsletters with the most up-to-date news and more.
Drone Launch Academy
Drone Launch Academy offers another great online training course led by FAA-certified Advanced Ground Instructor David Young. Use coupon code DroneGirl50 or this link to get $50 off.
Peltier Photo Pro
John Peltier’s FAA Part 107 online training course is taught by a former Air Force pilot and instructor with more than 15 years of teaching experience. He’s one of the best manned aircraft instructors out there, so it makes sense to want to take his digital course on drones.
All Peltier Photo Courses (whether the Part 107 course or other drone and photography courses) are available via a mobile app for both iOS and Android.
DARTdrones
DARTdrones Part 107 Test Prep Virtual Course: I choose this one because it’s a live, virtual course, typically held about once a month. For folks seeking that greater level of personalized attention and the ability to interact with the instructor instantaneously, this is the best way to go about it. But at $375, it’s pricier than the others (though DARTdrones also offers a $200 online Part 107 Test Prep Course).
A free part 107 study guide from the FAA
And then there’s a free and instant option, which comes from the FAA itself. The FAA released its Part 107 UAS online training course, which anyone can register and take for free. That course is designed for part 61 pilot certificate holders who have a current flight review (in accordance with 14 CFR part 61.56) and wish to obtain a part 107 remote pilot certificate with an sUAS rating. But, anyone without a pilot’s license can take the training course. And, I highly recommend that everyone click through it — as it’s essentially a free Part 107 study guide for a good chunk of the questions covered in the written test you’ll take.
**To be clear, that means this is a training course for people who already hold a Part 61 Pilot’s certificate. If you don’t have a pilot’s license, this is simply a wonderful, free training course to supplement your test studying.**
Access the FAA’s free online training course here. It’s a 2-hour mix of both reading and videos.
So what can you expect the test to be like? What will it cost? What are the questions like? Check out my earlier post “FAA Part 107 UAS Aeronautical Knowledge Test: everything you need to know (except the answers)” here.
Happy studying, and happy flying!
Great post, and kudos to the FAA. I’m almost done going through this course myself. Some good education in here.
One thing you might want to note though, is that because this is positioned to folks who already hold a Part 61 pilot certification, this course is missing key knowledge concepts that the FAA requires drone operators to be tested on.
Specifically:
–Airspace classification, operating requirements and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
–Aviation weather sources
–Radio communication procedures
–Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
–Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
–Airport operations
So, while the free course you provided is a GREAT study assistant, it won’t teach you important concepts that’ll be on the test, concepts like how to communicate with air-traffic-control, and how to properly tell the difference between airspace classes.
Great (free) training option, but shouldn’t be the only source students look to for test preparation assistance.
Hey Alan!
Thanks for the comment! Yep, as stated, this is just the training course for people who already have that Part 61 Certificate. But, for non-pilots, this is a great free study guide to supplement other knowledge you will need to know!
Great Alan, very important. The online test does not include most of the info a non pilot has to know to pass. I found the test easier than it could have been but you really need to study to get a decent score
Did you take the test Larry? I would like to hear from someone who has taken the test on the difficulty level, i think alot of people are trying to make it seem more difficult to sell their pre test classes.
I took the test today and passed with a 90%! Yahoo. However, I studied my butt off for the past 2 months. I took a prep course…Drone Pilot Ground School, headed up by Alan Perlman. This was a huge help…Alan personally responds to all questions…the guy really cares. So worth it. There really is no substitute for studying all the info you need to know, but knowing that you are studying the right material is the key. There is a lot of material you are expected to know that you will never use with what we are doing, but that’s the way it is. Having a good working knowledge of airspace and what’s going on….weather, how to read sectional charts…that’s all good. There just seems to be overkill on a lot of material that we should just know the basics about. Now I am an official pilot and I have never demonstrated that I can actually fly a drone sUAS competently…another subject altogether,
From one Mike meyer to other nice job
Nice job !!!
I passed with an 85%. Did take any course, just spent about $4 for a Googleplay app called UAS107 and watched a few videos on sectional charts via youtube. Not an easy test by no means, but the little app I used was very helpful. Here’s the link to the app for anyone interested. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uas107.openrobotix.labs&hl=en
Do you have additional reccomendations for those without part 61 certifications? I would certainly love guidance beyond what the FAA currently seems to be offering (a link to a page with guides for many different certifications but little information regarding which ones are needed for remote pilots).
Travis, happy to help if you have specific questions. I just built a free study guide for our upcoming training course that you might find helpful: http://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Study-Guide_Drone-Pilot-Ground-School.pdf (it walks through ALL the concepts you’ll need to master to prep for the Aeronautical Knowledge Test).
Alan, I just visited the UAV Coach website and found that the Drone Pilot Ground School is closed for enrollment. What’s up?
We’re opening in less than two weeks. Having a Certified Flight Instructor review each of our lectures for accuracy and alignment with the FAA. Thanks for your patience! Feel free to contact me outside this comment thread if you have specific questions about what we’re offering.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t we have to score a 100% on the 60 question exam? And if you don’t pass, will you have to pay the $150 for a retake, or is that a one time fee? (fingers crossed!)
No, just 70%., or 42/60 questions. And if you don’t pass, you have to pay the $150 again. You also need to wait 14 days before taking the test again.
I just found this guy. Sounds interesting. $99
http://remotepilot101.com/
LOL….I tell ya….I have found a bunch of people trying to offer something that will help you pass the part 107 for non pilots…but they all seem to be hiding something….making sure that you are still left with that feeling of limbo. Will there EVER really be a study guide that while being broad enough to cover changing questions over time…is condensed enough to focus on those of us that really just want to get usable jib shots for Real Estate? …without the ridiculous pricing? …anyone? (cricket sounds)
William…I’ve enrolled in Drone Pilot Ground School…and have been really happy with it. Any questions I’ve had have been answered quickly by Alan Perlman…he has been very helpful. I think he has done a good job of focusing the course on what we really need to be learning.
I’ve actually enrolled in another course and have been less than pleased…have found errors, the course has included stuff not really included in the exam…modules not available, etc.
Regardless, there is a ton of content we need to learn…especially for those of us who know next to nothing about all this aeronautical knowledge stuff…I have been studying my butt off…and feel pretty good about being able to pass this exam – taking it on 8/31.
Yes, I had to spend $250 for Alan’s course…it might be $300 now, but I really think it has been worth it.
Hope this helps.
Mike Meyer
Columbus, Ohio
Hey buddy i am in the same boat, i found this guys site and no cost, just an email is needed to access a very comprehensive study guide. Im testing on Friday, so im cramming in as much as i can. http://jrupprechtlaw.com/part-107-test-study-guide
Joey, how did it go with the test? Did the the link you provided allow you enough knowledge to pass it?
Cool. Hope his site is good. I used this mobile app called UAS107. Used it for 70% of my prep for the exam. Allowed me to study anywhere. Passed the exam on my 1st try with an 85%. Here’s the link if your interested.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uas107.openrobotix.labs&hl=en
Found a guy who took the test, i found this read useful
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2729603
I took the test today for my first time and passed. The only study material i used was the FAA’s study guide and their video lessons. I should also mention i have no prior aviation experience or licensing. That being said, there were quite a few questions i was completely stuck on. Questions that were definitely not covered in the FAA’s study material. For anyone taking the test, i would recommend spending a good amount of time on learning how to decipher aviation maps, weather conditions, and air traffic protocol. It seemed to me that a majority of the questions were mostly airport related, while only a few related directly to the actual drone. Also according to the proctor all tests are different. There may be 300 questions but the system will pull 60 at random. Good luck to anyone taking it soon!
Please visit http://www.FAATest.com/drone for our drone pilot test prep. It constains over 500 fully explained questions. The app for the platform of your choice costs about $50 and includes an audio review. So far, nearly every user who has reported a score to us has scored in the high 90s after using our prep. Thanks for checking us out!
I found a really nice app that’s a good mobile study guide for the exam. Here’s the link below for anyone interested ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uas107.openrobotix.labs
I am currently using “http://remotepilot101.com/” (Yes…$99)and have found if very useful. I can study on my Windows computer or iPad…no matter where I am. It seems pretty thorough and even has been updated with new information as I have been studying. The guy puts the new information into a new add-on module and walks you through the changes…many of the changes are based on his students feedback on things they had success with or were confused on when they took the test. I considered a classroom probably would work even better due to the immediate exchange with the instructor but have found that with a little extra effort most of what was confusing I could figure out pretty quickly on my own just using the study modules. Remote101 certainly works better for those who are better at self study. I took tons of notes to use as quick reference on topics where I had no prior experience, which are many in aviation! Those notes are proving helpful as reminders. Also you can email a question to Remote101 which they will answer. I have studied the material for about 15 hours so far and plan to finish up in the next two weeks and apply for the testing. I will then mostly use my notes (and the modules) to keep the information fresh in my mind until test time. I am sure there are a number of good instructors out there…just providing feedback on my experience. I have “Very High Praise” for the guy that did it with just an App because I don’t think that would have worked for me!
Not sure about that product. But I used an app call UAS107. Used it for 70% (30% YouTube sectional chart videos) of my prep for the exam; and the app only cost me $4. Passed on my 1st try with an 85%. My total cost to pass the exam:
$4 for UAS107 app
$150 for the test exam fee
———————————–
$154.00
Here is the link to the app for anyone interested: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uas107.openrobotix.labs&hl=en
Future drone pilots. No need to spend $200 to $300 to pass the UAG Exam. There are plenty of low cost and event free online tutorials. In my case, I used a GooglePlay app call UAS107. Used it for 70% (30% FREE YouTube sectional chart videos) of my prep for the exam; and the app only cost me $4. Passed on my 1st try with an 85%. My total cost to pass the exam:
$4 for UAS107 app
$150 for the test exam fee
———————————–
$154.00
Here is the link to the app for anyone interested: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uas107.openrobotix.labs&hl=en
If you’re still unsure how you want to study, visit Gold Seal (www.UAVGroundSchool.com). You can sign up for free and take the first 3 lessons without charge. Plus, you can take a sample exam right from the homepage. The Gold Seal course is developed by FAA certificated flight instructors and has been online with pilot training products for longer than anyone else (since 2006).
Learn the sectional charts well. They will be on your exam. Once you start your operations you will have one important question when looking at the charts, Can I fly here? When you are close to airspace boundaries the charts don’t provide the detail you need. Check out http://RemotePilot.us for the airspace, obstructions and weather information you need for an operation.
Good information. Does anyone know how to find a referral list of UAG Certified Pilots in Ohio?
I got my Private Pilot Certificate back in the 90s. The FAA at least back then, published all the questions AND answers in the pool. They were available in printed form. I would imagine it is the same for the Part 107 questions although I am not certain if this is still policy.