Airport Operations – Part 107 Study Guide

Use these quick notes to review airport diagrams, lighting, and traffic patterns for the FAA Part 107 test.

Airport Diagram Basics must-know

  • Movement vs. Non-movement: non-movement areas are ramp/apron; crossing the boundary requires coordination on airports. Marking = solid+dash line; dashed on movement-area side.
  • Runway: white numbers/marks; Taxiway: yellow centerline/edge; watch for hold-short signs/markings.
  • Signs: Black/yellow = location; Yellow/black = direction; Red/white = mandatory (do not enter).

Traffic Pattern & Right-of-Way

  • Standard pattern is left traffic unless charted otherwise: Upwind → Crosswind → Downwind → Base → Final.
  • Right-of-way: Always yield to crewed aircraft; land or maneuver to avoid any conflict.
  • Monitoring CTAF/ATIS is smart for awareness (not required by 107).

Runway & Taxiway Lighting

  • Threshold: Green on approach; Runway end: Red from the departure end.
  • REIL: two bright white flashers at the threshold; Edge lights: white (amber near departure end).
  • PAPI/VASI: visual glide path info (test favorite). Taxiway: blue edge, green centerline.
  • Beacons: White/Green = land airport; White/Yellow = water; Green/Yellow/White = heliport; Dual-peaked white/green = military.

Authorizations & Good Judgment

  • Class B/C/D/E-surface need authorization (LAANC where available). Check NOTAMs/TFRs.
  • Pick launch/recovery points away from movement areas; brief crew; use conspicuity lighting at dusk/night.

Quick Self-Check (10 Questions)

Study notes aligned to your handouts on airport operations, lighting, and diagrams.