NC Drone Co. — Part 107 Exam Prep

Draft v1 — comprehensive study guide aligned to the FAA ACS and 14 CFR Part 107

Title page

NC Drone Co.

Part 107 Exam Prep — Remote Pilot Study Guide

Prepared by NC Drone Co. — www.ncdroneco.com

Logo: NC Drone Co_Logo v2.PNG (place top-right on every page)

Copyright & Usage

© 2025 NC Drone Co. All rights reserved. This study guide is intended as an educational resource for preparing for the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, the FAA is the final authority on regulations and testing. Always consult the current FAA regulations and advisory materials.

Quick Orientation — How to use this book

This guide is organized to mirror the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Remote Pilot — Small Unmanned Aircraft (sUAS) and the testing matrix used for the Part 107 knowledge test. Each chapter maps knowledge statements to the corresponding 14 CFR Part 107 regulation(s). The tone is conversational with occasional "Professor's Corners" that provide deeper technical context.

  • No quizzes or practice tests are included (per your request). Instead you'll find clear explanations, checklists, mission-level scenarios, and quick-reference tables.
  • Each chapter ends with a Quick Reference page summarizing the key numbers, regulatory citations, and practical "field checks." Use the appendix for sectional-chart examples and a printable one-page cheat sheet.

Table of Contents (detailed)

  1. Preface & Study Plan
  2. Chapter 1 — Regulations (14 CFR Part 107)
    • Applicability
    • Definitions
    • Registration & Marking
    • Remote Pilot Certification
    • Operating Rules & Limitations
    • Waivers & Authorizations
    • Accidents & Reporting
    • Preflight & Maintenance Duties
    • Quick Reference
  3. Chapter 2 — Airspace & Airport Operations
    • Airspace Classifications
    • Special Use Airspace
    • Sectional Chart Essentials
    • ATC Authorizations, LAANC & NOTAMs
    • Operations near Airports
    • Quick Reference
  4. Chapter 3 — Weather & Weather Effects
    • Sources (METAR, TAF, AWOS/ASOS)
    • Weather Factors & sUAS Performance
    • Density Altitude
    • Thunderstorms, Wind Shear, Fog, Icing
    • Preflight Weather Briefing
    • Quick Reference
  5. Chapter 4 — Loading & Performance
    • Weight & Balance
    • Battery/Payload Performance
    • Center of Gravity
    • Performance Predictions
    • Quick Reference
  6. Chapter 5 — Operations, ADM & Human Factors
    • Crew Roles & Communication
    • Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
    • Emergency Procedures & Lost-Link
    • Maintenance & Inspection
    • Physiology & Fitness for Flight
    • Quick Reference
  7. Glossary
  8. Appendix
    • Sample Sectional Chart walkthroughs (text + callouts)
    • Regulatory Quick Tables (speeds, altitudes, visibilities, cloud clearance)
    • WAIVERS: step-by-step application checklist
    • Print & Design specs (logo placement, color palette)

Preface

Welcome. If you're reading this, you're preparing for — or teaching someone for — the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot knowledge test. You're also preparing to be a safer, more capable operator. This book is organized to be useful in both ways: study for the test, and gain practical operational judgement.

This draft is written to be used by college-level students. It blends plain English, legal/regulatory footings, operational examples, and deeper technical "Professor's Corner" sections for instructors or advanced students.

Study Plan (30-Day Ramp)

A realistic, structured approach improves retention.

Week 1 — Foundation (Regulations + Airspace)

  • Read Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
  • Map each regulation to real-world examples (3 per day)

Week 2 — Weather & Performance

  • Read Chapter 3 and Chapter 4
  • Decode METARs and TAFs daily
  • Do 5 density altitude calculations

Week 3 — Operations & ADM

  • Read Chapter 5
  • Run tabletop mission planning exercises
  • Walk through preflight checklists

Week 4 — Synthesis & Review

  • Revisit Quick References
  • Practice mission decision-making using scenarios in the book
  • Build a small "exam sheet" of key numbers and citations from the Quick Reference pages

Chapter 1 — Regulations (14 CFR Part 107)

Aim: Understand what Part 107 covers (and what it doesn’t), the remote pilot’s responsibilities, operational rules and limits, registration, waivers, and reporting obligations.

1.1 Applicability of Part 107

Plain English: Part 107 applies to civil (non-governmental) small unmanned aircraft operations in the United States when the aircraft weighs less than 55 lbs (25 kg) at takeoff and is operated for non-recreational purposes (commercial, instructional, etc.). Model aircraft flown strictly for recreation are excluded when they meet the criteria in §101.

Why it matters: If you operate under Part 107, you must follow the remote pilot certification, operating rules, and limitations in Part 107. If you’re flying strictly for hobby, different rules apply.

Regulatory references: 14 CFR §107.1 (Applicability)

Professor’s Corner: The boundary between "model aircraft" and "small unmanned aircraft" can be nuanced — it is often defined by the operator’s purpose and whether community-based safety guidelines are adhered to. If in doubt, assume Part 107.

1.2 Key Definitions (short list)

  • Small Unmanned Aircraft (sUA): An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lbs at takeoff including everything onboard. (§107.3)
  • Control Station (CS): The interface used by remote pilot to control flight path.
  • Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC): Person who holds a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and has final authority and responsibility for the operation.
  • Visual Observer (VO): Person designated to help maintain see-and-avoid capability.

Quick tip: Memorize these—your exam will expect you to recognize terminology precisely.

1.3 Remote Pilot Certification & Recency

Who needs one: Any person acting as Remote PIC under Part 107 must hold an FAA remote pilot certificate with sUAS rating.

Eligibility: Be at least 16 years old, able to read/speak/write English, and not have a physical or mental condition that interferes with safe operation.

How to get it: Pass the initial airman knowledge test (or meet the equivalent through a Part 61 certificate and additional training), complete TSA vetting, and apply for the certificate.

Currency/recency: You must either pass the recurrent knowledge test or complete an FAA-accepted recurrent training every 24 months to act as Remote PIC. (§107.65)

Professor’s Corner: A private pilot (Part 61) can utilize existing privileges differently — but be careful: being a manned aircraft pilot doesn’t automatically make you qualified for remote operations unless you meet Part 107 or equivalent training requirements.

1.4 Registration & Marking

All civil sUAs operated under Part 107 must be registered per 14 CFR Part 48 (or Part 47), and the registration marker must be displayed on the aircraft. Ensure registration and keep the registration number readily accessible.

1.5 Operating Rules & Limitations (major lists)

The following are core Part 107 limitations — commit these to memory (put them on your one-page study sheet):

  • Maximum altitude: 400 ft AGL unless within 400 ft of a structure; then you may fly up to 400 ft above the structure's immediate uppermost limit. (§107.51)
  • Maximum ground speed: 87 knots (100 mph). (§107.51)
  • Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles from the control station. (§107.51)
  • Cloud clearance: 500 ft below and 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds. (§107.51)
  • VLOS required: The remote PIC, person manipulating the controls, or Visual Observer must maintain unaided visual line of sight with the sUA (spectacles or contact lenses allowed). (§107.31)
  • No operations over persons: Unless meeting special requirements or a waiver. (§107.39)
  • No carriage of hazardous materials: sUAS may not carry hazardous materials as defined by 49 CFR 171.8. (§107.19)
  • No operation from moving aircraft; operation from moving vehicle permitted only over sparsely populated areas. (§107.25)
  • Daylight operations only: Defined between dawn and dusk per civil twilight rules; limited exceptions exist for operations during civil twilight with anti-collision lighting. (§107.29)

Practical notes: Keep these numbers visible — the test will ask specific limits multiple times.

1.6 Preflight, Maintenance & Airworthiness

There is no FAA-issued airworthiness certificate for off-the-shelf sUAs; the Remote PIC is responsible for ensuring the sUAS is in a condition for safe operation prior to flight. This includes:

  • Conducting a manufacturer-recommended preflight inspection.
  • Verifying battery condition and secure attachment of payloads.
  • Ensuring control link is functional and GPS lock is established.
  • Confirming that maintenance and repair history supports safe operation.

Professor’s Corner: A robust maintenance log and routine battery health checks significantly reduce accident risk. For commercial operations, document everything.

1.7 Accident Reporting

If an operation results in serious injury or property damage exceeding $500, the Remote PIC must report the accident to the FAA within 10 days. The report should include: pilot info, registration, location, date/time, injuries, and description of damage and circumstances. (§107.9)

NTSB: Some accidents meet the NTSB reporting criteria; Remote PICs should be familiar with NTSB 830 reporting for serious occurrences.

1.8 Alcohol, Drugs & Medical Fitness

Crew members (Remote PIC, person manipulating controls, VO) may not perform duties if:

  • Any alcohol consumed within the previous 8 hours.
  • Blood alcohol concentration 0.04% or greater.
  • Under the influence of any drug that affects the person's ability to safely operate the sUAS.

Fitness: While no FAA medical certificate is required, any physical or mental condition that could interfere with safe operation disqualifies participation in the operation.

1.9 Waivers & Authorizations

Part 107 allows operators to apply for waivers to certain provisions (e.g., night operations, VLOS, operation over people) if they can demonstrate equivalent safety mitigations. Waiver applications are submitted via the FAA portal and must include a detailed safety case and mitigations. (§107.200–205)

LAANC & ATC authorization: For operations in controlled airspace (B, C, D, or Class E surface areas), you must obtain prior authorization from ATC. LAANC automates approvals in many locations.

1.10 Practical Scenarios (short)

Scenario — Real estate photos near uncontrolled airport: You intend to photograph a property 1.5 NM from an uncontrolled field. Review airspace on sectional for pattern operations, confirm no TFR or NOTAM, assess wind and visibility, confirm VLOS, and maintain 400 ft AGL unless within 400 ft of a structure. Notify airport manager if operations may affect pattern.

Scenario — Delivery trials from moving vehicle: This is permitted only over sparsely populated areas and not for transporting another's property for compensation/hire without waiver. Exercise extreme caution and ensure crew safety protocols.

Chapter 1 — Quick Reference

Key numbers:

  • Max ground speed: 87 kt (100 mph)
  • Max altitude: 400 ft AGL (exceptions for structures)
  • Min visibility: 3 SM
  • Cloud clearance: 500 ft below / 2000 ft horizontal
  • Alcohol: 8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule; BAC < 0.04

Important regs: §107.1 (Applicability), §107.3 (Definitions), §107.9 (Accident Reporting), §107.25 (Moving vehicle), §107.29 (Daylight ops), §107.31 (VLOS), §107.39 (Ops over people), §107.41 (ATC authorization), §107.51 (Operating limitations)

Chapter 2 — Airspace & Airport Operations

Aim: Master airspace classifications, how to read sectional charts, special-use airspace, ATC permissions, NOTAMs, and airport proximity operations.

2.1 Airspace Overview — Controlled vs Uncontrolled

Controlled airspace (A, B, C, D, E) is where ATC provides services and requires communication/clearance in many situations. Uncontrolled airspace (G) is where pilots operate without ATC clearance.

  • Class A: 18,000 MSL — not relevant to sUAS operations.
  • Class B: Surface up to ~10,000 MSL around major airports — authorization required.
  • Class C: Surface to 4,000 ft AGL around busy regional airports — authorization required.
  • Class D: Surface to ~2,500 ft around towered airports — authorization required while tower is operating.
  • Class E: Controlled airspace not classified as A/B/C/D; may start at 700 ft, 1200 ft AGL, or surface. Some surface-designated Class E around airports requires ATC authorization for sUAS.
  • Class G: Uncontrolled — many sUAS ops occur here.

Professor’s Corner: The most common test traps: confusing lateral and vertical dimensions, and misreading when E-airspace is surface-based vs 700/1200 AGL.

2.2 Sectional Chart Essentials (what the exam will expect you to recognize)

  • Airport symbols: Towered (blue) vs non-towered (magenta), towered with instrument approaches.
  • Airspace depiction: Class B in solid blue, Class C in solid magenta, Class D in dashed blue.
  • Special use areas: Warning areas, MOAs, restricted areas — always check controlling agency.
  • Topographic features: Use for visual navigation and reference.

Reading practice: We include three detailed sectional walk-throughs in the Appendix with URL references and callouts.

2.3 ATC Authorizations, LAANC & NOTAMs

  • For controlled airspace operations, obtain ATC authorization via the FAA UAS portal or LAANC where available.
  • File and review NOTAMs for TFRs and other temporary flight restrictions prior to flight.

2.4 Operations near Airports & Pattern Awareness

  • Even in uncontrolled airspace, avoid approach corridors and actively scan for manned traffic.
  • Use CTAF/UNICOM to monitor traffic frequencies when operating near airports.

2.5 Special Use & Restricted Areas

  • Prohibited areas: Never fly unless authorization from controlling agency.
  • Restricted areas: Same — need permission; may contain hazardous activities.
  • MOAs & Warning Areas: MOAs are for military training — be cautious; Warning Areas are offshore and present hazards.

Chapter 2 — Quick Reference

  • Class B/C/D/E surface — prior authorization required. (§107.41)
  • Use LAANC to expedite approvals where available.
  • Check NOTAMs/TFRs before each flight.

Chapter 3 — Weather & Weather Effects

Aim: Decode METAR/TAF, understand how weather affects sUAS performance, and perform risk-based go/no-go decisions.

3.1 Weather Sources & Briefings

  • METAR: Observation of current conditions (wind, visibility, clouds, temp/dewpoint, altimeter). Learn to read METAR strings quickly.
  • TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — forecast for airports.
  • ASOS/AWOS: Automated surface observing systems — useful for point-specific conditions.
  • Graphical weather products: Surface analysis, frontal positions, radar, satellite.

Professor’s Corner: For sUAS operations, visibility and wind are the two most operationally significant parameters. Even small wind increases can rapidly eat battery margins.

3.2 Wind & Turbulence

  • Small UAS are sensitive to gusts and sustained winds. Manufacturer data rarely covers gusty conditions; use conservative estimates.
  • Wind shear/microbursts: Small sUAS can be lost in abrupt vertical wind changes — avoid convective activity.

3.3 Density Altitude & Performance

  • Although sUAS operate close to ground, density altitude affects rotorcraft differently. Hot and high conditions reduce thrust and battery efficiency.

How to calculate (simple): Density altitude ≈ Pressure altitude + (120 × (OAT − ISA temperature)). For small UAS, note general trend — higher density altitude = reduced climb performance and shorter hover times.

3.4 Thunderstorms, Icing, & Precipitation

  • Do not fly in or near thunderstorms. Lightning and sudden gust fronts are unacceptable risks.
  • Precipitation and icing can damage motors and electronics. Avoid flying in precipitation unless aircraft are specifically rated.

3.5 Preflight Weather Risk Assessment

  • Check METAR/TAF, satellite, radar, NOTAMs.
  • Consider wind, gusts, precipitation, temperature (battery impact), ceiling/visibility.
  • Document conservative margins for battery reserves.

Chapter 3 — Quick Reference

  • Minimum visibility: 3 SM (Part 107)
  • Wind guidance: Refer to manufacturer limitations; if gusting > manufacturer limit, do not fly.
  • Density altitude: Higher density altitude reduces available thrust and endurance.

Chapter 4 — Loading & Performance

Aim: Understand how payload, center of gravity, and battery state affect sUA performance and safety.

4.1 Weight & Balance

  • Always include the weight of payloads, cameras, sensor mounts, and batteries in takeoff weight.
  • If the manufacturer provides a CG envelope, keep your configuration within it. If not, perform conservative tests and verify stability in low-altitude checks.

4.2 Battery Performance & Energy Management

  • Batteries are the operational limiting factor. Conduct a preflight energy calculation: expected flight time × 1.3–1.5 reserve = minimum battery requirement.
  • Track battery health: capacity fade, internal resistance, and cell imbalance. Replace batteries that show abnormal behavior.

Professor’s Corner: For mapping missions, payload and flight speed trade off strongly with battery drain; plan multiple legs or swap batteries mid-mission at secure landing spots.

4.3 Effects of Payload on Handling

  • Additional mass increases inertia, reduces climb rate, and may change control response and oscillation tendencies.
  • Test configurations at low altitude and in a safe area prior to the mission.

4.4 Performance Prediction

  • Use manufacturer charts where available. When absent, collect baseline data and build simple performance curves (time vs. battery %, hover RPM vs. altitude) for your platform.

Chapter 4 — Quick Reference

  • Always calculate energy reserves; do not plan to land on the last percent of battery.
  • Test new payloads in a conservative "shakedown" flight before commercial missions.

Chapter 5 — Operations, ADM & Human Factors

Aim: Build safe operational habits: checklists, crew coordination, decision-making, loss-of-link procedures, emergency planning, and maintenance.

5.1 Crew Roles & Communication

  • Remote PIC: Final authority and responsibility for the safe operation.
  • Person Manipulating the Controls (if used): May control the sUA under direct supervision but remote PIC retains overall authority.
  • Visual Observer: Watches the aircraft and traffic, communicates hazards.

Best practice: Standardized phraseology and preflight briefings reduce miscommunication. Use a preflight call: "All stations, preflight checks complete, ready for takeoff in 2 minutes." Confirm roles and emergency responsibilities.

5.2 Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

  • Apply risk assessment for every mission. The core is identifying hazards, assessing risk, and applying mitigations.

  • Simple ADM tool: PAVE + IMSAFE

    • PAVE: Pilot (fitness), Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures
    • IMSAFE: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion

Professor’s Corner: The ADM mindset is the difference between a pilot who ‘follows rules’ and a pilot who keeps people safe under ambiguous circumstances.

5.3 Emergency Procedures & Lost-Link

  • Develop and brief a lost-link plan: immediate action (e.g., RTH — Return to Home), altitude for fail-safe, contingency landing zones.
  • For flyaways causing injury or property damage, follow accident reporting rules and be prepared to brief the event to authorities.

5.4 Maintenance & Inspection

  • Keep logs for battery cycles, motor hours, repairs, and modifications.
  • Perform a preflight inspection checklist (see Appendix printable checklist).

5.5 Physiology & Fitness for Flight

  • Be honest about fitness; do not operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and be mindful of fatigue, dehydration, and prescription medication side effects.

Chapter 5 — Quick Reference

  • IMSAFE & PAVE checks before each flight
  • Document maintenance and battery history
  • Lost-link plan: altitude, RTH vs land, site-specific contingencies

Glossary (selected key terms)

  • AIS: Abbreviated Injury Scale
  • ATC: Air Traffic Control
  • BVLOS: Beyond Visual Line of Sight
  • COW: Certificate of Waiver
  • EMS: Emergency Medical Service
  • IMSAFE: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion
  • LAANC: Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
  • METAR/TAF: Weather reporting products
  • MOA: Military Operations Area
  • NOTAM: Notice to Air Missions
  • PIC: Pilot in Command
  • RTH: Return to Home
  • sUA / sUAS: Small Unmanned Aircraft / System

(Complete glossary in full manual — this draft contains an expanded glossary in the appendix.)

Appendix

A. Sectional Chart Walkthroughs (text + callouts)

Sample Walkthrough 1 — Small Town Airport (non-towered)

  • Look for magenta circle with runway depiction; identify CTAF frequency in the remarks; check for any Class E surface designation (magenta shaded vignette).
  • Identify nearby special-use airspace; confirm any MOA or restricted area labels within 5 NM.

Sample Walkthrough 2 — Towered Regional Airport

  • Identify Class D area (dashed blue), note tower hours if annotated; look for Class B shelves.
  • Identify nearby military operations or restricted areas. If operations will enter controlled airspace, file LAANC or ATC authorization.

Sample Walkthrough 3 — Complex Metro Chart

  • Practice identifying shelfed Class B segments and floor/ceiling for Class E transitions. For sUAS operations, identify the easiest approach corridor and potential manned traffic hotspots.

B. Regulatory Quick Tables (printable)

  • Operating Limits Table: speed, altitude, visibility, cloud clearance.
  • What requires ATC authorization: B, C, D, and E surface areas.
  • When to report accidents: serious injury or $500+ property damage — report within 10 days.

C. Waiver Application Checklist

  • Proposed operation description
  • Safety case with mitigations and data
  • Proposed operational mitigations (geo-fencing, observers, lighting)
  • Training and SOPs for crew
  • Communications plan with ATC if applicable

D. Design & Print Specs (for the production team)

Size & Format: 8.5 x 11 in (portrait). PDFs should be 300 dpi for images, with 0.125 in bleed on all sides.

Logo: NC Drone Co_Logo v2.PNG (file in project assets). Place in the top-right corner of every page at ~0.5 in from top and right edges. For print, use a vector version if available.

Fonts: Headings: Inter or Lato Bold (32 pt H1, 18–24 pt H2/H3). Body: Lato/Open Sans 11–12 pt. Sidebar callouts: italics or smallcaps.

Color palette (match www.ncdroneco.com):

  • Primary Blue: #0077C8
  • Dark Navy: #0B1B2B
  • Slate Gray: #2E3B45
  • Accent Cyan: #00B4F0
  • Warm Accent (for warnings): #F26419

Page elements: Top-right logo, left page number (footer), right page section title (footer). Use 1 in margins for comfortable binding.

Cover design: Full-bleed dark navy background, stylized drone silhouette (blue accent), NC Drone Co. logo at top-right, bold title centered: "Part 107 Exam Prep — Remote Pilot Study Guide". Back cover: short blurb, author credit, ISBN placeholder, website, QR code linking to landing page.

Suggested interior paper: 80–100 GSM, coated if including many color charts.

E. Back Cover Copy (marketing blurb)

NC Drone Co.'s Part 107 Exam Prep is a modern, practical guide for aspiring commercial drone pilots. Aligned to the FAA Airman Certification Standards and grounded with real-world mission examples, this guide prepares you for responsible operations and confident decision-making in the National Airspace System.

Available at www.ncdroneco.com

Final Notes & Deliverables (what you now have)