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How hard could this test be, right?

The answer: Very difficult. If you don't prepare for the test.

I'm not a pilot, and have no background in aviation. But I studied solely using free resources, and passed.

I also studied in only 4 days (but wouldn't recommend that).

Here's a rough idea of what to expect:

Sectional charts. Airspace. Weather. Radio frequencies.

These are the most difficult sections by far. Getting as much practice as you can is ESSENTIAL.

In this article everything is listed - from a brief overview, to how to register, to all the free resources and how to best use them.

The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test is no pushover, and one needs to do some serious preparation and studying to pass. But have no fear, this guide will walk your through each step of of the process.

Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Overview

A pilot is required to pass the Remote Pilot Knowledge Test to receive a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS Rating. This certificate is required for all commercial drone operations under Part 107.

The knowledge test consists 60 multiple-choice questions, with a single correct response for each test question. Each test question is independent of other questions (more test info here).

You need to score a 70% or higher to pass (must answer minimum 42 questions correctly to pass), and have 2-hours to complete it.

Here's the breakdown of the types of questions:

remote-pilot-knowledge-test-question-breakdown

From many people's experience taking the test, typically the "Airspace & Requirements"  and "Weather" sections are a very high percentage of the test (and generally agreed to be the most difficult).

Registration

You can register for $150 for the test at an Airman Knowledge Testing Center.

If you fail the test, you have to wait 14 days before registering and taking the test again. The test is $150 each time you take it.

Test Preparation & Studying

If you don't have any aeronautical background, most new pilots who pass the test study roughly 10-15 hours to fully understand the material.

Here's a good step-by-step process to follow if you are studying without a course:

  1. Study the Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide
  2. Take the 40 question FAA sample test using the testing supplement
  3. Review your answers using a solutions guide to determine your weak areas
  4. Study Sectional Charts, Airspace, and Weather
  5. Use additional resources to continue learning

Step 1: Study the FAA's Remote Pilot sUAS Study Guide

Download and review the Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (87 pages) released by the FAA.

This is the best place to start because it gives you a very good overview of all the sections on the test, in addition to in-depth lessons and information.

Step 2: Take the 40 question FAA sample test using the testing supplement

Take the 40 question sample test released by the FAA. Use and get familiar with the official testing supplement for those questions (a hardcopy will be provided to you by your testing center).

Step 3: Review your answers using a solutions guide

Use our free PDF with detailed solutions of the sample test. It includes all 40 questions and answers to review how well you did, as well as what resources where to find the concepts you need to study more.

Step 4: Study Sectional Charts, Airspace, and Weather

If you still need help with the Sectional Charts, Airspace, and Weather sections, we built these resources for you:

Step 5: Use additional resources continue learning

3DR has put out 105 sample questions and study guides that are great free resources.

Please note that the 105 sample questions are listed in a quiz format that show the answers, but there are no detailed solutions. Please note that I've personally found several wrong answers in the 3DR sample questions (and would suggest DroneTribe's 300 question test bank).

Sarah Nilsson also has a great website with free resources listed. There are specific sections for the remote pilot test, but the material on sectional charts for standard aviation is also very good and in-depth.

Further reference and details on sections Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), as well as the Part 107 Advisory Circular.

Test Taking Tips

  • Think conservative with your answers
  • The legend in the Testing Supplement has a wealth of information about airspace, radio frequencies, and symbols that can be used during the test
  • People have the most difficultly with Sectional Charts, Airspace, and Weather

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the test really as difficult as people are saying?

A: Yes - particularly if you don't have an aeronautical background.

Q: What's the best way to prepare for the test?

A: Practice questions. They'll point out your weak areas and identify where you should spend more time studying.

Resources

Final Word

Yes, you can study and pass the Remote Pilot test for free. However here are two resources we recommend if you:

  1. have some questions that need to be cleared up, but can't find the answers thru free resources
  2. want to take your certification seriously and be the most knowledgeable operator possible

Remote Pilot Test Bank

  • Offers 300 additional test questions an in an interactive quiz format. The questions are formatted as 60 question quizzes to simulate the actual FAA test.
  • Knowledge Guides covering Sectional Charts, Airspace, METARs & TAFs, and Radio Frequencies.
  • Additional 40 question quiz with detailed solutions PDF covering only the most difficult test sections (Sectional Charts, Airspace, Weather).

I built this product because it's EXACTLY what I wanted when I was studying.