2025 Part 107 Exam
Section 1: Understanding Sectional Charts
Before we dive into exercises, let’s review the key elements of a sectional chart:
- Airspace Classes (B, C, D, E, G) and their altitude limits
- Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
- Special Use Airspace (SUA): Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, Alert, CFA
- Latitude/Longitude for identifying locations
- Symbols for airports, towers, obstacles, and restricted areas
- Legend & Chart Supplements
Section 2: Exercises with Detailed Answers
Exercise 1: Identifying Airspace
Question:
You are planning a drone operation at 30°18′N 97°42′W near Austin, Texas.
- Identify the type of airspace.
- What permissions, if any, are required to fly there?
Answer Explanation:
- Looking at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) area, you’ll see a solid blue line surrounding it.
- This indicates Class B airspace (controlled).
- The numbers inside the concentric circles (e.g., 110/40) represent the ceiling (11000 feet MSL) and floor (4000 feet MSL) of different Class B layers.
- If your location is within Class B, you will need FAA authorization via LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
Mnemonic: "Big Cities, Big Blue Rings" → Class B airspace surrounds large airports, and blue solid lines mark its boundary.
Exercise 2: Class E Airspace and Controlled Airspace
Question:
You are flying at 2,500 feet AGL near a Class E airspace designation.
- How do you identify Class E airspace?
- When do you need approval for operations in Class E?
Answer Explanation:
- Class E airspace starts at either 700 feet AGL or 1200 feet AGL unless otherwise designated.
- You can identify Class E (starting at 700 feet AGL) by a fuzzy magenta line and Class E (starting at 1200 feet AGL) by an absence of the magenta shading.
- Drone pilots do not need approval for Class E airspace below 400 feet AGL unless it abuts a controlled airspace (Class C or D).
Mnemonic: "E is Everywhere" → Class E is the most common airspace but authorization is only needed near controlled airspace.
Exercise 3: Reading Latitude and Longitude
Mnemonic for Reading Latitude and Longitude: "Lat is Lounge, Long is Ladder"
Easily remember how Latitude and Longitude work on sectional charts!
- Latitude = Lounge → Think of a lounge chair lying flat (East-West)
- Longitude = Ladder → Think of a ladder standing tall (North-South)
Breakdown:
✅ Latitude (Parallels) → Runs East-West, increases Northward ???? (Flat like a Lounge Chair)
✅ Longitude (Meridians) → Runs North-South, increases Westward ???? (Vertical like a Ladder)
Example Memory Trick:
Imagine relaxing flat on a lounge chair (Latitude), but climbing up and down a ladder (Longitude).
Question:
A client asks you to film a property at 35°15′N, 106°36′W in Albuquerque, NM.
- How do you locate this on a sectional chart?
- What airspace restrictions apply?
Answer Explanation:
- Latitude lines (parallels) run east-west and increase northward.
- Longitude lines (meridians) run north-south and increase westward.
- 106°36′W places you west of the Prime Meridian, and 35°15′N places you in New Mexico.
- This point is inside Class C airspace (Albuquerque International Sunport – ABQ).
- You will need FAA authorization for this operation, as Class C requires ATC permission via LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
Mnemonic: "Long runs up and down, Lat is flat" → Longitude = vertical, Latitude = horizontal.
Exercise 4: Restricted Airspace (MOA, Prohibited, and Warning Areas)
Question:
Can you fly a drone at 30°30′N 86°30′W near Eglin AFB, Florida?
Answer Explanation:
- This location is inside R-2915 (Restricted Airspace), designated for military operations.
- Drone flights are NOT allowed without prior permission from ATC or the controlling authority.
- MOAs (Military Operations Areas) do not require permission, but extra caution is advised.
Mnemonic: "R = Restricted, P = Prohibited, W = Warning"
- R = Restricted (Need ATC Permission)
- P = Prohibited (No Drone Flights Allowed)
- W = Warning Area (Military Use, Exercise Caution)
Exercise 5: Airports and Controlled Towers
Question:
What does a solid magenta circle around an airport indicate?
Answer Explanation:
- A solid magenta circle means the airport is in Class C airspace.
- Example: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is surrounded by a solid magenta ring, meaning Class C airspace.
- LAANC or FAA DroneZone approval is required for operations in Class C.
Mnemonic: "Magenta = Maybe Permission, Blue = Big Permission Needed"
- Magenta Solid Line = Class C (Permission Required)
- Blue Solid Line = Class B (Strictly Controlled, Major Airports)
Key Things to Memorize for the 2025 Part 107 Exam
Airspace Quick Reference:
| Airspace | Color on Chart | Starts At | Drone Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class B | Solid Blue Line | Surface | FAA Authorization Required |
| Class C | Solid Magenta Line | Surface | FAA Authorization Required |
| Class D | Dashed Blue Line | Surface | FAA Authorization Required |
| Class E | Fuzzy Magenta (700ft AGL) or No Line (1200ft AGL) | 700ft or 1200ft AGL | No authorization needed below 400ft AGL |
| Class G | No lines (uncontrolled) | Surface | No authorization needed |
Final Exam Tips:
- Always Check LAANC First – If you're near an airport, see if authorization is required.
- Know Your Symbols – Airports, towers, and obstacles can limit your operations.
- Use Mnemonics – These make it easier to recall airspace classifications.
- Understand Weather Sources – METARs and TAFs are often tested along with sectional charts.
- Recognize Restricted and Prohibited Areas – Never fly in restricted zones without proper permissions.
- Practice with FAA’s Sample Test – Sectional charts WILL be tested
FAA Part 107 Exam Mnemonics & Tips for 2025
Master airspace, weather, regulations, and operational rules. These mnemonics and tips will help you memorize key concepts and boost your test performance.
Airspace Mnemonics & Tips
Understanding airspace classifications, restrictions, and permissions is crucial for safe drone operations.
1️⃣ "Big Clouds Make Dirty Evenings Go" (B, C, D, E, G)
This helps you remember the order of airspace from most controlled to least controlled:
- B = Big (Class B - Major Airports)
- C = Clouds (Class C - Mid-size Airports)
- D = Make (Class D - Small Airports with Control Towers)
- E = Dirty (Class E - Controlled but no tower)
- G = Evenings Go (Class G - Uncontrolled, ground level)
2️⃣ "Big Blue, Cautious Magenta, Dashed Blues, Fuzzy Magenta"
Helps identify airspace on sectional charts:
- Big Blue = Class B (Solid Blue Line)
- Cautious Magenta = Class C (Solid Magenta Line)
- Dashed Blues = Class D (Dashed Blue Line)
- Fuzzy Magenta = Class E starts at 700ft AGL
- No Color = Class G (Uncontrolled Airspace)
3️⃣ "Red, Purple, Warning!" (Restricted, Prohibited, Warning)
Understanding special use airspace (SUA) rules:
- Red (R) = Restricted (Need ATC Approval)
- Purple (P) = Prohibited (NO Flights Allowed)
- Warning (W) = Warning Area (Military Use, Be Cautious)
4️⃣ "Coke Cans Make Cool Drinks" (Cloud Clearance for Drone Flights)
☁️ FAA Rules for flying near clouds:
- C = C (500 feet below clouds)
- C = C (2,000 feet horizontally)
- M = Make (Must be in visual line of sight)
- C = Cool (Clear of clouds)
- D = Drinks (Daytime operations unless approved)
Weather Mnemonics & Tips
Weather questions will be on the test, focusing on METARs, TAFs, and general weather knowledge.
5️⃣ "METAR: Think of it Like a Tweet"
METARs are like short tweets about weather at an airport.
- Station ID (e.g., KATL = Atlanta)
- Time (e.g., 121753Z = 12th day, 17:53 UTC)
- Wind (e.g., 34012KT = 340° at 12 knots)
- Visibility (e.g., 10SM = 10 Statute Miles)
- Weather (e.g., -RA = Light Rain)
- Clouds (e.g., SCT025 = Scattered Clouds at 2500 feet)
- Temperature/Dewpoint (e.g., 24/12 = 24°C Temp, 12°C Dewpoint)
- Altimeter (e.g., A2992 = 29.92 inches of Hg)
Tip: If visibility is below 3SM or clouds are below 500ft, avoid flying.
Mnemonic for METAR: "Some Tired Weather Viewers Watch Cloudy TV Always"
Think of METAR like a short tweet about airport weather!
Each letter represents the key elements in a METAR report:
- S → Station ID (e.g., KATL = Atlanta)
- T → Time (e.g., 121753Z = 12th day, 17:53 UTC)
- W → Wind (e.g., 34012KT = 340° at 12 knots)
- V → Visibility (e.g., 10SM = 10 Statute Miles)
- W → Weather Conditions (e.g., -RA = Light Rain)
- C → Clouds (e.g., SCT025 = Scattered Clouds at 2500 feet)
- T → Temperature/Dewpoint (e.g., 24/12 = 24°C Temp, 12°C Dewpoint)
- A → Altimeter (e.g., A2992 = 29.92 inches of Hg)
Mnemonic Breakdown:
✅ Some (Station ID)
✅ Tired (Time)
✅ Weather (Wind)
✅ Viewers (Visibility)
✅ Watch (Weather)
✅ Cloudy (Clouds)
✅ TV (Temperature/Dewpoint)
✅ Always (Altimeter)
Use this to quickly recall METAR components for the Part 107 Exam
6️⃣ "TAF: Tomorrow’s Aviation Forecast"
TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) gives future weather conditions:
- Covers 24 to 30 hours
- Updated four times a day
- Similar to METAR, but predicts changes
Tip: If TAF shows "TS" (Thunderstorms), "FG" (Fog), or "RA" (Rain), be cautious!
Drone Regulations Mnemonics & Tips
7️⃣ "400 Up, 400 Side, VLOS Wide" (Drone Height & Distance Limits)
Max legal altitude and proximity rules:
- 400 Up → Max altitude is 400 feet AGL (unless within 400 feet of a taller structure).
- 400 Side → You must stay within 400 feet horizontally from an inspected structure.
- VLOS Wide → Maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times.
8️⃣ "107 Is Heaven, 91 is the Pilot's Guide"
Know which FAA regulations apply:
- Part 107 → Covers drone operations and pilot rules.
- Part 91 → Covers manned aircraft rules (including weather and NOTAMs).
9️⃣ "Register, Recurrent, Report" (Legal Drone Pilot Duties)
What every drone pilot MUST do:
- Register your drone with the FAA
- Recurrent Exam (New in 2021: Free online test every 24 months)
- Report any serious accidents to the FAA (if damage >$500 or injury occurs)
Operational Mnemonics & Tips
"TOMATO FLAMES and FLAPS" (Night Operations)
Lights Required for Night Flying (Part 107):
- T → Tail light
- O → Obstruction light
- M → Main beacon
- A → Anti-collision lights
- T → Turn indicator
- O → Overhead illumination
Tip: Anti-collision lights must be visible for at least 3 statute miles.
"Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" (Emergencies)
If your drone loses signal or you have an emergency:
- Aviate → Try to regain control first
- Navigate → Ensure safe flight path or emergency landing
- Communicate → Alert ATC (if in controlled airspace)
Final Exam Tips
✅ Things You MUST Memorize for Part 107:
- Max altitude = 400 feet AGL
- Maintain VLOS at all times
- No flights over people unless permitted by FAA
- Max drone weight = 55 lbs
- Night flight requires anti-collision lights visible for 3 SM
- Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 2000 feet horizontal
- Class B, C, D requires ATC approval
- Restricted airspace = ATC approval required
- Register drone with FAA if over 0.55 lbs
- Report accidents over $500 damage or injury
Quick Review Mnemonics
Airspace
- "Big Clouds Make Dirty Evenings Go" (B, C, D, E, G)
- "Red, Purple, Warning!" (Restricted, Prohibited, Warning)
☁️ Weather
- "METAR = Tweet, TAF = Tomorrow"
- "Coke Cans Make Cool Drinks" (Cloud clearance rules)
Regulations
- "400 Up, 400 Side, VLOS Wide" (Flight limitations)
- "Register, Recurrent, Report" (Pilot responsibilities)
Night Operations
- "TOMATO FLAMES and FLAPS" (Required lights)
Final Tip: The FAA loves to ask about airspace, controlled airspace permissions, and weather reports. Make sure you understand sectional charts and how to read METARs & TAFs!
2025 Part 107 Exam Study Guide
Section 1: Understanding Sectional Charts
Before we dive into exercises, let’s review the key elements of a sectional chart:
✅ Airspace Classes (B, C, D, E, G) and their altitude limits
✅ Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
✅ Special Use Airspace (SUA): Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, Alert, CFA
✅ Latitude/Longitude for identifying locations
✅ Symbols for airports, towers, obstacles, and restricted areas
✅ Legend & Chart Supplements
Section 2: Exercises with Detailed Answers
Exercise 1: Identifying Airspace
Question:
You are planning a drone operation at 30°18′N 97°42′W near Austin, Texas.
- Identify the type of airspace.
- What permissions, if any, are required to fly there?
Answer Explanation:
- Looking at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) area, you’ll see a solid blue line surrounding it.
- This indicates Class B airspace (controlled).
- The numbers inside the concentric circles (e.g., 110/40) represent the ceiling (11,000 feet MSL) and floor (4,000 feet MSL) of different Class B layers.
- If your location is within Class B, you will need FAA authorization via LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
Mnemonic: "Big Cities, Big Blue Rings" → Class B airspace surrounds large airports, and solid blue lines mark its boundary.
Exercise 2: Class E Airspace and Controlled Airspace
Question:
You are flying at 2,500 feet AGL near a Class E airspace designation.
- How do you identify Class E airspace?
- When do you need approval for operations in Class E?
Answer Explanation:
- Class E airspace starts at either 700 feet AGL or 1200 feet AGL unless otherwise designated.
- Class E (starting at 700 feet AGL) is identified by a fuzzy magenta line, while Class E (starting at 1200 feet AGL) has no magenta shading.
- Drone pilots do not need approval for Class E airspace below 400 feet AGL unless it abuts a controlled airspace (Class C or D).
Mnemonic: "E is Everywhere" → Class E is the most common airspace but authorization is only needed near controlled airspace.
Exercise 3: Reading Latitude and Longitude
Question:
A client asks you to film a property at 35°15′N, 106°36′W in Albuquerque, NM.
- How do you locate this on a sectional chart?
- What airspace restrictions apply?
Answer Explanation:
- Latitude lines (parallels) run east-west and increase northward.
- Longitude lines (meridians) run north-south and increase westward.
- 106°36′W places you west of the Prime Meridian, and 35°15′N places you in New Mexico.
- This point is inside Class C airspace (Albuquerque International Sunport – ABQ).
- You will need FAA authorization for this operation, as Class C requires ATC permission via LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
Mnemonic: "Long runs up and down, Lat is flat" → Longitude = vertical, Latitude = horizontal.
Exercise 4: Restricted Airspace (MOA, Prohibited, and Warning Areas)
Question:
Can you fly a drone at 30°30′N 86°30′W near Eglin AFB, Florida?
Answer Explanation:
- This location is inside R-2915 (Restricted Airspace), designated for military operations.
- Drone flights are NOT allowed without prior permission from ATC or the controlling authority.
- MOAs (Military Operations Areas) do not require permission, but extra caution is advised.
Mnemonic: "R = Restricted, P = Prohibited, W = Warning"
- R = Restricted (Need ATC Permission)
- P = Prohibited (No Drone Flights Allowed)
- W = Warning Area (Military Use, Exercise Caution)
Key Things to Memorize for the 2025 Part 107 Exam
Airspace Quick Reference:
| Airspace | Color on Chart | Starts At | Drone Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class B | Solid Blue Line | Surface | FAA Authorization Required |
| Class C | Solid Magenta Line | Surface | FAA Authorization Required |
| Class D | Dashed Blue Line | Surface | FAA Authorization Required |
| Class E | Fuzzy Magenta (700ft AGL) or No Line (1200ft AGL) | 700ft or 1200ft AGL | No authorization needed below 400ft AGL |
| Class G | No lines (uncontrolled) | Surface | No authorization needed |
FAA Part 107 Exam Mnemonics & Tips
Airspace Mnemonics
✅ "Big Clouds Make Dirty Evenings Go" → (B, C, D, E, G)
✅ "Big Blue, Cautious Magenta, Dashed Blues, Fuzzy Magenta" → (Airspace Colors)
✅ "Red, Purple, Warning!" → (Restricted, Prohibited, Warning)
☁️ Weather Mnemonics
✅ "METAR = Tweet, TAF = Tomorrow" → (Weather Reports)
✅ "Coke Cans Make Cool Drinks" → (Cloud Clearance: 500ft below, 2000ft horizontal)
Drone Regulations
✅ "400 Up, 400 Side, VLOS Wide" → (Drone Flight Limits)
✅ "107 Is Heaven, 91 is the Pilot's Guide" → (Regulations to Know)
✅ "Register, Recurrent, Report" → (Legal Pilot Duties)
Night Operations
✅ "TOMATO FLAMES and FLAPS" → (Required Lights for Night Flights)
When in Doubt, Choose the Answer About Safety
- The FAA prioritizes safety, compliance, and risk management.
- If unsure, pick the answer that:
- Avoids flying over people
- Maintains line of sight (VLOS)
- Minimizes risk to aircraft or property
Tip: If two answers seem reasonable, pick the more conservative/safe one.
FAA Part 107 Exam: Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace Questions & Answers
Understanding controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace is critical for passing the Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam. Below are realistic multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations to help you prepare.
Question 1: Identifying Controlled Airspace
You plan to operate a drone at 300 feet AGL within Class C airspace near a busy airport. What action must you take before the flight?
A) No action is needed since you are flying under 400 feet AGL.
B) You must obtain prior authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
C) You must notify the airport 24 hours in advance.
D) You cannot operate a drone in controlled airspace under any circumstances.
✅ Correct Answer: B) You must obtain prior authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
Explanation:
- Class B, C, D, and certain Class E airspace require FAA authorization for drone flights.
- Authorization can be obtained through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or FAA DroneZone.
- The 400 ft AGL rule does not override airspace restrictions in controlled areas.
Tip: All controlled airspace (except some Class E) requires ATC authorization.
Question 2: Class G Airspace Operations
Which statement correctly describes Class G airspace?
A) It is uncontrolled airspace where drone pilots do not need ATC authorization.
B) It is controlled airspace, requiring FAA permission for all drone flights.
C) It is always located above Class E airspace.
D) It is identified by a solid blue line on sectional charts.
✅ Correct Answer: A) It is uncontrolled airspace where drone pilots do not need ATC authorization.
Explanation:
- Class G airspace is uncontrolled, meaning drone pilots do not need ATC authorization to operate.
- Class G airspace exists from the surface up to 700 feet AGL or 1,200 feet AGL, where Class E airspace begins.
- Controlled airspace includes Class B, C, D, and certain Class E airspace, while Class G is uncontrolled.
- Class B is marked by solid blue lines, not Class G.
Tip: Class G = Go! No ATC approval needed.
Question 3: Understanding Class D Airspace
Which of the following is true regarding operations in Class D airspace?
A) ATC authorization is required before flying in Class D airspace.
B) Drone flights are prohibited in Class D airspace.
C) Class D airspace extends from the surface to 14,500 feet MSL.
D) Class D airspace is always depicted with a solid magenta line on sectional charts.
✅ Correct Answer: A) ATC authorization is required before flying in Class D airspace.
Explanation:
- Class D airspace is controlled airspace around smaller airports with control towers.
- ATC authorization is required for drone operations in Class D airspace (via LAANC or FAA DroneZone).
- Class D airspace typically extends from the surface to 2,500 feet AGL around the airport.
- It is depicted with a dashed blue line (not solid magenta) on sectional charts.
Tip: Dashed blue = Class D, ATC permission needed!
Question 4: Class E Airspace Near an Airport
You plan to operate a drone at 350 feet AGL near an uncontrolled airport in Class E airspace that starts at the surface. What must you do?
A) No ATC authorization is required because it's an uncontrolled airport.
B) You must obtain FAA authorization before operating in Class E airspace near the airport.
C) You must contact the airport's fixed-base operator (FBO) before the flight.
D) You can only fly if visibility is at least 1 mile.
✅ Correct Answer: B) You must obtain FAA authorization before operating in Class E airspace near the airport.
Explanation:
- Class E airspace can begin at 700 feet AGL, 1,200 feet AGL, or at the surface near some airports.
- Class E at the surface is controlled airspace, meaning FAA authorization is required for drone operations near an airport.
- If Class E begins at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL, no authorization is required for drone flights below 400 feet AGL.
Tip: Fuzzy magenta shading = Class E starts at 700 feet AGL. If no shading, check sectional chart for surface-based Class E.
Question 5: Airspace Classification at Different Altitudes
At what altitude does controlled airspace begin in most rural areas?
A) Surface level
B) 700 feet AGL
C) 1,200 feet AGL
D) 14,500 feet MSL
✅ Correct Answer: C) 1,200 feet AGL
Explanation:
- Class G airspace extends from the surface up to 1,200 feet AGL in most rural areas.
- Class E airspace starts at 1,200 feet AGL in these areas.
- In some locations, Class E begins at 700 feet AGL (shown by fuzzy magenta shading on sectional charts).
- Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet MSL, not 14,500 feet.
Tip: Most of the U.S. follows the 1,200 ft AGL rule for Class G to E transition.
Question 6: Airspace Depiction on Sectional Charts
Which color and line type indicates Class B airspace on a sectional chart?
A) Solid magenta line
B) Dashed blue line
C) Solid blue line
D) Dashed magenta line
✅ Correct Answer: C) Solid blue line
Explanation:
- Class B airspace is depicted as a solid blue line and surrounds major airports like LAX, ATL, and JFK.
- Class C is solid magenta, Class D is dashed blue, and Class E surface areas are dashed magenta.
Tip: Big Blue = Big City = Class B airspace.
Question 7: Controlled Airspace Authorization
How can a remote pilot request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace?
A) Call the airport control tower directly
B) Submit a request through LAANC or FAA DroneZone
C) Contact the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
D) Authorization is not required for drone flights in controlled airspace
✅ Correct Answer: B) Submit a request through LAANC or FAA DroneZone
Explanation:
- Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) allows near-instant approval in controlled airspace.
- FAA DroneZone is used for longer-term or complex authorization requests.
- Calling the control tower is not the correct method.
Tip: LAANC = Fast, FAA DroneZone = Longer processing time.
Quick Recap: Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
✅ Class B, C, D, and surface Class E = Controlled, require FAA authorization
✅ Class G = Uncontrolled, no FAA authorization needed
✅ LAANC or FAA DroneZone is required for flights in controlled airspace
✅ Dashed blue = Class D, Solid blue = Class B, Solid magenta = Class C
✅ Fuzzy magenta shading = Class E starts at 700 feet AGL
Using these practice questions and strategies, you'll master controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace and pass your Part 107 Exam with confidence
Final Exam Tips
Things You MUST Memorize for Part 107:
- Max altitude = 400 feet AGL
- Maintain VLOS at all times
- No flights over people unless permitted by FAA
- Max drone weight = 55 lbs
- Night flight requires anti-collision lights visible for 3 SM
- Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 2000 feet horizontal
- Class B, C, D requires ATC approval
- Restricted airspace = ATC approval required
- Register drone with FAA if over 0.55 lbs
- Report accidents over $500 damage or injury