FAA Part 107 Exam Format: Number of Questions & Test Structure

To operate a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) commercially in the United States, candidates must demonstrate a high level of aeronautical proficiency by passing the Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Understanding the FAA Part 107 exam format and questions is the first step toward achieving a passing score. The examination is designed not just to test rote memorization of rules, but to evaluate a pilot's ability to apply complex aviation data to real-world flight scenarios. Candidates are expected to interpret sectional charts, calculate aircraft performance under varying atmospheric conditions, and navigate the legalities of the National Airspace System. This rigor ensures that every remote pilot possesses the necessary situational awareness to maintain the safety and integrity of the skies shared with manned aircraft.

FAA Part 107 Exam Format and Questions Overview

Total Question Count and Question Type

When preparing for the examination, the most common logistical inquiry is how many questions on the Part 107 test an applicant must answer. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, each providing three distinct answer choices (A, B, and C). There are no true/false, fill-in-the-blank, or essay components. Candidates are allotted a total of 120 minutes to complete the test, which averages out to two minutes per question. While this may seem generous, the complexity of interpreting Sectional Charts and performing calculations often requires significant time management. Each question is independent, meaning the answer to one does not rely on the answer to another, though they are all drawn from the same pool of aeronautical knowledge. To pass, a candidate must achieve a minimum score of 70%, which equates to correctly answering at least 42 of the 60 questions.

Computer-Based Testing Environment and Tools

The FAA drone test format is strictly computer-based and administered at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Upon arrival, candidates are required to present government-issued identification and are then escorted to a secure testing station. The interface typically allows for a "bookmark" or "flag" feature, enabling applicants to skip difficult questions and return to them later—a vital strategy for managing the 120-minute clock. You are provided with several physical tools: a pencil, scrap paper, and most importantly, the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement. This supplement contains all the maps, legends, and charts referenced in the questions. You are also permitted to bring a basic, non-programmable calculator to assist with weight and balance or performance math. Any electronic devices, including smartwatches and phones, are strictly prohibited in the testing room to maintain the integrity of the assessment.

Detailed Breakdown of Part 107 Test Sections

Regulations (Part 107, Part 91, and NAS)

The Part 107 test sections breakdown begins with a heavy emphasis on 14 CFR Part 107, which dictates the legal framework for sUAS operations. This section accounts for approximately 15% to 25% of the exam. Questions in this domain focus on the specific responsibilities of the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC), including the requirement to conduct a pre-flight inspection and the necessity of maintaining a visual line of sight. You must also understand the nuances of reporting accidents to the FAA, which is required within 10 days if an injury results in a loss of consciousness or if property damage exceeds $500. Furthermore, the exam tests your knowledge of the "Right of Way" rules, where sUAS must always yield to manned aircraft, a concept deeply rooted in the broader General Operating and Flight Rules of Part 91.

Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements

This section is arguably the most technical, often representing 15% to 25% of the Part 107 knowledge test structure. Candidates must demonstrate an expert ability to read a Sectional Chart and identify different classes of airspace, ranging from Class B (busy metropolitan airports) to Class G (uncontrolled airspace). You will be asked to identify the ceiling and floor of specific airspace segments using Mean Sea Level (MSL) and Above Ground Level (AGL) notations. A common scenario involves determining whether a flight requires Airspace Authorization via the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system. Understanding the symbols for Restricted Areas, Prohibited Areas, and Military Operations Areas (MOAs) is critical, as operating in these zones without proper coordination is a major regulatory violation.

Weather Sources and Effects on sUAS Performance

Weather accounts for 11% to 16% of the exam and focuses on how atmospheric conditions impact flight safety. Candidates must be able to decode a METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) and a TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), which use standardized abbreviations to describe wind speed, visibility, and cloud ceilings. Beyond data interpretation, the exam assesses your understanding of the physics of weather. For example, you must explain how Density Altitude—pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature—affects propeller efficiency and lift. High density altitude (caused by high heat or high elevation) results in thinner air, which significantly degrades sUAS performance. Questions also cover the hazards of structural icing, the stages of a thunderstorm, and the definition of a stable versus unstable air mass.

Loading and Performance for Small Unmanned Aircraft

This section, typically comprising 7% to 11% of the exam, focuses on the weight and balance of the aircraft. The FAA expects candidates to understand how the Center of Gravity (CG) affects stability and maneuverability. If an aircraft is loaded beyond its maximum takeoff weight or with an imbalanced CG, it may become uncontrollable or stall at a higher speed than normal. You will likely encounter questions regarding the Load Factor, which is the ratio of the total load supported by the wings to the actual weight of the aircraft. For instance, in a 60-degree banked turn, the load factor increases to 2 Gs, meaning a 5-pound drone effectively weighs 10 pounds. Understanding these physical stresses is essential for preventing structural failure during high-performance maneuvers.

Emergency Procedures and Crew Resource Management

Operations and emergency procedures make up a significant portion of the test, often 35% to 45% when combined with other operational topics. This section evaluates your ability to handle inflight crises, such as a lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery fire or a sudden loss of control link. A key concept here is Crew Resource Management (CRM), which involves the effective use of all available resources, including Visual Observers (VO) and person-manipulating-the-controls, to ensure flight safety. You will be tested on the Hazardous Attitudes that can lead to accidents, such as Macho, Impulsivity, or Resignation. The FAA uses these questions to ensure that pilots can recognize their own psychological biases and apply systematic decision-making processes, like the PAVE or CARE models, to mitigate risk.

Radio Communication Procedures and Lost Link

While remote pilots are not always required to use radios, the FAA mandates knowledge of standard aviation communication for situational awareness. This includes understanding the use of Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAF) at non-towered airports. You must know how to identify aircraft positions using the "clock system" and how to properly state altitudes and coordinates using the phonetic alphabet. Additionally, the exam covers Lost Link procedures, which occur when the command and control connection between the station and the sUAS is interrupted. Candidates must distinguish between a lost link (a temporary or permanent signal interruption) and a flyaway, where the aircraft no longer responds to pilot inputs and moves outside the planned operational area.

Using the FAA-Provided Testing Supplement

How to Locate Information in the Supplement

The Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement, specifically the CT-8080-2H, is your most valuable asset during the exam. Many questions will explicitly direct you to a specific "Figure" within this book. The first few pages of the supplement contain the Legend, which is the "Rosetta Stone" for reading Sectional Charts. It defines the colors of airport icons, the meaning of dashed versus solid lines for airspace boundaries, and the symbols for obstructions like radio towers. Successful candidates do not memorize every symbol; instead, they master the ability to quickly find the legend to verify information. This prevents errors caused by misidentifying a "Non-Towered Airport" as a "Towered Airport," which would lead to an incorrect answer regarding radio requirements.

Identifying Relevant Charts and Tables for Questions

The Part 107 exam question breakdown by topic often requires shifting between different types of charts within the supplement. You might be asked to find the frequency for a specific airport on a Sectional Chart and then look up the meaning of an abbreviation in a weather table. One critical skill is using the latitude and longitude grid to pinpoint a location. Questions often provide coordinates (e.g., 47°N, 122°W) and ask you to identify the maximum elevation figure (MEF) in that specific quadrangle. You must also be adept at reading the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) excerpts and performance charts provided in the supplement. Accuracy is paramount; the FAA often provides "distractor" answer choices that correspond to common mistakes, such as reading the wrong line on a chart or confusing MSL with AGL.

Question Difficulty and Scenario-Based Formats

Recognizing Straightforward Knowledge Questions

A portion of the exam consists of direct knowledge recall. These questions test your familiarity with the exact wording of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). For example, a question might ask for the maximum groundspeed allowed for an sUAS (100 mph) or the minimum visibility required for flight (3 statute miles). These questions are designed to be answered quickly if you have studied the definitions and limits thoroughly. They do not require complex analysis but do require precision. Because the FAA frequently updates the question bank, it is important to study the most recent Airman Certification Standards (ACS), which lists the specific knowledge areas the FAA is currently testing. This ensures you are not relying on outdated regulations, such as those regarding night flight or flight over people, which changed significantly in 2021.

Analyzing Multi-Step Scenario Problems

The more challenging questions involve multi-step reasoning. These often present a hypothetical mission: "You are tasked with inspecting a tower that is 500 feet tall in Class G airspace. How high can you fly, and what is your required distance from clouds?" To answer this, you must apply the rule that allows a remote pilot to fly up to 400 feet above a structure's uppermost limit, provided they stay within a 400-foot radius of the structure. Furthermore, you must remember the Cloud Clearance requirements (500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds). These scenario-based questions test your ability to synthesize disparate rules into a single operational decision. They simulate the "pre-flight planning" phase of a real mission, where a pilot must account for geography, regulations, and weather simultaneously.

Post-Exam Procedures and Immediate Feedback

What Happens After You Submit Your Exam

Once you have reviewed your flagged questions and clicked the final "Submit" button, the computer system processes your responses immediately. You will be asked to complete a brief survey about the testing center and the exam experience. After this, the proctor will print your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). This document is a permanent record of your performance and contains a raised seal to prove its authenticity. It is vital to keep this document safe, as you will need the 17-character Knowledge Test ID found on the report to complete your application for the Remote Pilot Certificate in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. If you do not pass, the report will list "Learning Statement Codes" which indicate the specific areas where you missed questions, serving as a roadmap for your next attempt.

Understanding Your Preliminary Pass/Fail Notice

While the AKTR provides your numerical score, it also serves as a diagnostic tool. Each question you missed is categorized by an ACS Code, such as UA.I.B.K1 (Registration requirements). By referencing these codes against the Airman Certification Standards, you can identify exactly which concepts you failed to grasp. If you passed, you do not need to retake the exam for two years, at which point you will complete a free online recurrent training course rather than a proctored exam. If you failed, you must wait 14 calendar days before you are eligible to retake the test. This waiting period is intended to give you sufficient time to study the areas identified by the Learning Statement Codes. Remember that the FAA Part 107 exam format and questions are designed to ensure safety; a high score is a strong indicator that you are prepared for the responsibilities of a professional remote pilot.