Drones are transforming the way imagery and data are acquired and analyzed, and are employed in a multitude of fields including agriculture, conservation, and energy exploration. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts that more than 420,000 commercial drone pilots will be licensed by 2021, helping companies integrate aerial data into their research. From entertainment and journalism to environmental science and disaster mitigation, businesses and government will increasingly rely on drone technology to obtain and analyze data at an efficient return on investment.
To ensure that drone operators fly safely, responsibly and legally, the FAA requires that all commercial operators pass the remote pilot knowledge exam and obtain a remote pilot (drone) license. In addition, faculty, staff, or students who serve as remote pilots in command (RPICs) during flight operations sanctioned by their schools must secure a remote pilot’s license.
The two-hour UAG (Unmanned Aircraft General) exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering the following subject composition:
- Regulations relating to small UAS
- Airspace classifications, operating requirements, and flight restrictions
- Aviation weather sources, effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
- Small unmanned aircraft loading
- Emergency procedures
- Crew resource management
- Radio communication procedures
- Performance of small unmanned aircraft
- Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
- Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
- Airport operations
- Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
Note: The knowledge test consists of objective multiple-choice questions, for which there is a single correct response. The minimum passing score for the exam is 70% which reflects a 42/18 ratio of right to wrong responses. Cost for the exam is $150 U.S. currency.
Three comprehensive online resources to help you prep for the remote pilot license exam are as follows:
- FAA Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide
The information in this study guide is arranged according to the knowledge areas that are covered on the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) exam as required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107, section 107.73(a). - FAA Knowledge Test Sample Questions
The 40 questions in this sample test are representative of the questions that will be asked during the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) exam. Review this exam thoroughly, using the FAA study guide as a reference, and be careful to understand the intent of each question by cross-checking it with the information provided in the guide. - 3DR 130 Practice Test Questions
The 130 practice test questions provide an additional resource for testing your aeronautical knowledge. After completing each 10 question module, click the Grade My Responses button to check your responses, and adjust your answers accordingly.
Exam Questions You May See on the Exam:
- Regulations: What action is appropriate if the remote pilot deviates from Part 107 during an emergency?
Answer: File a detailed report to the FAA administrator, upon request. - Airspace: According to 14 CFR part 107, how may a remote pilot in command operate an unmanned aircraft in Class C airspace?
Answer: The RPIC must have prior authorization from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility having jurisdiction over that airspace. - Airspace Resources: How can you find time-critical information on large public gatherings that may affect the national airspace system (NAS)?
Answer: Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) provide the most current information available on airports and changes that affect NAS. - Aviation Weather: During flights in freezing temperatures, what may affect drone performance?
Answer: Structural icing and moisture buildup in freezing temperatures can decrease lift and thrust, and increase drag. - Emergency Procedures: What action is appropriate if the remote pilot deviates from Part 107 during an emergency?
Answer: File a detailed report to the FAA administrator, upon request. - Crew Resource Management: Which statement is not correct concerning crew resource management in sUAS operations?
A: Crew members cannot, under any circumstances, challenge the decisions of the RPIC.
B: Individuals who are exhibiting signs of hazardous attitudes should be approached about the issue.
C: The RPIC and all crew members should communicate any observed hazards or concerns to one another.
Answer: A - Radio Communication Procedures: If an untowered airport does not have a FSS or UNICOM frequency, what Multicom frequency will be the CTAF frequency?
Answer: 122.9 - Performance of Small Unmanned Aircraft: What will happen to the angle of attack at which an airfoil stalls if gross weight is increased?
Answer: The angle of attack at which an airfoil stalls will remain the same regardless of gross weight. - Aeronautical Decision-Making and Judgement: You are a remote pilot in command for a co-op energy service provider. You plan to use your unmanned aircraft to inspect power lines in the remote area 15 hours away from your home office. After the drive, fatigue impacts your abilities to complete your assignment on time. What kind of fatigue is this?
Answer: Acute fatigue. - Airport Operations: What is the recommended entry position for manned aircraft to enter an airport traffic pattern?
Answer: Enter 45 degrees at the midpoint of the downwind leg at traffic pattern altitude. - Maintenance and Preflight Inspection Procedures: To ensure that the unmanned aircraft center of gravity limits are not exceeded, what aircraft loading instructions should you follow?
Answer: Pilot’s Operating Handbook
A diligent, self-disciplined approach works best in a home-study environment. Set aside time each day to review the materials listed above. Once you are ready to take the exam, follow the steps outlined on the FAA website to become a remote pilot.
Becoming a Pilot of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Written by Kate Lee, Smith College Senior Media Producer