FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG) flashcards

A manual request process used when a planned UAS operation exceeds the automatic altitude ceiling shown on a UAS Facility Map grid within controlled airspace.

• UAS Facility Maps show maximum automatic-approval altitudes per grid
• Requests above the grid ceiling require further coordination review
• Further coordination is not guaranteed and may take longer to process
• Structure exception under 107.51 doesn't bypass controlled airspace authorization needs

Memory trick: Above the Grid? Ask ATC, don't just fly higher

sUAS may be operated from a moving land or water vehicle over sparsely populated areas as long as the aircraft is not used to transport another person's property for compensation.

• Allowed over sparsely populated areas only
• Prohibited from transporting property for compensation/hire
• No waiver required if conditions met

Memory trick: 'Truck bed OK, but no crowded street, and no paid delivery treat.'

Part 107 subpart D defines four categories based on aircraft weight, injury risk, and exposed rotating parts, determining if and how a sUAS may fly over people.

• Category 1: 0.55 lb or less, no exposed rotating parts causing laceration
• Category 2 & 3: meet injury severity thresholds via testing/means of compliance
• Category 4: airworthiness certificate required
• Sustained flight over open-air assemblies has added restrictions for Cat 2-4

Memory trick: 1-2-3-4: lighter drones face lighter rules

The remote PIC, VO, and person manipulating controls must be able to see the sUAS with unaided vision, with only momentary exceptions for vision-aiding devices.

• Corrective lenses/contacts are always allowed
• Binoculars/FPV goggles may be used only momentarily
• Continuous use of FPV as sole means of VLOS violates 107.31

Memory trick: See it with your own eyes—glasses are fine, binoculars are a quick peek only.

Part 107 requires sUAS to stay 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

• Applies to all Part 107 operations
• Designed to maintain separation from other aircraft in clouds
• Combined with the 3 statute mile visibility rule

Memory trick: '500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 out' keeps you clear of clouds.

Requirement that the remote pilot in command become familiar with relevant information before flight, including NOTAMs, weather, airspace, and obstacles.

• Required under 14 CFR 107.49
• Includes NOTAM review for TFRs and hazards
• Also includes weather, airspace, and local operating restrictions

Memory trick: NOTAM = 'Notice Of Things Affecting Mission' — always check first.

A rule requiring most drones to broadcast identification and location data to allow the FAA, law enforcement, and other agencies to identify UAS in flight.

• Broadcasts ID, location, altitude, and control station position
• Standard Remote ID aircraft broadcast from takeoff
• Broadcast modules can be added to older aircraft
• FRIAs allow flight without Remote ID within defined boundaries

Memory trick: 'FRIA Fields Free You' — inside a FRIA, no broadcast is needed.

A Notice to Airmen used to alert pilots and other airspace users of specific, often temporary, information such as a waived BVLOS or higher-risk sUAS operation.

• Not required for standard Part 107 operations, but may be a waiver condition
• Published through the FAA NOTAM system
• Helps manned aircraft avoid or exercise caution near the sUAS operation

Memory trick: 'NOTAM shouts: heads up, drone below!'

Small UAS operations under Part 107 are limited to a maximum groundspeed of 87 knots (100 mph).

• 87 knots = 100 mph
• Applies to groundspeed, not airspeed
• Part of the operating limitations in 107.51
• Also includes 400 ft AGL altitude and 3 SM visibility limits

Memory trick: '87 knots, 100 flat' — the speedy sUAS cap.

Low temperatures slow the internal chemical reactions of lithium batteries, reducing capacity, increasing internal resistance, and shortening flight endurance.

• Batteries should be warmed to manufacturer-recommended temps before flight
• Cold batteries can show sudden voltage sag under load
• Reduced capacity translates directly to shorter flight times

Memory trick: A cold battery is a sluggish battery — it just doesn't want to work.

Prohibits making fraudulent or intentionally false entries in any record, report, or application required under Part 107.

• Applies to logs, applications, and reports
• Basis for certificate suspension or revocation
• Similar to falsification rule for manned aircraft pilots (61.59)

Memory trick: 'False on paper, gone is your career.'

Sustained flight over moving vehicles is allowed if performed within a closed- or restricted-access site with prior notice to occupants, or if the sUAS meets Category 4 airworthiness requirements.

• Closed/restricted-access site exception requires occupant notice
• Alternative path: Category 4 aircraft with airworthiness certificate
• Applies specifically to moving vehicles, distinct from stationary people rules
• Part of Subpart D operations over people/moving vehicles

Memory trick: 'Closed set, everyone's told, drone's bold.'

Frost roughens the surface of airfoils and rotor blades, disrupting smooth airflow, reducing lift, and increasing drag, which can degrade flight performance.

• Even thin frost layers affect airflow
• Should be fully removed before flight
• Applies to rotor blades as well as fixed wings

Memory trick: 'Frosty blades = Failing Lift'

Special use airspace charted in magenta to alert pilots to a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity; entry is not restricted but requires increased vigilance.

• Charted with an 'A-' identifier
• No FAA authorization required to enter
• Pilots must exercise extra caution for other traffic

Memory trick: 'A' is for Aware — Alert Areas just want you paying attention, not asking permission.

Airspace where the FAA has established special operating rules that apply in addition to the standard rules of the underlying airspace class.

• Depicted with a distinctive charted border
• Adds procedures/equipment requirements, not a new airspace class
• Best-known example is the Washington D.C. SFRA (surrounds the FRZ)
• Applies to all aircraft, including UAS

Memory trick: 'SFRA stacks extra rules on top' — like icing on an airspace cake.

Part 107 requires at least 3 statute miles of visibility from the control station location for sUAS operations.

• Measured from the control station, not the aircraft location
• 3 statute miles is the minimum required visibility
• Applies regardless of altitude flown

Memory trick: 'See 3, or don't flee the ground' — need 3 miles visibility.

The automated fail-safe behavior (e.g., return-to-home, hover, or auto-land) that most sUAS execute when the control link between GCS and aircraft is lost, requiring the remote PIC to monitor rather than interfere.

• Most sUAS have a pre-programmed lost-link response
• Remote PIC should maintain visual observation during the event
• Interfering with the GCS during a lost link may worsen the situation
• Should be briefed and understood before every flight

Memory trick: Lost link? Let it go home — watch, don't panic-fiddle

Water vapor is lighter than dry air's nitrogen and oxygen molecules, so humid air is less dense, reducing lift and engine/motor performance.

• Humidity is a factor in density altitude
• Humid air is less dense than dry air
• Reduces lift and power at the same temperature

Memory trick: Water vapor is a lightweight guest crowding out the heavy molecules.

Remote pilots must yield the right of way to all other aircraft and maneuver the sUAS as necessary to avoid a collision.

• sUAS always yields to manned aircraft
• Applies in all airspace classes
• Pilot must actively maneuver to avoid collision

Memory trick: 'Small always yields to sky's big traffic.'

The effective use of all available resources—human, hardware, and information—by a flight crew to ensure safe and efficient operations.

• Applies even to small crews, such as PIC and visual observer
• Improves situational awareness by dividing tasks
• A component of overall aeronautical decision making (ADM)

Memory trick: 'Many eyes, fewer surprises' — teamwork reduces risk.

Sectional charts show restricted area vertical limits as floor–ceiling values; 'SFC' means the restriction begins at ground level, so any altitude within the lateral boundary is restricted.

• 'SFC' = surface, the floor of the restricted airspace
• Ceiling value given in feet MSL
• Lateral boundaries plus floor/ceiling define restricted airspace
• Low-altitude UAS are not automatically exempt if floor is SFC

Memory trick: 'SFC means the floor is the ground' — no low-altitude loophole.

A boundary where warmer air advances and rises gradually over cooler air, producing widespread stratiform clouds and steady precipitation well ahead of the surface position.

• Gentle slope compared to cold fronts
• Produces low ceilings, reduced visibility, and steady precipitation
• Passage brings warming temperatures and often a wind shift

Memory trick: 'Warm front = Wide, gentle Wave of clouds rolling in far ahead.'

Temporary flight restriction over stadiums with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more during specified major sporting events.

• Applies to MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football (regular/post-season), and Indy 500
• Restricts flight within 3 NM and below 3,000 ft AGL
• Active from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the event
• Applies to UAS operations, including Part 107 flights

Memory trick: Stadium TFR = '3-3-1' rule: 3 NM, 3000 ft, 1 hour each side

Part 107 prohibits sUAS from carrying hazardous materials as defined by 49 CFR 171.8, with no waiver available for this restriction.

• Definition of hazmat comes from 49 CFR 171.8
• Applies regardless of weight or airspace
• This restriction cannot be waived under 107.200

Memory trick: 107.36 = 'No HazMat, No How' — not even a waiver can fix it.

14 CFR 107.21 allows a remote PIC to deviate from any Part 107 rule to the extent necessary to respond to an in-flight emergency, with a possible FAA-requested written report afterward.

• 107.21 authorizes deviation during genuine emergencies
• No prior ATC clearance is required to exercise this authority
• FAA may request a written report of the deviation

Memory trick: 'When it's an emergency, 107.21 has your back.'

Stability describes the atmosphere's resistance to vertical air movement; stable air suppresses convection while unstable air promotes it.

• Stable air: stratiform clouds, smooth air, steady precipitation, poor visibility
• Unstable air: cumuliform clouds, turbulence, showery precipitation, good visibility
• Stability affects fog, turbulence, and cloud development

Memory trick: 'Stable = Smooth and Steady' — smooth flight, steady rain, stratus skies.

Under 107.37, small UAS must yield right-of-way to all manned aircraft, including unpowered aircraft such as balloons and gliders, due to their limited maneuverability.

• sUAS always yields to manned aircraft
• Applies to balloons, gliders, airplanes, helicopters alike
• Remote pilot must alter flight path to avoid collision

Memory trick: Balloons can't dodge, so drones always yield.

The AIM recommends staying at least 20 NM away from thunderstorm cells due to invisible hazards like turbulence, hail, and lightning that extend beyond the visible cloud.

• Hazards can extend 20 NM or more from the visible storm
• sUAS lack means to outclimb or safely traverse storm hazards
• Immediate termination and securing of the aircraft is the safest response

Memory trick: 20 miles is the magic number — stay that far from any storm cell.

Prohibits sUAS operations under Part 107 from carrying hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR 171.8, with no small-quantity exception.

• Hazardous material defined per DOT hazmat regulations (49 CFR)
• No waiver is available for this restriction
• Applies regardless of aircraft weight or flight duration

Memory trick: 'Hazmat and drones don't mix, period.'

Temporary airspace restrictions established for national security reasons; unauthorized UAS flights are prohibited and may lead to enforcement or interception.

• Established under 14 CFR 99.7
• Often published via NOTAM for security-sensitive events/sites
• Unauthorized entry may lead to civil penalties or aircraft interception
• Distinct from standard TFRs but similarly requires avoidance

Memory trick: '99.7 = Guard the Nine-Star Base' — no-fly without clearance.

Part 107 requires remote pilots to obtain prior ATC authorization before operating in controlled airspace surrounding towered airports, typically via LAANC.

• Required for Class B, C, D, and E surface areas
• LAANC provides near real-time automated authorization
• Manual request needed if LAANC unavailable at that location

Memory trick: Big airspace, big permission — Class B needs ATC's blessing.

Requirement under 107.31 that the remote pilot, visual observer, or person manipulating controls be able to see the sUAS with unaided vision (corrective lenses permitted) at all times during flight.

• Corrective lenses/contacts allowed
• Binoculars/FPV cannot substitute for VLOS
• Momentary device use permitted, not continuous reliance

Memory trick: VLOS = 'Vision, Lenses Only, Simple' — no gadgets allowed.

Requires the remote PIC to ensure the sUAS is in a safe condition for operation prior to flight, including inspecting for damage.

• No FAA-mandated inspection program, but pilot must self-verify safety
• Damaged components must be corrected before flight
• Applies every flight, not just periodically

Memory trick: 'Cracked prop, flight stops.'

Charted airspace that may contain a high volume of pilot training activities or unusual aerial activity; all pilots are advised to use extra caution.

• Depicted on sectionals as an A-numbered area
• No special ATC authorization required to enter
• Activity level varies; caution advised, not prohibition
• Common near flight training bases or gliderports

Memory trick: Alert = 'Look Alert!' extra training traffic ahead

Airspace established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic; VFR flight, including sUAS, is permitted but caution is advised when active.

• No FAA authorization required for sUAS to operate under an MOA
• Check NOTAMs to see if the MOA is 'hot' (active)
• High-speed military aircraft may be operating within an active MOA

Memory trick: MOA = Military's Own Area, but you can still fly under it carefully.

Wing loading is weight divided by wing area; higher wing loading requires higher airspeed to generate the lift needed to avoid a stall.

• Wing loading = weight ÷ wing area
• Higher weight (same wing area) increases wing loading and stall speed
• Stall occurs at critical angle of attack regardless of speed, but higher loading requires higher speed to sustain lift

Memory trick: Heavier plane, same wings — it must fly faster to stay up.

A means of compliance allowing sustained flight over people if the sUAS will not cause injury equivalent to or greater than that from an 11 foot-pound kinetic energy transfer on impact.

• Threshold: 11 ft-lbs kinetic energy
• No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin
• Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance declaration

Memory trick: 'Category 2 = Eleven-lb Energy Envelope'

Small UAS operations are limited to 400 feet AGL unless flown near a structure or under a waiver.

• Default max altitude: 400 ft AGL
• Exception: within 400 ft laterally of a structure, may exceed 400 ft AGL up to 400 ft above the structure's top
• Waivers under 107.200 can authorize higher altitudes

Memory trick: 'Four hundred feet, stay complete' — remember the ceiling.

A remote PIC may not manipulate the controls of, or act as PIC for, more than one unmanned aircraft at the same time, unless a waiver of 107.35 is obtained.

• 107.35 limits PIC to one aircraft at a time
• Multiple simultaneous operations require a waiver
• Visual observers do not remove this restriction

Memory trick: 'One pilot, one drone' — no juggling controls without a waiver.

For night or twilight operations, sUAS must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with an exception allowed for reduced distance if it still meets see-and-avoid needs.

• Required for night and civil twilight operations
• 3 statute mile minimum visibility
• Waiver can allow reduced distance if justified

Memory trick: '3 for the dark' — three statute miles keeps your drone visible at night.

A microburst is a localized column of sinking air from a thunderstorm that spreads out at the surface, creating sudden and severe wind shear that can extend miles from the storm cell.

• Often preceded by a visible rain shaft or virga
• Outflow winds can shift direction and speed abruptly
• Extremely hazardous to small, lightweight aircraft including sUAS

Memory trick: 'Rain shaft now, wind burst soon' — respect the outflow.

Controlled airspace around the busiest airports, depicted by a solid blue line; ATC authorization is required for sUAS operations at any altitude within its lateral limits.

• Solid blue line on sectional charts
• Surrounds major hub airports
• Authorization required regardless of altitude flown

Memory trick: Solid Blue = Big airport, Big authorization needed.

Remote pilots must renew knowledge every 24 calendar months via a recurrent test or online course to keep exercising sUAS certificate privileges.

• 24 calendar month cycle
• Can be satisfied by recurrent knowledge test or free FAA online course
• No flight experience or medical exam required

Memory trick: '24 months, keep your mind fresh, not your logbook.'

FAA recommends submitting Certificate of Waiver applications at least 90 days before the intended start of operations to allow time for safety case review.

• Recommended lead time: 90 days
• Submitted via FAA DroneZone
• Application must include a safety case showing equivalent level of safety
• Late submission risks delayed or denied operations start date

Memory trick: '90 days to prep your case before you fly outside the box.'

An off-center left-right weight distribution on a multirotor causes a persistent rolling tendency toward the heavier side, requiring compensation to maintain level flight.

• CG should be centered per manufacturer specifications for balanced flight
• Lateral imbalance causes roll drift toward heavier side
• Flight controllers can partially but not fully compensate for CG offsets

Memory trick: A lopsided load makes the drone lean like a boat taking on water on one side.

The difference between air temperature and dew point; a small, narrowing spread signals a high likelihood of fog.

• Spread of 4°F (2-3°C) or less suggests fog is likely
• Fog often forms overnight as temperature drops toward dew point
• Radiation fog is common on clear, calm nights with high humidity

Memory trick: 'Close numbers, cloudy mornings' — small spread means fog.

Special use airspace where aircraft flight is prohibited for security or welfare reasons; depicted on sectionals with a P-number.

• Established under 14 CFR Part 73
• Depicted with blue hatched lines and a P-number
• Entry requires specific coordination/authorization from the controlling agency
• Examples include Washington D.C. area airspace

Memory trick: Prohibited = 'Positively No Entry'

FAA-issued restrictions under 14 CFR Part 91 that temporarily prohibit or limit flight in a defined area, applicable to all aircraft including sUAS.

• Issued for events like disasters, VIP movement, space operations, or major sporting events
• Apply regardless of altitude, including sUAS below 400 ft
• Checked via NOTAMs before flight planning

Memory trick: 'DVSS' — Disaster, VIP, Space, Sporting events all trigger TFRs.

Requires remote pilots to make their certificate, aircraft registration, and the sUAS itself available for inspection or testing by the FAA upon request.

• Applies to FAA Administrator, authorized representatives, and NTSB/law enforcement
• No advance notice or court order required
• Failure to comply can result in certificate action

Memory trick: Badge shows up, papers come out — no waiting, no warrant.

Airspace of defined dimensions, often over water, containing activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.

• Labeled 'W-' on sectional charts
• Not prohibited, but caution advised
• Common near coastal military ranges

Memory trick: 'W for Watch Out over Water'

An ADM tool evaluating Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers/Payload, and Programming to catch hazards before and during flight.

• Used repeatedly: preflight, before takeoff, and en route
• Complements other risk tools like PAVE and IMSAFE
• Encourages continuous reassessment, not a one-time checklist

Memory trick: 'Five P's keep the flight free of surprise.'

UAS Facility Map grids display maximum authorized altitudes in MSL; pilots must subtract ground elevation to determine the equivalent AGL limit for their location.

• Authorized altitudes on facility maps are given in MSL
• AGL = Authorized MSL altitude − ground elevation MSL
• Actual limit may be lower than the standard 400 ft AGL

Memory trick: 'MSL minus ground equals what you've got (AGL).'

LiPo batteries should be stored at a partial charge (~40-60%) in fireproof containers away from flammable materials to reduce fire and degradation risk.

• Storage charge is lower than full flight charge
• Use fireproof LiPo bags/containers
• Keep away from fuel and other flammables

Memory trick: 'Half-charged, Fire-caged' for safe storage

sUAS operations require at least 3 statute miles of visibility and specific cloud clearance distances from the control station.

• Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles
• Cloud clearance: 500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontal, 1,000 ft above
• Both visibility and cloud clearance must be met simultaneously

Memory trick: '3 miles to see, 500-2000-1000 to be clear.'

A category under 14 CFR Part 107 Subpart D allowing sUAS to fly over people when the aircraft holds an FAA airworthiness certificate and operates within its flight manual limits, rather than meeting weight/injury thresholds.

• Requires an FAA airworthiness certificate
• Must follow the aircraft flight manual operating limitations
• Used when Categories 1-3 criteria aren't met
• Applies to sustained flight over open-air assemblies

Memory trick: Cat 4 = Certified aircraft, not just Categories by weight.

A preflight procedure that recalibrates the sUAS's magnetic heading sensor, especially important after moving to a new geographic location or magnetic environment.

• Recommended after long-distance travel or near magnetic interference
• Erratic heading/drift are common symptoms of miscalibration
• Should be performed in an open area away from metal/magnetic sources

Memory trick: 'New place, new compass dance' — recalibrate after relocating.

Class G airspace surrounding an airport without an operating control tower requires no ATC authorization, but pilots must watch for manned traffic patterns and yield right-of-way.

• Class G near airports needs no LAANC/ATC authorization
• Manned aircraft traffic patterns are a key hazard
• 107.37 right-of-way rules always apply

Memory trick: 'No tower, no clearance — but keep your eyes on the pattern.'

Within 400 feet laterally of a structure, a sUAS may fly up to 400 feet above the structure's uppermost point.

• Applies only within 400 ft lateral distance of the structure
• Formula: structure height + 400 ft = max altitude AGL
• Does not apply to natural terrain features

Memory trick: 'Tower plus 400' is your ticket to climb higher.

A center of gravity forward of the approved limit makes the aircraft nose-heavy, increasing stall speed and reducing climb performance.

• Requires more up-elevator/lift to trim
• Increases drag and stall speed
• Reduces available climb performance

Memory trick: Nose-heavy plane needs a nose-up shove, which costs speed.

A front formed when a faster cold front catches up to and overtakes a slower warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the surface.

• Combines characteristics of both cold and warm fronts
• Produces widespread and often severe precipitation
• Two types: cold occlusion and warm occlusion
• Weather can be complex and change rapidly

Memory trick: 'Occluded = One front swallows another' — cold catches warm from behind.