FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG) flashcards

A crewmember who assists the remote PIC by scanning for hazards and maintaining visual line of sight with the aircraft, but has no authority over aircraft control.

• Communicates with remote PIC directly
• Helps maintain see-and-avoid separation
• Does not need a remote pilot certificate
• Cannot control the aircraft

Memory trick: VO = 'Vigilant Observer' watching skies while PIC flies

A remote pilot must complete recurrent training or testing within the preceding 24 calendar months to continue exercising Part 107 privileges.

• Calendar months are counted to the last day of the 24th month
• Recurrent online training (free FAA course) or a recurrent knowledge test satisfies the requirement
• Failure to stay current means the pilot cannot act as PIC or direct supervisor

Memory trick: 'Two years and done, refresh before you run.'

A report filed by pilots in flight describing actual weather conditions encountered, including turbulence, icing, and cloud bases, that supplements forecasts and observations.

• Firsthand, real-time information
• Especially valuable in mountainous or rapidly changing weather
• Available via Flight Service and some aviation weather websites

Memory trick: PIREP = 'Pilots In Real-time Explain Peculiarities.'

Most sUAS must broadcast Remote ID information, but aircraft without Remote ID equipment may still fly legally within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA).

• Remote ID broadcasts identity, location, and control station position
• FRIA is a defined area where broadcast is not required
• Applies to community-based organizations and educational institutions

Memory trick: 'No broadcast? Stay inside the FRIA fence.'

A statutory exception allowing hobbyists to fly drones without a Part 107 certificate, provided they meet specific conditions such as VLOS, TRUST completion, and yielding to manned aircraft.

• No Part 107 certificate needed
• Must pass TRUST and carry proof
• Must fly strictly for recreational purposes
• Must follow safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO

Memory trick: '44809 = for-fun-flyers, no license needed, just TRUST and eyes-on.'

All sUAS operated under Part 107 must be registered with the FAA regardless of weight, unlike the 0.55-lb threshold that applies only to recreational flyers.

• Part 107 registration has no minimum weight threshold
• Recreational flyers only register if aircraft exceeds 0.55 lb
• Registration number must be marked on the aircraft

Memory trick: '107 means register — no matter how light the feather.'

Part 107 Subpart D rule requiring that sustained flight over a moving vehicle occur only within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, unless other category conditions are met.

• Governed by 14 CFR 107.145
• Closed/restricted-access site required for sustained overflight
• Applies in addition to Category 1–4 operations over people rules
• Occupants of stationary vehicles must be notified in certain cases

Memory trick: 'Closed lot, open shot' — moving vehicles need a controlled site.

A person may manipulate the flight controls of an sUAS under Part 107 only if they hold a remote pilot certificate, or are directly supervised by someone who does and is directly responsible for the operation.

• Supervising remote pilot remains directly responsible
• Supervision must be direct, not remote or delayed
• Applies to anyone manipulating flight controls for compensation

Memory trick: 'No card? Stay near your guard.'

Reduced air density at higher elevations decreases propeller thrust for a given RPM, requiring higher motor RPM and current draw to maintain lift, which shortens battery endurance.

• Thinner air means less mass moved per propeller revolution, reducing thrust
• Flight controllers compensate by commanding higher RPM
• Higher RPM increases current draw and reduces flight endurance

Memory trick: Thin air means the propellers must work harder just to grab enough air to fly.

Load factor increases with bank angle according to 1/cos(bank angle); higher load factor raises stall speed by the square root of that factor.

• 60° bank = 2 G load factor
• Stall speed increases by √(load factor)
• Steeper banks dramatically increase load factor

Memory trick: 60 degrees doubles your weight and your stall speed jumps too.

Fog that forms over land on clear, calm nights when the ground cools rapidly, cooling the adjacent air below its dew point.

• Requires clear skies, light wind, and high humidity
• Forms in low-lying areas and valleys where cool air settles
• Usually dissipates within a few hours after sunrise as the ground warms

Memory trick: 'Radiation fog Rises at night when the ground Radiates its heat away.'

The pressure gradient is the rate of pressure change over distance; a steeper gradient (closely spaced isobars) produces stronger winds.

• Closely spaced isobars = strong gradient = strong winds
• Widely spaced isobars = weak gradient = light winds
• Wind flows roughly parallel to isobars due to Coriolis effect

Memory trick: 'Tight lines, tough winds' — closely packed isobars mean strong wind.

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.'

sUAS pilots must remain vigilant and yield to manned traffic pattern operations even without ATC control at an airport.

• Class G airspace surrounds many non-towered airports
• No ATC authorization required, but right-of-way rules still apply
• Pilots should be extra cautious of traffic pattern altitudes and paths

Memory trick: 'No tower, still power' — right-of-way rules still apply.

Part 107 requires minimum 3 statute miles visibility and specific cloud clearance distances (500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal) for all standard sUAS operations.

• Visibility: 3 statute miles from control station
• Cloud clearance: 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal
• Applies regardless of airspace class under standard 107 rules

Memory trick: '3 miles to see, 500 below, 1000 above, 2000 to flee (clouds).'

Structural icing is the accumulation of ice on an aircraft's external surfaces, requiring both visible moisture and freezing or near-freezing temperatures.

• Requires visible moisture (clouds, rain, drizzle) AND temp at/below 0°C
• Supercooled water droplets freeze instantly on contact with the airframe
• Icing adds weight, disrupts airflow, and can be catastrophic for small UAS

Memory trick: 'Wet and cold, ice takes hold' — need both moisture and freezing temps.

A cushion of increased lift efficiency experienced by rotorcraft when hovering close to the ground, caused by reduced induced drag from disrupted downwash.

• Most pronounced within about one rotor diameter of the surface
• Allows more lift for the same power (or less power for the same lift)
• Diminishes and disappears as altitude increases beyond ground effect zone

Memory trick: Close to the ground, the drone rides an invisible air cushion.

Part 107 applies only to small unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything on board or attached at the time of flight.

• Threshold: less than 55 lbs at takeoff
• Includes payload, batteries, and attachments
• Heavier aircraft require different certification pathways
• Distinct from the 0.55 lb registration threshold

Memory trick: '55 is the ceiling, everything counts—empty or filled.'

Uncontrolled airspace where ATC authorization is not required for sUAS operations.

• Typically extends from the surface up to the base of overlying controlled airspace
• No ATC communication or authorization needed
• Still subject to all other Part 107 operating rules

Memory trick: 'G is for Go' — no permission needed in Class G.

Requires the FAA registration number to be displayed on the aircraft in a legible manner, either externally or in a compartment accessible without tools.

• Marking must be readable without disassembly using tools
• Number is unique to each registered owner or aircraft
• Separate from carrying proof of registration, which is also required

Memory trick: 'No tools needed to see the number.'

Remote pilots must obtain ATC authorization before operating a sUAS in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface Class E), via LAANC or manual request.

• Applies to Class B, C, D, and surface Class E
• LAANC provides automated authorization where available
• Manual requests required when LAANC not available or exceeds facility map altitude

Memory trick: 'Tower Talks First' before entering controlled airspace

Only one person may act as remote pilot in command at any moment; control may be transferred between certificated pilots as long as the handoff is clear and positive.

• RPIC is directly responsible for the safety of the operation
• Multiple certificated pilots may share a flight sequentially
• Clear, positive transfer of control avoids confusion in an emergency

Memory trick: 'One hand on the stick at a time.'

Small UAS may operate during civil twilight (30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset) if equipped with anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles.

• Daylight operations require no special lighting
• Civil twilight extends the operating window by 30 minutes on each end
• Anti-collision light must flash at a rate sufficient to avoid collision

Memory trick: 3 miles of blink before you sink into darkness.

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

• 400 ft AGL standard limit
• Structure exception allows 400 ft above structure top
• Waivers can authorize higher altitudes

Memory trick: 'Four hundred, don't ascend, unless a tower you tend.'

A remote pilot may not act as PIC within 8 hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a BAC of 0.04 or greater, mirroring the manned-aircraft bottle-to-throttle rule.

• 8-hour minimum wait after alcohol consumption
• BAC limit of 0.04 applies
• Also prohibits operation while impaired by any drug

Memory trick: 'Bottle to throttle: wait a full 8.'

Cumulus and towering cumulus clouds form from strong convective updrafts and can develop into cumulonimbus thunderstorms.

• TCU is a transitional stage before cumulonimbus formation
• Indicates unstable air and strong vertical motion
• Associated hazards: turbulence, wind shear, lightning, hail

Memory trick: 'Low, Middle, High, and Towering' — remember clouds by their altitude family, plus the vertical growers.

Turbulence caused by rising thermal currents from uneven surface heating, typically strongest over dark, dry surfaces during peak afternoon heating in unstable air.

• Peaks in early-to-mid afternoon when solar heating is greatest
• Dark, dry surfaces (asphalt, plowed fields) generate stronger thermals than light or wet surfaces
• Suppressed by cloud cover, stable air, or over large bodies of water

Memory trick: 'Afternoon = the surface stove reaching max heat between 2 and 4 PM.'

Operating a sUAS above its maximum takeoff weight increases stall speed, reduces climb rate, and reduces the structural safety margin.

• Stall speed rises with weight
• Climb rate and maneuverability decrease
• Takeoff/landing distances increase

Memory trick: Heavy bird flies slow and stalls fast.

Prohibits a single remote pilot in command or visual observer from operating or observing more than one small UAS at the same time, unless a waiver is obtained.

• Applies to both RPIC and VO roles
• Listed as a waivable provision under 107.205
• Designed to ensure adequate attention to each aircraft's safety

Memory trick: One pilot, one drone — unless the FAA says 'go for more.'

An FAA forecast product giving expected wind direction/speed and temperature at various altitudes, decoded as direction (tens of degrees), speed (knots), and temperature (°C).

• First 2 digits = direction/10, true north
• Next 2 digits = speed in knots
• Temperature in Celsius follows the +/- sign

Memory trick: 'Direction, Speed, then Sea-lsius' — decode left to right

Pilot reports (PIREPs) classify turbulence as light, moderate, severe, or extreme based on effects on aircraft control and occupant sensations; moderate turbulence causes noticeable altitude/attitude changes and momentary control loss.

• Light: slight, erratic changes in altitude/attitude
• Moderate: noticeable changes, momentary control loss
• Severe: large abrupt changes, possible momentary loss of control
• Extreme: aircraft violently tossed, structural damage possible

Memory trick: Light bump, Moderate jolt, Severe slam, Extreme wreck.

The distribution of weight on an sUAS relative to its designed balance point; an off-center CG forces uneven motor compensation and can degrade stability and controllability.

• CG should align with manufacturer's designed balance point
• Off-center loads cause uneven motor thrust compensation
• Can reduce stability, controllability, and battery efficiency
• Always verify payload placement before flight

Memory trick: Off-balance load = drone tips like a seesaw, motors fight to level it.

Reduced air density at high altitude requires rotors to spin faster to maintain lift, increasing current draw and reducing battery endurance.

• Less lift per rotor revolution at altitude
• Higher RPM needed, drawing more current
• Battery endurance decreases at high elevation

Memory trick: Thin air makes rotors spin harder, draining the battery faster.

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'

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).'

A personal self-assessment checklist pilots use before flight to evaluate physical and mental fitness: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating.

• Fatigue reduces reaction time and judgment
• Stress from personal issues can distract a pilot in flight
• Should be used before every flight, not just long missions
• Applies to remote pilots the same as manned aircraft pilots

Memory trick: I'M SAFE to fly only if none of these six apply

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts predict weather at an airport for up to 30 hours, with 'FM' groups marking a complete change in conditions at a specified time.

• Cloud height coded in hundreds of feet (e.g., 008=800ft)
• FM group = rapid, significant change
• BR = mist, a visibility-reducing phenomenon

Memory trick: FM = 'From this Moment' the weather changes.

Rotating air masses (wingtip vortices) generated by aircraft, strongest behind heavy, slow, clean aircraft, posing upset risk to lightweight sUAS.

• Vortices sink and drift with wind after generation
• Most hazardous behind heavy aircraft during takeoff/landing
• Small, lightweight UAS are especially vulnerable to upset

Memory trick: 'Big planes leave invisible tornadoes behind.'

A sUAS may fly higher than 400 feet AGL if it stays within 400 feet laterally of a structure and does not exceed 400 feet above that structure's highest point.

• Base altitude limit is 400 feet AGL
• Exception applies only within 400 ft lateral of the structure
• Max altitude = structure height + 400 feet

Memory trick: 'Tower plus 400' lets you climb above the standard 400.

A Restricted Area on a sectional chart is marked with an 'R-' prefix and number, indicating hazardous but not always active activity; pilots must check its status before entry.

• 'R-' prefix = Restricted Area (may be inactive at times)
• 'P-' prefix = Prohibited Area (always off-limits)
• NOTAMs indicate current activation status of restricted areas

Memory trick: R for 'really check first' — restricted areas aren't always hot.

An altimeter reads true altitude only if its setting is updated to current local pressure; flying into lower pressure without updating causes the aircraft to actually be lower than indicated.

• 'High to low, look out below' — true altitude is lower than indicated
• 'Low to high, altimeter reads high' means true altitude is actually higher
• Cold temperatures also cause true altitude to be lower than indicated

Memory trick: 'High to low, look out below' — flying into lower pressure puts you lower than you think.

Structural icing forms when an aircraft flies through visible moisture at or below freezing temperatures, adding weight and disrupting airflow over lifting/control surfaces.

• Occurs in visible moisture at freezing temps
• Adds weight and changes aerodynamic shape
• Reduces lift and control effectiveness
• Cold also degrades LiPo battery performance

Memory trick: Ice = added weight + ruined airflow = reduced lift.

Sectional charts use distinct line styles/colors to depict airspace classes: solid blue (B), solid magenta (C), dashed blue (D), dashed magenta (E surface).

• Class D: dashed blue line, surface up to a charted altitude
• Class C: solid magenta line with shelves
• Class B: solid blue line with multiple altitude tiers
• Class G: no boundary depicted (uncontrolled)

Memory trick: 'Dashed and blue means D is for you' — authorization needed.

Prohibits operating a sUAS in a manner that endangers the life or property of another, including unauthorized flight over non-participants without proper category compliance or waiver.

• Applies broadly to any hazardous operation
• Includes hazardous object drops from the aircraft
• Violations can occur even without an actual accident

Memory trick: 'Reckless over heads = regulation dread.'

A METAR provides visibility and sky condition data used to verify compliance with the 3 statute mile visibility and 500-foot cloud clearance minimums under 107.51.

• VIS reported in statute miles
• Sky cover codes: FEW, SCT, BKN, OVC
• BKN015 = broken clouds at 1,500 ft AGL

Memory trick: 3 miles to see, 500 feet to flee below the clouds.

A temperature inversion that forms near the ground on clear, calm nights as the surface cools faster than the air above it.

• Requires clear skies and light/calm winds
• Most pronounced just before sunrise
• Traps fog, haze, smoke, and pollutants near the surface
• Typically dissipates after sunrise as surface heating resumes

Memory trick: 'Radiation inversion = night's cold blanket' hugging the ground.

An optional crew member who assists the RPIC in seeing and avoiding other air traffic and hazards, while maintaining constant communication with the RPIC.

• VO is optional, not always required
• No FAA certificate is required to serve as a VO
• Must maintain effective communication with the RPIC at all times

Memory trick: RPIC commands, controller flies, VO watches and talks.

Requires remote pilots to make their certificate and required documents available to the FAA or law enforcement within a reasonable time upon request.

• Applies to remote pilot certificate and aircraft registration
• Must be presented 'within a reasonable time,' not necessarily instantly
• Also covers drug/alcohol testing requirements under this section

Memory trick: If the FAA asks, don't stash your certificate — show it in reasonable time.

Class E airspace can begin at the surface, 700 feet AGL, or 1,200 feet AGL depending on the location; airspace beneath the Class E floor is Class G and does not require authorization for sUAS operations.

• 700 ft AGL floor shown by fading magenta shading on sectional
• Airspace below the floor is uncontrolled Class G
• No authorization required in Class G portion

Memory trick: Fading magenta = floor at 700, below that it's free (Class G).

An RPIC may deviate from any Part 107 rule during an in-flight emergency to the extent necessary to resolve it, and must report the deviation to the FAA in writing within 7 days if requested.

• Applies to any Part 107 rule
• Deviation limited to what's necessary for the emergency
• Written report only required if FAA requests it
• Report due within 7 days of the request

Memory trick: 'Emergency Escape, Explain in 7'

Airspace designated 'P-' where aircraft flight is prohibited at all times for security or other reasons, shown on sectional charts with a blue border.

• Labeled with 'P-' followed by a number
• No LAANC authorization available
• Entry requires specific government approval

Memory trick: 'P is for Prohibited — Permanently Padlocked'

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature; higher-than-standard temperatures increase density altitude and reduce aircraft/rotor performance.

• High density altitude = thinner air = less lift
• Affects both fixed-wing and rotor-based sUAS
• Warmer temperatures and higher elevations increase density altitude

Memory trick: 'Hot and high, drones can't fly (as well).'

Remote PICs may not fly within 8 hours of alcohol consumption, while impaired, or with BAC of 0.04 or greater.

• 8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule
• BAC limit of 0.04
• Also prohibits flying under influence of any drug affecting faculties

Memory trick: 'Eight hours, oh-four percent, no exceptions meant.'

A small UAS may release objects in flight as long as doing so does not create an undue hazard to persons or property.

• No specific weight limit is set by the rule
• Applies to both cargo delivery and other in-flight releases
• Violations fall under careless or reckless operation enforcement

Memory trick: Drop it only if it won't drop trouble on someone.

Air density decreases as temperature increases, reducing lift, thrust, and overall aircraft performance.

• Hot air = less dense = less lift
• Cold air = denser = better performance
• Density altitude rises with temperature

Memory trick: Hot air is thin air.

Airspace of defined dimensions extending from 3 NM outward from the coast, containing activity hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft, established in international or offshore domestic airspace.

• Located beyond the U.S. 3 NM territorial limit
• Designated with a 'W' followed by a number
• Not regulatory but advises pilots of potential hazards
• Similar in purpose to a restricted area but over water/international airspace

Memory trick: Warning = 'Watch the Water' hazards offshore

Manufacturer performance charts specify maximum gross weight as a function of density altitude; exceeding this charted limit compromises climb, stall margin, and control even if under structural weight limits.

• Max gross weight decreases as density altitude increases
• Charted limits are separate from structural limits
• Pilot must reduce weight or wait for better conditions if exceeded

Memory trick: The chart is the real speed limit sign, not just the structural guardrail.

Requires most UAS required to be registered (generally over 250 grams) to broadcast identification and location information, unless operated within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area.

• Applies based on registration requirement, not just commercial use
• 250 grams (0.55 lb) is the key registration/Remote ID threshold
• FRIAs allow flight without Remote ID broadcast equipment

Memory trick: 'No registration, no broadcast, no flight—unless it's a FRIA.'

Routes used by military aircraft for low-altitude, high-speed training flights, charted as IR (IFR) or VR (VFR) routes on sectional charts.

• IR = IFR Military Training Route; VR = VFR Military Training Route
• Four-digit route numbers indicate some segment at or below 1,500 ft AGL
• Three-digit or fewer numbers indicate a segment above 1,500 ft AGL
• UAS pilots should exercise caution near charted MTRs due to fast, low military traffic

Memory trick: 'IR flies by Instruments, four digits fly low' — 1076 means low-altitude risk.

Airspace established over sensitive locations (e.g., dams, power plants) where pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flight; can become mandatory via NOTAM.

• Voluntary avoidance requested normally
• NOTAM can make restriction mandatory
• Charted with a dashed magenta outline and 'NSA' label

Memory trick: NSA = 'Nicely Stay Away' unless a NOTAM says you must.