FAA 107 Drone Pilot Test #1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You hear an aircraft declare that they are midway left downwind to RWY 13 while monitoring the Cooperstown CTAF. What would the plane's position be in relation to the runway?

The aircraft is West.
The aircraft is East. (Correct answer)
The aircraft is South.

Correct answer: The aircraft is East.

A runway number, like RWY 13, indicates a magnetic heading of 130 degrees. An aircraft on a 'left downwind' leg flies parallel to the runway in the opposite direction of landing, with the runway on its left. Therefore, for RWY 13 (landing heading 130°), the downwind leg would be flown at approximately 310° (130° + 180°), placing the aircraft to the east of the runway.

Question 2: The angle of ___________ is the angle formed by the chord line of an airfoil and the relative wind.

attack (Correct answer)
lift
incidence

Correct answer: attack

The angle of attack is a fundamental aerodynamic principle defined as the angle between the chord line of an airfoil and the direction of the relative wind. This angle is crucial because it directly determines the amount of lift and drag generated by the wing. Understanding and controlling the angle of attack is essential for safe and efficient flight, as exceeding the critical angle of attack leads to a stall.

Question 3: A small UA causes an accident, and one of your crew members passes out. When do you notify the authorities about the accident?

Within 10 days of the accident. [107.9 Accident reporting. “No later than 10 calendar days after an operation that meets the criteria of either paragraph (c) or (b) of this section[.]”] (Correct answer)
When requested by the UA owner. [You might be confused. If there is a deviation from the regulations, only upon request from the FAA, do you need to provide a report. 107.21 says, “(b) Each remote pilot in command who deviates from a rule under paragraph (a) of this section must, upon request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation to the Administrator.”]
No accidents need to be reported.

Correct answer: Within 10 days of the accident. [107.9 Accident reporting. “No later than 10 calendar days after an operation that meets the criteria of either paragraph (c) or (b) of this section[.]”]

According to 14 CFR Part 107.9, a remote pilot in command must report an accident to the FAA no later than 10 calendar days after the incident. An accident is defined as an operation that results in serious injury to any person or damage to property exceeding $500. A crew member passing out due to an accident would likely qualify as a serious injury, triggering this reporting requirement.

Question 4: Which of the main groups of airspace is classified as controlled airspace?

Class B, C, E and D (Correct answer)
Class B, C, D and G
Class B, C, E and G

Correct answer: Class B, C, E and D

Controlled airspace refers to areas where air traffic control services are provided, requiring specific clearances and communication. Class B, C, D, and E airspaces are all categorized as controlled airspace, each with varying levels of restrictions and services. Class G airspace, conversely, is uncontrolled airspace where ATC services are not routinely provided.

Question 5: What is the significance of the latitude line at point 4?

The degrees of latitude east and west of the line that passes through Greenwich, England
The degrees of latitude north and south from the equator (Correct answer)
The degrees of latitude east and west of the Prime Meridian

Correct answer: The degrees of latitude north and south from the equator

Latitude lines, also known as parallels, are imaginary lines that measure the angular distance north or south of the Equator. The Equator itself is 0 degrees latitude, and these lines extend up to 90 degrees North (North Pole) and 90 degrees South (South Pole). They are essential for pinpointing a location's north-south position on Earth.

Question 6: Downdrafts are most common during which stage of the thunderstorm lifecycle?

Dissipating (Correct answer)
Cumulus
Mature

Correct answer: Dissipating

During the dissipating stage of a thunderstorm, the updrafts that sustained the storm weaken and are eventually overcome by the downdrafts. This stage is primarily characterized by falling precipitation and cool air descending from the cloud, leading to strong downdrafts. The prevalence of downdrafts signifies the storm's loss of energy and its eventual demise.

Question 7: What effect does high density altitude have on propeller efficiency versus low density altitude, and why?

Efficiency is reduced because the propeller exerts less force at high density altitudes than at low density altitudes. (Correct answer)
Efficiency is reduced due to the increased force of the propeller in the thinner air.
Efficiency is increased due to less friction on the propeller blades.

Correct answer: Efficiency is reduced because the propeller exerts less force at high density altitudes than at low density altitudes.

High density altitude means the air is less dense, similar to flying at a higher actual altitude or in hotter conditions. In less dense air, a propeller's blades encounter fewer air molecules per revolution, which reduces the amount of thrust they can generate. This decreased interaction with air molecules results in less force exerted by the propeller, leading to reduced efficiency and overall aircraft performance.

Question 8: Small unmanned aircraft systems are subject to registration requirements. Under what conditions would a small UA not be required to register before operating in the United States?

All small UAS need to be registered regardless of the weight of the aircraft before, during, or after the flight. [Nope.]
When the aircraft has a takeoff weight that is more than .55 pounds, but less than 55 pounds, not including fuel and necessary attachments. [This is weight range for Part 48. Remember that Part 47 is for the 55lbs and heavier drones!]
When the aircraft weighs less than .55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on-board or attached to the aircraft. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When the aircraft weighs less than .55 pounds on takeoff, including everything that is on-board or attached to the aircraft.

According to 14 CFR Part 48, small unmanned aircraft weighing less than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) are exempt from federal registration requirements. This threshold applies to the total takeoff weight, including any payload or attachments. Drones weighing 0.55 pounds or more, regardless of their intended use (recreational or commercial), must be registered with the FAA.

Question 9: Your unmanned aircraft (sUAS) collided with an automobile, causing more than $500 in damage. When do you have to notify the FAA?

You don’t because there wasn’t more than $1,000 in damages.
Within 10 business days.
Within 10 calendar days. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Within 10 calendar days.

As per 14 CFR Part 107.9, any small unmanned aircraft accident that results in serious injury to any person or property damage exceeding $500 (to property other than the small UA itself) must be reported to the FAA. This notification must occur no later than 10 calendar days after the accident. The $500 damage threshold to an automobile triggers this reporting requirement.

Question 10: You notice gray arrows nearby labeled "VR1667" and "VR1668" while looking out your planned area of operations on a sectional chart. Do these symbols present a hazard to your operation?

Yes, these indicate military exercises at below 1500 feet AGL (Correct answer)
No, these indicate military exercises at above 1500 feet AGL
No, these only indicate the groundspeed of aircraft passing by the area

Correct answer: Yes, these indicate military exercises at below 1500 feet AGL

The symbols 'VR' on a sectional chart denote Military Training Routes (MTRs) flown under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Specifically, VR routes with four digits (e.g., VR1667, VR1668) indicate that at least one segment of the route is flown below 1,500 feet AGL. These routes represent areas of high-speed, low-altitude military aircraft activity and therefore pose a significant hazard to drone operations.

Question 11: “Left downwind for runway one six,” announces an aircraft. This indicates that the aircraft is heading in the direction of:

340 degrees (Correct answer)
160 degrees
80 degrees

Correct answer: 340 degrees

Runway 16 indicates a magnetic heading of 160 degrees for landing. A downwind leg is flown in the opposite direction of landing, so the aircraft would be heading approximately 160 + 180 = 340 degrees. The term 'left downwind' means the aircraft is positioned to the left of the runway when looking in the landing direction, flying parallel to it.

Question 12: What characterizes a moist, unstable air mass?

Haze and smoke.
Poor visibility and smooth air.
Turbulence and showery precipitation. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turbulence and showery precipitation.

A moist, unstable air mass is characterized by air that is warm and humid, with a tendency to rise rapidly. This upward movement leads to the formation of towering cumulus clouds and often results in turbulence due to the convective activity. The rapid condensation and vertical development also commonly produce showery precipitation, which can be heavy but short-lived.

Question 13: Small unmanned aircraft systems are subject to registration requirements. When must a person register a small UA with the Federal Aviation Administration, according to 14 CFR part 48?

All civilian small UAS weighing greater than .55 pounds must be registered regardless of its intended use. (Correct answer)
Only when the operator will be paid for commercial services.
When the small UA is used for any purpose other than as a model aircraft.

Correct answer: All civilian small UAS weighing greater than .55 pounds must be registered regardless of its intended use.

According to 14 CFR Part 48, any small unmanned aircraft (sUAS) weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more must be registered with the FAA. This requirement applies to all civilian operators, whether the drone is used for recreational purposes or commercial operations. The registration ensures accountability and helps the FAA maintain a record of drones operating in the national airspace.

Question 14: When an airplane wing stalls, the angle of attack is:

increase if the center of gravity (CG) is moved forward.
remain the same regardless of gross weight. (Correct answer)
change with an increase in gross weight.

Correct answer: remain the same regardless of gross weight.

An airplane wing stalls when it exceeds its critical angle of attack, which is the angle at which the airflow separates from the upper surface of the wing, leading to a sudden loss of lift. This critical angle of attack is a characteristic of the wing's design and remains constant for a given airfoil. While other factors might influence the speed at which a stall occurs, the critical angle of attack itself is fixed.

Question 15: When scanning for air traffic activity near Mason Jewett Airport, which frequency should be used as the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)?

122.4
122.7 (Correct answer)
119.425

Correct answer: 122.7

To determine the correct Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for Mason Jewett Airport, one would consult a sectional chart. On the sectional chart, the CTAF frequency is typically depicted near the airport information. For Mason Jewett (KTEW), the CTAF is 122.7 MHz, which pilots use to self-announce their positions and intentions when no air traffic control tower is operating.

Question 16: Hicks Airport (T67) northwest of Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW), a Class B airspace floor.

3,200 ft. MSL
4,000 ft. MSL (Correct answer)
2,000 ft. MSL

Correct answer: 4,000 ft. MSL

To determine the Class B airspace floor near Hicks Airport (T67) northwest of Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW), one must consult a sectional chart. Class B airspace is depicted by solid blue lines with numbers indicating the ceiling and floor in hundreds of feet MSL. By locating Hicks Airport on the sectional chart and identifying the Class B airspace segment it is near, the floor can be read, which is 4,000 feet MSL in that specific area.

Question 17: In the terminal radar program, TRSA Service provides

sequencing and separation for participating VFR aircraft. (Correct answer)
warning to pilots when their aircraft are in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.
IFR separation (1,000 feet vertical and 3 miles lateral) between all aircraft.

Correct answer: sequencing and separation for participating VFR aircraft.

Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs) are areas where pilots can receive additional radar services, primarily sequencing and separation, from ATC. While participation in TRSA services is optional for VFR aircraft, it provides an enhanced level of safety by helping pilots maintain separation from other participating aircraft and assisting with traffic flow in busy terminal environments. This service is designed to improve safety and efficiency in high-traffic areas.

Question 18: Small unmanned aircraft systems are subject to registration requirements. When, according to 14 CFR part 48, is it not permissible for a small UA owner to register it?

If the owner does not have a valid United States driver’s license. [Part 48 doesn’t require this and Part 47 doesn’t require it either.]
The owner is less than 13 years of age. [48.25 says, “(b) A small unmanned aircraft must be registered by its owner using the legal name of its owner, unless the owner is less than 13 years of age. If the owner is less than 13 years of age, then the small unmanned aircraft must be registered by a person who is at least 13 years of age.” Keep in mind that they are trying to make you know Part 48. There are other answers as to why a person could not register via Part 47 such as being a foreign citizen.] (Correct answer)
All persons must register their small UA.

Correct answer: The owner is less than 13 years of age. [48.25 says, “(b) A small unmanned aircraft must be registered by its owner using the legal name of its owner, unless the owner is less than 13 years of age. If the owner is less than 13 years of age, then the small unmanned aircraft must be registered by a person who is at least 13 years of age.” Keep in mind that they are trying to make you know Part 48. There are other answers as to why a person could not register via Part 47 such as being a foreign citizen.]

According to 14 CFR Part 48.25(b), an individual must be at least 13 years of age to register a small unmanned aircraft in their own name. If the owner is younger than 13, the drone must be registered by a person who is at least 13 years old. This regulation ensures that a responsible party is legally accountable for the registered aircraft.

Question 19: What are the properties of air that is unstable?

Turbulence and good surface visibility. (Correct answer)
Nimbostratus clouds and good surface visibility.
Turbulence and poor surface visibility.

Correct answer: Turbulence and good surface visibility.

Unstable air is characterized by a tendency for air parcels to rise, leading to vertical air currents and convective activity. This vertical movement often results in turbulence and the formation of towering clouds like cumulus. While unstable air can produce precipitation, the strong vertical mixing typically leads to good surface visibility as pollutants and moisture are dispersed upwards.

Question 20: You intend to fly a drone approximately 4 miles north of Cochran Airport. What is the height of the nearest obstacle in the area, according to the sectional chart?

1169 feet MSL
1568 feet AGL
1568 feet MSL (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1568 feet MSL

To answer this, one would need to refer to a sectional chart for the area around Cochran Airport. Obstacles are typically depicted with a symbol (e.g., a small inverted 'V' or a lightning bolt) and two numbers: the top number is the obstacle's height in feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), and the bottom number in parentheses is its height AGL (Above Ground Level). By locating the area 4 miles north of Cochran Airport on the chart, the highest obstacle's MSL height can be identified as 1568 feet.

Question 21: Within 60 nautical miles of the DCA VOR in Washington, D.C., under what conditions may a pilot fly VFR?

As long as the pilot has completed special awareness training and remains clear of the SFRA. (Correct answer)
Only if the pilot has completed special awareness training and filed a flight plan.
None.

Correct answer: As long as the pilot has completed special awareness training and remains clear of the SFRA.

The airspace around Washington, D.C., including within 60 nautical miles of the DCA VOR, is designated as a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) with unique and stringent regulations. To operate VFR within this SFRA, pilots are required to complete specific FAA-mandated special awareness training. Additionally, they must adhere to all SFRA procedures and remain clear of the Prohibited and Restricted areas within the SFRA.

Question 22: When using either normal remote identification or a broadcast module, where must a small unmanned aircraft's serial number be listed?

The aircraft’s Document of Compliance.
The Certificate of Aircraft Registration. (Correct answer)
The manufacturer’s Method of Compliance.

Correct answer: The Certificate of Aircraft Registration.

FAA regulations for Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89) require the serial number of a small unmanned aircraft to be listed on its Certificate of Aircraft Registration. This ensures that the aircraft can be properly identified and linked to its owner, fulfilling a key requirement for remote identification. This registration links the specific drone to its operator for accountability and safety purposes.

Question 23: What is the cure to a pilot's hazardous "anti-authority" attitude?

I know what I am doing.
Rules do not apply in this situation.
Follow the rules. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Follow the rules.

The 'anti-authority' hazardous attitude is characterized by a disregard for rules and regulations, believing they don't apply to oneself. The antidote is to recognize that rules are in place for safety and to follow them diligently. Adhering to established procedures and regulations is crucial for safe aviation operations and preventing accidents.

Question 24: In the sectional charts, Louisville Airport is encircled by a magenta-shaded circle, indicating that it is an uncontrolled airport. What is the significance of this magenta circle?

Class E airspace from the surface up to 700 feet (Correct answer)
Class E airspace from 700 feet
Class G airspace up to 400 feet

Correct answer: Class E airspace from the surface up to 700 feet

On a sectional chart, a magenta-shaded circle around an airport indicates that Class E airspace begins at 700 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) over the surrounding area, but extends down to the surface within the shaded circle. This means the airspace from the surface up to 700 feet AGL within that shaded area is also Class E. This designation provides controlled airspace for aircraft operating to and from the airport, ensuring proper air traffic management.

Question 25: Card Airport is what type of airport it is.

Public non-towered.
Public towered.
Private non-towered. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Private non-towered.

To determine the type of airport from a sectional chart, one would look for specific symbols. A private airport is indicated by the letter 'R' enclosed in a circle next to the airport symbol. If there is no control tower symbol (e.g., a star), it signifies that the airport is non-towered, meaning there is no air traffic control present.

FAA 107 Drone Pilot Test #1

You hear an aircraft declare that they are midway left downwind to RWY 13 while monitoring the Cooperstown CTAF.
What would the plane's position be in relation to the runway?