Free FAA Part 107 Airspace and Flight Operations Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum altitude at which you can legally operate a sUAS without special permission from the FAA?
- 200 feet AGL
- 300 feet AGL
- 400 feet AGL (Correct answer)
- 500 feet AGL
Correct answer: 400 feet AGL
Under FAA Part 107, the maximum altitude for operating a sUAS without special permission is 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). This regulation is in place to maintain safe separation from manned aircraft, which typically operate at higher altitudes. If operating within a 400-foot radius of a structure, the sUAS may fly up to 400 feet above the structure's uppermost limit.
Question 2: When operating a sUAS, how far must you maintain a minimum distance from a cloud?
- 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud (Correct answer)
- 500 feet below and 1,000 feet horizontally from the cloud
- 1,000 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud
- No minimum distance is required
Correct answer: 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud
FAA Part 107 requires sUAS to maintain specific cloud clearance minimums to ensure visual line of sight and prevent collisions with manned aircraft. The rule mandates a minimum distance of 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from any cloud. This ensures the remote pilot can see and avoid other aircraft and maintain visual contact with their sUAS.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a Visual Observer (VO) in sUAS operations?
- To assist in launching the aircraft
- To ensure the sUAS remains within the pilot's visual line of sight (Correct answer)
- To replace the Remote Pilot in Command during flight
- To control the sUAS remotely
Correct answer: To ensure the sUAS remains within the pilot's visual line of sight
The primary purpose of a Visual Observer (VO) in sUAS operations is to assist the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) in maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS) with the sUAS. The VO scans the airspace for potential hazards, such as other aircraft or obstacles, and communicates these to the RPIC. This teamwork enhances safety by providing an extra set of eyes and ensuring constant awareness of the drone's position and surrounding environment.
Question 4: Under Part 107, what is the maximum groundspeed at which a sUAS can be operated?
- 87 knots (Correct answer)
- 50 knots
- 100 knots
- 120 knots
Correct answer: 87 knots
Under Part 107, the maximum groundspeed at which a sUAS can be operated is 87 knots (approximately 100 mph). This speed restriction is a safety measure designed to ensure that remote pilots have sufficient time to react to unexpected events and maintain control of the aircraft. It also helps prevent sUAS from posing an undue hazard to other airspace users due to excessive speed.
Question 5: What should the RPIC do if they lose control link with the sUAS during flight?
- Immediately land the sUAS
- Contact local authorities
- Continue flying visually
- Attempt to regain control and follow pre-planned lost link procedures (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Attempt to regain control and follow pre-planned lost link procedures
If the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) loses the control link with the sUAS during flight, the immediate action should be to attempt to regain control. Simultaneously, the RPIC must follow the pre-planned lost link procedures, which are typically programmed into the drone and dictate its behavior, such as hovering, returning to home, or landing automatically. This systematic approach ensures a predictable and safe response to a critical system failure.
Free FAA Part 107 Airspace and Flight Operations Questions and Answers
What is the maximum altitude at which you can legally operate a sUAS without special permission from the FAA?