The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification allows you to fly independently and for compensation. It used to be required for all governmental flights (under which public universities fell), but now university students without a Part 107 can still fly under the direct supervision of someone with Part 107 certification or independently for educational and research uses under the rules that govern recreational drone operations (49 U.S.C. § 44809) and described in this circular. This includes passing the online TRUST knowledge exam. Even so, the 107 allows more flexibility in flying than the recreational rules and better prepares you for flying. NEIL lab members are strongly encouraged to get their Part 107 certification.

Preparation for the Part 107 exam takes a few weeks of study and involves building a knowledge of airspace regulations, weather patterns, drone operation procedures, emergency protocols, and the legal aspects of flying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including FAA rules and safety guidelines. Certification lasts two years. You can renew your certification via a free online test.

1. Create an FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA) Account. Visit the IACRA website (https://iacra.faa.gov/) and create an account. This is required for you to receive your FAA tracking number (FTN), which you'll need when registering for the exam. Once registered, take note of your FTN. Once registered, take note of your FTN.
2. Go to the PSI Exams website (https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login), which manages the Part 107 exams. Enter your FTN and find a testing center near you by using the search function on the site. PSI has many testing centers throughout the U.S., and you can select a convenient location. DronePilotGroundSchool maintains a list of testing centers as well. Peter recently took his exam at the East Hill Flying Club in Ithaca, NY.
3. Schedule Your Exam. Once you’ve found a nearby testing center, schedule a date and time for your exam. You’ll need to pay a fee (around $175) to take the test, so be prepared to provide payment details.
4. Prepare for the Exam. Study key topics like airspace classification, FAA regulations, UAS flight operations, emergency procedures, and weather concepts. See more details on this below.
5. Take practice exams! You'll be much better prepared if you've amply tested yourself in advance.
6. Take the Exam. On the day of your exam, bring a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport). Arrive at the testing center early to complete the check-in process.
7. Receive Your Results. After completing the exam, you’ll receive your score immediately. You need a passing score of 70% or higher. If you pass, your certification information will be processed, and you’ll need to complete the final steps on IACRA to receive your Remote Pilot Certificate.

• mzeroa.com - A complete self-paced online study guide. Email Dr. Pingel for username and password.
• Many YouTube videos are helpful. Alana recommends these:
  • Complete study guide: https://youtu.be/GeaJW11dHUg?si=F9Ucp7Zk8ekiBhby
  • Questions walkthrough:https://youtu.be/AlKpzVY8FZM?si=x6diuvfkWIIQBVup
  • Complete study guide: https://youtu.be/6_ucCKFJUCU?si=zxhTYrxjZTtZs00z
  • Sectional chart questions walkthrough: https://youtu.be/-6bJdn5FlMQ?si=A2twv-FKR5mcdJdn
• The FAA has official webinars at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5vHkqHi51DQB5gTbz72NZtH-lvnNb5Sx
• Several good practice exams are available, including from jrupprectlaw.com, kingschools.com, and pilotinstitue.com.

• Remote Pilot Test Prep 2024 - A comprehensive study guide with practice questions. The NEIL lab has a copy.
• Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge [Amazon] - An excellent reference, though probably not strictly required to pass the exam. The NEIL lab has a copy.
• Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems - This is the complete rulebook for UAS. If you have questions about the fact sheet ("What do you mean by "you can't fly over people"), this is as much of a definitive guide as you're likely to get.

Knowledge of airspace and the ability to read sectional charts makes up a very large portion of the Part 107 exam, and is critical toward your safe operation of a UAV. It's well worth the time to watch many videos on this until you are completely confident you understand each type of airspace and how it's marked on a sectional chart.

Use SkyVector, VFRMap, or download official sectionals from the FAA.

• Wikipedia: Airspace Class
• Remote Pilot 101: Understanding Airspace For The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test - Remote Pilot 101
• UAS Pilot: Airspace
• Finally Understanding Class G and E Airspace Using 3D Modeling
• How To Understand Airspace Classification as a Drone Pilot
• DroneTribe: Remote Pilot Knowledge Test: Airspace Overview
• DroneTribe: Remote Pilot Knowledge Test: Sectional Charts Overview

• How to Obtain and FTN Number and Sign Up for The New FAA Written Test
• Information about the process'
• Find a testing center and register here
• FAA's Fact Sheet for Small Unmanned Aircraft Aviation
• J. Rupprecht Law - A law firm, blog, and website with excellent information about UAV rules and regulations. You should definitely subscribe to the mailing list, and use the practice exam (linked below) to study.
• Remote Pilot Test Prep 2019 - A comprehensive study guide with practice questions.
• http://jrupprechtlaw.com/part-107-knowledge-test
• https://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/recurrent-test-questions-answers/
• https://3dr.com/faa/drone-practice-tests
• Go to https://faa.psiexams.com/FAA/login, scroll down, click 'Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)' and login