Section 2: 14 CFR Part 107 Regulations Flashcards
Learn Regulations side of the 107 test
What is Part 107?
A set of rules that allows you to make money while flying small unmanned aircraft systems
Define ‘small unmanned aircraft’.
A drone that weighs less than fifty-five pounds
Who is a remote pilot in command?
A person certified under Part 107 who can legally fly for hire
What is a control station?
The interface used by the remote pilot to control the flight path of the unmanned aircraft. Also known as hand controller
What does ‘unmanned aircraft’ refer to?
An aircraft operated without direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft
What components make up a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)?
- The small unmanned aircraft
- The controller
- The viewing device (like an iPhone or iPad)
What is a visual observer?
A person designated by the remote pilot to assist in avoiding other manned aircraft. VO only allowed to observe one small unmanned aircraft at a time.
What is civil twilight?
When the geometric center of the sun is six degrees below the horizon. Or 30 minutes after sunset and before sunrise.
What are the operational limitations under Part 107?
- Maximum weight of the aircraft: less than fifty-five pounds
- Maximum ground speed: 100 miles per hour (87 knots)
- Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level
What is the maximum altitude allowed for sUAS operation?
400 feet above ground level
In what situation can you fly above 400 feet?
When flying above a structure like a cell tower, you can fly 400 feet above the top of it within a 400-foot radius
What is the required distance from clouds when flying?
500 feet below the clouds and 2,000 feet horizontal distance away
What is controlled airspace?
Airspace classified as Class B through E where air traffic control permission is required to fly. Class G airspace is without ATC permission
What are the visibility requirements for flying under Part 107?
Weather visibility must be at least three statute miles from the control station
When can you operate a sUAS under the new Part 107 rules?
- During daylight hours
- During civil twilight
- At night with appropriate lighting (anti-collision)
What is the requirement for visual line of sight operation?
Must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) without using external devices like binoculars
What is another operational limit to when to operate other than Visual line of Sight?
Give right of way to all other manned aircraft. Remain well clear of all traffic.
What operational limits are from Pilot actions?
*Visual observer may be used but not required
*No person may be a remote pilot or VO for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at a time.
*Requires preflight inspection by the remote pilot in command before every flight.
*A person may not operate a small unmanned aircraft if they know or have a reason to know of any physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS
*Must yield right of way to other aircraft.
What is the maximum blood alcohol content allowed for a remote pilot?
Below 0.04. Also no drink after 8 hours prior from bottle to throttle.
True or False: You can fly a drone from a moving aircraft.
False
Under what conditions can you operate a drone from a moving vehicle?
Only in rural areas
What is a key responsibility of a remote pilot in command?
To conduct a pre-flight inspection of the drone
What should you do if you have a physical or mental condition that could interfere with the operation?
Do not operate the small unmanned aircraft
What is the primary responsibility regarding manned aircraft?
Yield right of way to all other manned aircraft
What actions are prohibited under Part 107?
- Careless or reckless operations
- Dropping hazardous materials
- Flying under the influence of alcohol
Can a foreign registered drone be operated in the U.S.?
Yes, if the operator files a notice of identification with the FAA.
This allows the FAA and law enforcement to correlate the remote broadcast with the responsible operator.
What are external load operations in drone usage?
Operations where a drone carries a package or attaches additional equipment, as long as it does not adversely affect flight stability.
Examples include carrying a package or attaching an extra spotlight.
What is the maximum total weight for drone cargo and payload when transporting for compensation?
55 pounds.
This includes the weight of the aircraft, cargo, and payload.
What is required for a drone flight delivering packages?
The flight must be conducted within visual line of sight and cannot cross state lines.
Operating from a moving vehicle is also prohibited.
What does RPIC stand for in drone operation?
Remote Pilot in Command.
Also referred to as R PIC.
Who is responsible for the overall operation of a small unmanned aircraft (UA)?
The remote pilot in command (RPIC).
They must ensure compliance with all regulations.
What must a remote pilot hold to operate a drone legally?
A remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of someone who does.
Supervision allows unlicensed individuals to fly under a certified pilot.
What is one way to qualify as a remote pilot command?
Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA approved testing center.
Alternatively, complete a flight review if already a manned pilot.
What are the currency requirements for a remote pilot certificate?
It must be renewed every 24 calendar months.
Failing to renew within this time requires retaking the entire initial exam.
What must be reported to the FAA after a drone accident?
Serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage over $500 within 10 days.
Damage to the drone itself does not require reporting unless it causes external property damage.
What are some RPIC Responsibilities?
*Ramp Checks must be available upon request.
*Report to FAA within 10 days of any operation that results in serious injury, or property damage of at least $5000.
*Preflight Inspections
*May deviate if required by emergency
What is a waiver in the context of drone operations?
A document from the FAA allowing deviation from certain regulations.
Waivers can be applied for various operational limitations.
What is the requirement for drone registration?
Drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered.
Registration is done at FAA drones on the FAA.gov website.
What must be displayed on a registered drone?
The registration number must be displayed on an external surface.
The identifier must be legible and securely fixed.
True or False: You can operate a drone without a waiver over people if it is a Category one through four drone.
True.
Certain circumstances allow operation over people without a waiver.
What is one example of a waiver that can be applied for?
Operating from a moving vehicle or aircraft.
Other waivers include multiple small UAS operations and certain airspace limitations.
Fill in the blank: A remote pilot must be at least ______ years old.
16.
Where can one register their drone?
https://faadronezone.faa.gov
What is the effective date for the new FAA regulations mentioned?
April 21, 2021
This date marks the start of new regulations for drone operations.
What is ‘remote ID’ in the context of drone regulations?
A digital license plate for drones
This ID will allow for certain flights over people and moving vehicles.
What are the four categories defined by the FAA for drone operations?
- Flights over people
- Flights over moving vehicles
- Night flying without a waiver
- Remote ID compliance
What is the requirement for operating drones at night under the new regulations?
Completion of an updated currency test
This test is available online for free.
What is ‘civil twilight’?
The period beginning 30 minutes prior to sunrise until sunrise
Evening civil twilight lasts from sunset to 30 minutes after sunset.
What are the visibility requirements for collision lights on drones flying at night?
Must be visible for at least three statute miles
Flash rate must also be sufficient to avoid collisions.
What is the definition of ‘night’ in the context of drone operations?
The time between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise
What is the maximum duration for in-person currency tests before the new regulations?
Every 24 calendar months
This has been replaced by an online test.
What is one effect of circadian rhythm on night flying?
Fatigue and drowsiness
Adjusting sleep schedules can help mitigate this.
What should a pilot do before flying at night?
Scout the area during the day
This helps identify obstacles that may be unlit at night.
How do cones and rods function in night vision?
Cones detect color; rods detect objects in low light
Rods are more sensitive and located on the perimeter of the retina.
What technique should pilots use to enhance night vision?
Off-center scanning, look slightly 5-10 degrees to the side of an object.
Look 5 to 10 degrees off the intended target.
What is the new approach to renewing a part 107 certificate?
Online renewal instead of in-person testing
This is free and must be documented.
What are the potential challenges of flying at night?
Circadian rhythm effects and obstacle avoidance
Lack of visual cues increases risks.
What happens if a pilot cannot determine the drone’s relative location to another aircraft at night?
Land the aircraft as soon as possible
This is to maintain safety and avoid collisions.
What is the time frame for manufacturers to comply with remote ID regulations?
18 months after regulations go into effect
Operators have 30 months to comply.
True or False: Pilots can solely rely on telemetry data to determine their drone’s location at night.
False
Pilots must maintain visual line of sight with the drone.
What is the new test requirement for pilots who already have their part 107 certification?
Take the online currency test for free
This allows them to fly at night without a waiver.
Tips for Night Flying
*Designate 1 or more VO’s to scan for other aircraft.
*Avoid looking at bright lights which can flush out your optimal night vision for up to 30 minutes.
*Establish a night landing area that is dimmable as needed.
*Land the sUAS as soon as possible if you cannot determine its relative location to another aircraft
*Use “off-center” scanning to compensate for your cone’s blind spots
What regulation rule establishes Remote ID
Part 89 in Title 14 cod of Federal Regulations
What are the 3 ways to satisfy ID requirements?
*Standard Remote ID Unmanned Aircraft. Broadcasts remote ID messages directly from the UA via radio frequency broadcast.
*UA w/Remote ID Broadcast Module. May be a separate device attached to UA or feature built in.
*FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA). Geographic areas recognized by the FAA where UA not equipped with Remote ID are allowed to fly.
What is remote ID?
A digital license plate for unmanned aircraft
Also described as mandatory spyware for drones.
Why is remote ID necessary according to the FAA?
To address aviation safety and security issues regarding unmanned aircraft operations.
Under which part of the code of federal regulations is remote ID established?
Part 89 in Title 14 of the code of federal regulations.
What is the effective date of the final rule for remote ID?
April 21, 2021.
What are the registration requirements for unmanned aircraft under remote ID?
All unmanned aircraft are required to register and remotely identify.
What is the first option to satisfy the remote ID requirement?
Standard remote ID with built-in ID technology.
What is the second option to satisfy the remote ID requirement?
Remote ID broadcast module, an external hardware device or firmware update.
What is the third option for remote ID compliance?
FAA recognized ID areas (FRIAs).
What information does standard remote ID broadcast?
- Serial number of the unmanned aircraft
- GPS location
- Altitude
- Velocity
- Control station information
- Emergency status
- Time
What limitations apply to the remote ID broadcast module?
Limited to visual line of sight operations and does not broadcast control station information.
Who can apply for FAA recognized ID areas (FRIAs)?
- Community based organizations
- Primary and secondary educational institutions
- Trade schools
- Colleges
- Universities
How long will FAA accept applications for FRIAs after the effective date of the rule?
18 months.
What is the validity period for authorizations granted for FRIAs?
Four years.
What must unmanned aircraft produced after the effective date comply with?
Standard remote ID requirements.
What is a significant requirement for unmanned aircraft regarding remote ID functionality?
The aircraft cannot take off if remote ID is not functional.
What is prohibited under the final rule regarding ADS-B?
Using ADS-B to substitute for remote ID without FAA authorization.
What mechanism does the final rule provide for deviations from operating requirements?
The FAA can authorize deviations from the operating requirements.
What must operators do to fly foreign registered small unmanned aircraft in the U.S.?
File a notice of identification with the FAA.
True or False: Remote ID must be functional at all times during unmanned aircraft operations.
True.
Fill in the blank: The remote ID broadcast must be sent over _______.
unlicensed radio frequency spectrum.
What is the purpose of remote ID for drones?
To help the DfE identify your drone, allowing flight over people and moving cars under certain circumstances.
What must be included when registering an ID compliant drone under part 47?
The serial number of the aircraft and a remote ID broadcast module.
What are the minimum performance requirements for standard remote ID aircraft?
- Location accuracy within 100 feet (95% probability)
- Altitude accuracy within 15 feet (95% probability) for control station
- Altitude accuracy within 150 feet (95% probability) for aircraft
- Broadcast times within one second of measurement
- One message per second broadcast
What must the remote ID technology be capable of?
- Self-test and monitor
- Tamper resistant
- Error corrections
- Interference considerations
What is required for submitting a means of compliance for FAA acceptance?
A detailed description proving that the equipment meets all performance requirements.
How long must records of submitted means of compliance be retained?
For as long as the means of compliance is accepted, plus an additional 24 calendar months.
What is required for remoted aircraft and broadcast modules regarding serial numbers?
All must have a serial number in most cases.
What are the production requirements for aircraft without design approval?
- Inspection requirements
- Audit requirements
- Product support notification for defects
What must producers of standard or broadcast remote ID submit to the FAA?
A declaration of compliance with all the required information.
What is the compliance deadline for drone manufacturers regarding remote ID?
September 16, 2022.
What is the compliance deadline for drone operators regarding remote ID?
September 16, 2023.
What is required for operating a standard remote ID unmanned aircraft from takeoff to shutdown?
Must broadcast the message element and land the aircraft as soon as practical if not broadcasting.
What must be included in the aircraft registration for unmanned aircraft?
The serial number of the unmanned aircraft.
What are the conditions for operating an unmanned aircraft without standard remote ID?
- Must be equipped with a broadcast module meeting requirements
- Serial number included in registration
- Broadcast module must be functional from takeoff to shutdown
What must the operator ensure prior to takeoff?
The broadcast module is functional.
What is required for operating a foreign registered unmanned aircraft in the US?
Submit a notice of identification with specific information about the aircraft and responsible person.
What does the FAA issue upon completion of notification requirements for foreign registered aircraft?
A confirmation of ID.
What must the holder of a confirmation of identification ensure?
That the information remains accurate and up to date.
What does the final rule allow regarding unmanned aircraft?
Routine operations over people and at night under certain circumstances.
When was the final rule officially published?
April 21, 2021.
What are the four categories of aircraft for flying over people?
- Category one
- Category two
- Category three
- Category four
What is the maximum weight for Category one aircraft?
0.55 pounds or less.
What is a key requirement for Category one aircraft?
Must contain no exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact.
What is the injury threshold for Category two aircraft?
Must not cause injury equivalent to or greater than 11 foot pounds of kinetic energy upon impact.
What compliance documents are required for Category two aircraft?
Means of compliance document and declaration of compliance accepted by the FAA.
What is the kinetic energy threshold for Category three aircraft?
Cannot exceed 25 foot pounds of kinetic energy upon impact.
What distinguishes Category four aircraft from the others?
Must have an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21 by the FAA.
What must Category four aircraft comply with?
Operating limitations specified in its approved flight manual.
What is a requirement for flying at night with unmanned aircraft?
Must have taken the updated initial test or completed the updated recurrent online test.
What type of lights must unmanned aircraft have for night operations?
Flashing lights visible for at least three miles with a sufficient flash rate to avoid collision.
What is required for Category one operations over open air assemblies?
Must meet the requirements for standard remote ID or remote identification broadcast modules.
Under what condition can small unmanned aircraft fly over people?
If the operation is within or over a closed or restricted area access site.
What must be done if people are located within the area of operation?
They must be notified that a small unmanned aircraft may be flying over them.
What is required for individuals located under a covered structure during operations?
They must be reasonably protected from a falling small unmanned aircraft.
What is a requirement for operating over moving vehicles?
Must not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles.
What must Category four aircraft do to operate over moving vehicles?
Must have an airworthiness certificate and comply with operating limitations.
What changes occurred in the remote pilot knowledge test as of April 21, 2021?
Includes questions about remote ID and night operations.
What must remote pilots present upon request?
Their pilot certificate and government-issued ID.
What are manufacturers required to produce for Category one aircraft?
Performance-based requirements, including propeller guards or shrouds.
What is the timeline for small unmanned aircraft to meet performance-based requirements for Category two?
9 to 12 months after the effective date of the rule.
What is the timeline for obtaining an airworthiness certificate for Category four aircraft?
Beginning 6 to 12 months after the effective date of the final rule.
True or False: Category three aircraft require a declaration of compliance document.
True.
Fill in the blank: To operate a small unmanned aircraft, the remote pilot must have their _______ with them.
[P1 or seven certificate with small UA rating].
