Lesson 1: Part 107 Rules

1.1 Part 107 Eligibility

• Key Points: Understand the basic eligibility requirements for the FAA Part 107 certification.

• Must be at least 16 years old.

• Able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

• In a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone.

• Must pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam ("Unmanned Aircraft General – Small") at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center.

1.2 Night Operations

• Key Points: Understand the rules and requirements for operating a drone at night.

• The drone must have anti-collision lights visible from at least 3 statute miles.

• The operator must complete a special night training if not previously certified under Part 107.

1.3 Maximum Speed and Altitude

• Key Points: Know the maximum operational limits for drones.

• Maximum groundspeed: 100 mph (87 knots).

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (above ground level), unless within 400 feet of a structure.

1.4 Right of Way Rules

• Key Points: Familiarize yourself with the right of way rules in drone operations.

• Drones must yield the right of way to all other aircraft, including manned aircraft, to avoid collisions.

1.5 Pre-flight Checklist

• Key Points: Importance of a thorough pre-flight checklist.

• Assess the environment, equipment, and drone status.

• Verify all systems are functioning, including GPS and battery levels.

• Confirm no obstacles or hazards in the flight path.

1.6 Certificate of Waiver

• Key Points: Know what a Certificate of Waiver is and when it’s needed.

• Allows operations that do not meet the standard Part 107 regulations (e.g., beyond visual line of sight, operations over people).

• Waivers require a safety plan and must be approved by the FAA.

1.7 Operations from a Moving Vehicle

• Key Points: Understand the conditions under which operations from a moving vehicle are permitted.

• Allowed in sparsely populated areas, but not in populated areas.

• The operator must ensure safe operation and maintain visual line of sight.

1.8 Contingency Planning - Flyaways

• Key Points: Develop a contingency plan for flyaways.

• Procedures should be in place if the drone loses connection or control.

• The plan should include immediate actions to regain control or safely land the drone.

1.9 Operations Over Non-Participants

• Key Points: Know the regulations for flying over non-participants.

• Operations over non-participants are generally prohibited unless a waiver is granted.

• Safety and minimizing risk to people on the ground are critical.

1.10 Drone Maintenance

• Key Points: Importance of regular drone maintenance.

• Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and inspections.

• Regularly check and replace parts as necessary to ensure safe operation.

1.11 Lost Link Procedures

• Key Points: Understand the procedures for lost link situations.

• The drone must be programmed to return to home or hover until the link is reestablished.

• Operators must have a plan to safely regain control.

1.12 Accident Reporting

• Key Points: Understand the accident reporting requirements.

• Report any operation that results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage over $500 to the FAA within 10 days.

1.13 Battery Fires

• Key Points: Awareness of battery fire hazards.

• Know how to handle and store batteries safely.

• Be prepared with fire extinguishing equipment in case of an incident.

1.14 Abnormal and Emergency Situations

• Key Points: Preparedness for abnormal or emergency situations.

• Be ready to handle equipment malfunctions, weather changes, or other unexpected issues during flight.

• Safety should always be the top priority.

1.15 NTIA

• Key Points: Understanding the role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

• NTIA provides best practices for drone use to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

Lesson 2: Crew Resource Management

2.1 Crew Roles

• Key Points: Understanding the roles within a drone operation crew.

• Pilot in Command (PIC) is responsible for the operation and safety of the flight.

• Visual Observer (VO) assists the PIC by maintaining visual contact with the drone.

2.2 Task Management: Hazardous Attitudes

• Key Points: Recognize and mitigate hazardous attitudes.

• Common hazardous attitudes: anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation.

• Implement strategies to manage these attitudes for safe operations.

2.3 Hyperventilation and Stress Management

• Key Points: Manage hyperventilation and stress during operations.

• Recognize the symptoms of hyperventilation and apply breathing techniques to control it.

• Employ stress management techniques to maintain focus and decision-making abilities.

2.4 Drugs and Alcohol

• Key Points: Adhere to strict regulations regarding drugs and alcohol.

• No operation under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• 8-hour bottle-to-throttle rule and a maximum blood alcohol content of 0.04%.

Lesson 3: Aircraft Performance

3.1 Load Factor

• Key Points: Understand load factor and its impact on drone performance.

• Load factor increases with banking and can affect the drone’s structural integrity.

• Know how to manage and calculate load factor.

3.2 How to Calculate Load Factor

• Key Points: Learn to calculate load factor during flight.

• Load Factor = Lift / Weight.

• A critical concept for safe maneuvering and understanding limits.

3.3 Center of Gravity Performance

• Key Points: Impact of center of gravity (CG) on drone performance.

• A properly balanced CG ensures stable flight.

• Understand how loading the drone affects CG.

3.4 Weight and Balance

• Key Points: Importance of maintaining correct weight and balance.

• Ensure the drone’s weight and balance are within manufacturer specifications.

• Improper weight and balance can lead to loss of control.

3.5 Performance

• Key Points: General understanding of drone performance factors.

• Factors such as altitude, temperature, and humidity affect performance.

• Know how to adjust for these conditions.

Lesson 4: Weather

4.1 True North vs Magnetic North

• Key Points: Differentiate between True North and Magnetic North.

• True North is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole.

• Magnetic North is the direction a compass points due to Earth's magnetic field.

4.2 METARS

• Key Points: Understand how to read METARs for weather information.

• METARs provide real-time weather conditions at airports.

• Learn to interpret temperature, dew point, wind speed, visibility, and cloud cover.

4.3 TAF's

• Key Points: Learn to read and understand Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs).

• TAFs predict weather conditions at airports over a 24-30 hour period.

• Important for flight planning and understanding future weather conditions.

4.4 Weather Briefing

• Key Points: Importance of conducting a weather briefing.

• Obtain a comprehensive weather briefing before any flight.

• Use official sources like the FAA or NOAA for accurate information.

4.5 Visibility and Cloud Clearance Requirements

• Key Points: Adhere to visibility and cloud clearance regulations.

• Minimum visibility of 3 statute miles.

• Maintain 500 feet below clouds and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

4.6 Thunderstorms

• Key Points: Understand the dangers of thunderstorms.

• Thunderstorms can cause severe turbulence, lightning, and unpredictable wind.

• Avoid flying in or near thunderstorms.

4.7 Stable vs Unstable Air

• Key Points: Differences between stable and unstable air.

• Stable air leads to calm, predictable flying conditions.

• Unstable air can cause turbulence and sudden weather changes.

4.8 Fog

• Key Points: Recognize the dangers of fog.

• Fog significantly reduces visibility.

• Know how to identify fog formation and its impact on operations.

4.9 Surface Friction

• Key Points: Importance of surface friction on takeoff and landing.

• Surface friction affects the drone’s ability to take off and land safely.

• Wet or icy surfaces can reduce friction and lead to accidents.

Lesson 5: Airspace/VFR Charts

5.1 NOTAMS and TFR’s

• Key Points: Understand the importance of NOTAMs and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

• NOTAMs provide real-time information on flight restrictions, hazards, and other critical info.

• TFRs are areas where flight is temporarily restricted due to events like disasters or VIP movements.

5.2 AGL AND MSL / Towers

• Key Points: Differentiate between Above Ground Level (AGL) and Mean Sea Level (MSL).

• AGL is the altitude above the ground directly beneath the drone.

• MSL is the altitude above sea level, used for general altitude reporting.

5.3 Longitude and Latitude

• Key Points: Understanding of geographical coordinates.

• Latitude measures north-south position, and longitude measures east-west position.

• Used for navigation and locating specific points on a map.

5.4 AIRSPACE

• Key Points: Familiarity with different classes of airspace.

• Class A: Above 18,000 feet MSL, not typically relevant for drone operations.

• Class B: Surrounding major airports, strict regulations.

• Class C: Surrounding regional airports.

• Class D: Surrounding smaller airports.

• Class E: Controlled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D.

• Class G: Uncontrolled airspace, where most drone operations occur.

5.5 Sectional Chart Symbols

• Key Points: Learn to read and interpret sectional chart symbols.

• Sectional charts provide information on terrain, airspace boundaries, and navigation aids.

• Understanding these symbols is crucial for safe navigation and compliance.

5.6 Airport Traffic

• Key Points: Understanding airport traffic patterns.

• Familiarize yourself with standard airport traffic patterns and procedures.

• Know how to safely integrate into or avoid airport traffic.

5.7 Airport Legend

• Key Points: Understanding the symbols and markings on an airport legend.

• The airport legend provides critical information on airport facilities and operations.

• Be able to interpret this legend to understand the environment around airports.

5.8 Locating an Obstacle

• Key Points: Techniques for identifying and avoiding obstacles.

• Use VFR charts and other tools to locate obstacles such as towers and buildings.

• Maintain safe distances from all identified obstacles.

Glossary

• Key Terms: Familiarize yourself with common terms and definitions relevant to the Part 107 exam.

• AGL: Above Ground Level.

• MSL: Mean Sea Level.

• TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast.

• METAR: Meteorological Aerodrome Report.

• NTIA: National Telecommunications and Information Administration.