Prepare for your Remote PIC with sUAS rating (Part 107) written knowledge test

The following web pages (UAG Test Prep 1- 9) are aimed at preparing you for the Remote PIC with sUAS rating written knowledge test (UAG), and recurrent written knowledge test (UGR) and are based upon:

- FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards (ACS) - FAA-S-ACS-10A 

- FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide - FAA-G-8082-20.

FAA views ACS as the foundation to an integrated and systematic approach to airman certification

ACS is part of the safety management system (SMS) framework that the FAA uses to mitigate risks associated with airman certification training and testing

ACS, associated guidance, and test question components of the airman certification system are constructed around the four functional components of an SMS:

1. Safety Policy - aeronautical knowledge and risk management as integrated components of the airman certification system;

2. Safety Risk Management - processes through which internal stakeholders identify and evaluate regulatory changes, safety recommendations, or other factors that require modification of airman testing and training materials;

3. Safety Assurance - processes to ensure the prompt and appropriate incorporation of changes arising from new regulations and safety recommendations; and

4. Safety Promotion - ongoing engagement with both external stakeholders and FAA policy divisions

2016 June 21 - FAA finalized 14 CFR 107 (624-page document) governing commercial UAS operations in the U.S. 

2016 August 29 - 14 CFR 107 went into effect

3-page summary - quicker read but scarce in detailed knowledge

AC 107-2 - Guidance to help teach you how to follow the rule

Remote pilots of small UAS, weighing less than 55 pounds, are required to pass a written knowledge test per these FAA instructions

2017 August 1 - FAA ORDER JO 7200.23A - went into effect

2017 August 1 - FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide - FAA-G-8082-22 went into effect

Applicants who do meet the requirements use:

Faasafety.gov

Initial ALC-451

Recurrent ALC-515

Unlike other FAA written tests, the UAG (Unmanned Aircraft General - Small) Certification Test and the UGR (Unmanned Aircraft General - Small Recurrent) Test require NO instructor endorsement or other form of written authorization. 

Initial 2-hour knowledge test (UAG) consists of 60 objective, multiple-choice questions

- single correct response for each test question

- each test question is independent of other questions

- correct response to one question does not depend upon, or influence, the correct response to another

The FAA has released 40 sample test questions (these are incorporated throughout this test prep and appear in blue)- see the Application Identification, Information Verification and Authorization Requirements Matrix for general requirements. 

I also added some test questions that were on the FAASTEAM test for Part 61 pilots and these are in green.

(Answer key to all green questions is in one document, and answer key to blue questions is in another, both at the bottom of the page UAG Test Prep - 9)

The FAA-CT-8080-2H, Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Private Pilot contains the supplemental graphics necessary to assist in answering any question on a UAG or UGR exam.

You should become very familiar with this supplement prior to taking the test.

2016 June 28 - FSIMS updated Volume 16 to incorporate the new Part 107 material

- provides information and policy guidance regarding how civil UAS operators, public, UAS operators, and model aircraft operators are authorized to conduct flight operations in a manner which complies with the applicable 14 CFRs

- primary audience for this volume is Flight Standards Service (AFS) aviation safety inspectors (ASI), their managers and supervisors, and other operational and administrative employees

- UAS users may find this volume helpful for informational and planning purposes

- 14 CFR Part 11 grants of exemption are what were formerly known as Section 333 examptions

(I have added pertinent parts of Volume 16 to the course material)

ACS includes Areas of Operation and Tasks

Each Area of Operation is further broken down into Tasks

Each Task is coded according to a scheme that includes 4 elements 

The elements are then even further broken down into Task Element Knowledge

e.g. UA.I.C.K1:

UA    = Applicable ACS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

I        = Area of Operation (Regulations)

B      = Task (Operating Rules)

K10 = Task Element Knowledge 10 (Visual line of sight (VLOS) aircraft operations)

Initial Knowledge Test

5 main Areas of Operation in total, some more complex than others

1. Regulations (UA.I)
2. Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements (UA.II)
3. Weather (UA.III)
4. Loading and Performance (UA.IV)
5. Operations (UA.V)

Your study outline

1. Regulations (UA.I)  15-25% of items on Initial Knowledge Test and 30-40% of items on Recurrent Knowledge Test

A RED * beside the task denotes that task is a recurrent test item

Task A. General (UA.I.A) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the general regulatory requirements of 14 CFR part 107. 

1. The applicability of 14 CFR part 107 to small unmanned aircraft operations (UA.I.A.K1)
2. Definitions used in 14 CFR part 107 (UA.I.A.K2)
3. The ramification of falsification, reproduction or alteration of a certificate, rating, authorization, record, or report (UA.I.A.K3)
4. Accident Reporting (UA.I.A.K4)
5. Inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance (UA.I.A.K5)

Task B. Operating Rules (UA.I.B) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the operating rules of 14 CFR part 107, the registration rules of 14 CFR parts 47 and 48, and other associated operating requirements. 

1. Registration requirements for sUAS (UA.I.B.K1)
2. The requirement for the sUAS to be in a condition for safe operation (UA.I.B.K2)
3. Medical condition(s) that would interfere with safe operation of an sUAS (UA.I.B.K3)
4. The responsibility and authority of the remote PIC (UA.I.B.K4)​​​
   1. Allowing a person other than the remote PIC to manipulate the controls (UA.I.B.K4a) 
5. Regulatory deviation and reporting requirements for in-flight emergencies (UA.I.B.K5)
6. Hazardous operations (UA.I.B.K6)
   1. careless or reckless (UA.I.B.K6a)
   2. dropping an object (UA.I.B.K6b)
7. Operating from a moving aircraft or moving land- or water-borne vehicle (UA.I.B.K7)
8. Alcohol or drugs and the provisions on prohibition of use (UA.I.B.K8)
9. Daylight operation (UA.I.B.K9)
10. Visual line of sight (VLOS) aircraft operations (UA.I.B.K10)
11. The requirements when a visual observer is used (UA.I.B.K11)
12. The prohibition of operating multiple sUAS (UA.I.B.K12)
13. The prohibition of carrying hazardous material (UA.I.B.K13)
14. Staying safely away from other aircraft and right-of-way rules (UA.I.B.K14)

a. See and avoid other aircraft and other potential hazard considerations of the remote PIC (UA.I.B.K14a)

15. Operations over human beings (UA.I.B.K15)
16. Prior authorization required for operation in certain airspace (UA.I.B.K16)
17. Operating in the vicinity of airports (UA.I.B.K17)
18. Operating in prohibited or restricted areas (UA.I.B.K18)
19. Flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by notice to airmen (NOTAM) (UA.I.B.K19)
20. Preflight familiarization, inspection, and actions for aircraft operations (UA.I.B.K20)
21. Operating limitations for sUAS (UA.I.B.K21)
    1. ​Maximum groundspeed (UA.I.B.K21a)
    2. Altitude limitations (UA.I.B.K21b)
    3. Minimum visibility (UA.I.B.K21c)
    4. Cloud clearance requirements (UA.I.B.K21d)  
22. The requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating (UA.I.B.K22)

Task C. Remote Pilot Certification with an sUAS rating (UA.I.C) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the requirements associated with remote pilot certification with an sUAS rating. 

1. Offenses involving alcohol or drugs (UA.I.C.K1)
2. The consequences of refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test or to furnish test results (UA.I.C.K2)
3. The eligibility requirements for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating (UA.I.C.K3)
4. Aeronautical knowledge recency (UA.I.C.K4)

Task D. Waivers (UA.I.D) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the FAA waiver policy and requirements. 

1. The waiver policy and requirements (UA.I.D.K1)

2. Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements (UA.II)  15-25% of items on Initial Knowledge Test and 30-40% of items on Recurrent Knowledge Test

A RED * beside the task denotes that task is a recurrent test item

Task A. Airspace Classification (UA.II.A) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeble in airspace classification. 

1. General airspace (UA.II.A.K1)

1. Class B controlled airspace (UA.II.A.K1a)
2. Class C controlled airspace (UA.II.A.K1b)
3. Class D controlled airspace (UA.II.A.K1c)
4. Class E controlled airspace (UA.II.A.K1d)
5. Class G uncontrolled airspace (UA.II.A.K1e)

2. Special-use airspace, such as prohibited, restricted, warning areas, military operation areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas (UA.II.A.K2)
3. Other airspace areas, such as Airport Advisory Services, Military Training Routes (MTRs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Parachute Jump Operations, Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs), National Security Areas (NSA) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) routes (UA.II.A.K3)
4. Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the National Airspace System (NAS) (UA.II.A.K4)

Task B. Airspace Operational Requirements (UA.II.B) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of airspace operational requirements. 

1. Basic Weather minimums (UA.II.B.K1)
2. ATC authorizations and related operating limitations (UA.II.B.K2)
3. Operations near airports (UA.II.B.K3)
4. Potential flight hazards (UA.II.B.K4)

1. Common aircraft accident causal factors (UA.II.B.K4a)
2. Avoid flight beneath unmanned balloons (UA.II.B.K4b)
3. Emergency airborne inspection of other aircraft (UA.II.B.K4c)
4. Precipitation static (UA.II.B.K4d)
5. Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation of radiation (laser) operations and reporting illumination of aircraft (UA.II.B.K4e)
6. Avoiding flight in the vicinity of thermal plumes, such as smoke stacks and cooling towers (UA.II.B.K4f)
7. Flying in the wire environment (UA.II.B.K4g)

     5. The Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) system including how to obtain an established NOTAM  

         through Flight Service (UA.II.B.K5)

3. Weather (UA.III)   11-16% of items on Initial Knowledge Test

Task A. Sources of Weather (UA.III.A)

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sources of weather information. 

1. Internet weather briefing and sources of weather available for flight planning purposes (UA.III.A.K1)
2. Aviation routine weather reports (METAR) (UA.III.A.K2)
3. Terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAF) (UA.III.A.K3)
4. Weather Charts (UA.III.A.K4)
5. Automated surface observing systems (ASOS) and automated weather observing systems (AWOS) (UA.III.A.K5)

Task B. Effects of Weather on Performance (UA.III.B)

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the effects of weather on performance. 

1. Weather factors and their effects on performance (UA.III.B.K1)

1. Density altitude (UA.III.B.K1a)
2. Wind and currents (UA.III.B.K1b)
3. Atmospheric stability, pressure, and temperature (UA.III.B.K1c)
4. Air masses and fronts (UA.III.B.K1d)
5. Thunderstorms and microbursts (UA.III.B.K1e)
6. Tornadoes (UA.III.B.K1f)
7. Icing (UA.III.B.K1g)
8. Hail (UA.III.B.K1h)
9. Fog (UA.III.B.K1i)
10. Ceiling and visibility (UA.III.B.K1j)
11. Lightning (UA.III.B.K1k)

4. Loading and Performance (UA.IV)  7-11% of items on Knowledge Test 

Task A. Loading and Performance (UA.IV.A)

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the loading and performance of an sUAS. 

1. General loading and performance (UA.IV.A.K1)

1. Effects of loading changes (UA.IV.A.K1a)
2. Balance, stability, and center of gravity (UA.IV.A.K1b)

2. The importance and use of performance data to predict the effect on the aircraft’s performance of an sUAS (UA.IV.A.K2)

5. Operations (UA.V)  35-45% of items on Initial Knowledge Test and 20-30% of items on Recurrent Knowledge Test

A RED * beside the task denotes that task is a recurrent test item

Task A. Radio Communications Procedures (UA.V.A)

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in radio communication procedures. 

1. Airport operations with and without an operating control tower (UA.V.A.K1)
2. The description and use of a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to monitor manned aircraft communications (UA.V.A.K2)
3. Recommended traffic advisory procedures used by manned aircraft pilots, such as self-announcing of position and intentions (UA.V.A.K3)
4. Aeronautical advisory communications station (UNICOM) and associated communication procedures used by manned aircraft pilots (UA.V.A.K4)
5. Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) (UA.V.A.K5)
6. Aircraft call signs and registration numbers (UA.V.A.K6)
7. The phonetic alphabet (UA.V.A.K7)
8. Phraseology: altitudes, directions, speed, and time (UA.V.A.K8)

Task B. Airport Operations (UA.V.B) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in airport operations. 

1. The types of airports, such as towered, uncontrolled towered, heliport, and seaplane bases (UA.V.B.K1)
2. ATC towers, such as ensuring the remote pilot can monitor and interpret ATC communications to improve situational awareness (UA.V.B.K2)
3. Runway markings and signage (UA.V.B.K3)
4. Traffic patterns used by manned aircraft pilots (UA.V.B.K4)
5. Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA) (UA.V.B.K5)
6. Sources for airport data (UA.V.B.K6)

1. Aeronautical charts (UA.V.B.K6a)
2. Chart Supplements (UA.V.B.K6b)

7. Avoiding bird and wildlife hazards and reporting collisions between aircraft and wildlife (UA.V.B.K7)

Task C. Emergency Procedures (UA.V.C) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS emergency procedures. 

1. Emergency planning and communication (UA.V.C.K1)
2. The characteristics and potential hazards of lithium batteries (UA.V.C.K2)

1. Safe transportation, such as proper inspection and handling (UA.V.C.K2a)
2. Safe charging (UA.V.C.K2b)
3. Safe usage (UA.V.C.K2c)
4. Risks of fires involving lithium batteries (UA.V.C.K2d)

3. Loss of aircraft control link and fly-aways (UA.V.C.K3)
4. Loss of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal during flight and potential consequences (UA.V.C.K4)
5. Frequency spectrums and associated limitations (UA.V.C.K5)

Task D. Aeronautical Decision-Making (UA.V.D) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in aeronautical decision-making. 

1. Aeronautical-Decision Making (ADM) (UA.V.D.K1)

1. Effective team communication (UA.V.D.K1a)
2. Task management (UA.V.D.K1b)

2. Crew Resource Management (CRM) (UA.V.D.K2)
3. Situational Awareness (UA.V.D.K3)
4. Hazardous attitudes (UA.V.D.K4)
5. Hazard Identification and risk management (UA.V.D.K5)
    

Task E. Physiology (UA.V.E)

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the physiological factors affecting remote pilot performance. 

1. Physiological considerations and their effects on safety, such as dehydration and heatstroke (UA.V.E.K1)
2. Drug and alcohol use (UA.V.E.K2)
3. Prescription and over-the-counter medication (UA.V.E.K3)
4. Hyperventilation (UA.V.E.K4)
5. Stress and fatigue (UA.V.E.K5)
6. Factors affecting vision (UA.V.E.K6)
7. Fitness for flight (UA.V.E.K7)

Task F. Maintenance and Inspection Procedures (UA.V.F) *

Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS maintenance and inspection procedures. 

1. Basic maintenance (UA.V.F.K1)
2. Preflight inspection (UA.V.F.K2)
3. Techniques to mitigate mechanical failures of all elements used in sUAS operations, such as the battery and/or any device(s) used to operate the sUAS (UA.V.F.K3)
4. Appropriate record keeping (UA.V.F.K4)
5. Persons that may perform maintenance on an sUAS.

Speaking from the standpoint of a seasoned pilot I would like to recommend at this point a free AOPA membership (good for 6 months) so that you can reap the benefits of the Air Safety Institute Interactive modules at several points in this course (these will be denoted by name in message boxes much like this one).

Sarah Nilsson, J.D., Ph.D., MAS

602 561 8665

sarah@sarahnilsson.org

You can also fill out my 

online form.

Legal Disclaimer

The information on this website is for EDUCATIONAL purposes only and DOES NOT constitute legal advice. 

While the author of this website is an attorney, she is not YOUR attorney, nor are you her client, until you enter into a written agreement with Nilsson Law, PLLC to provide legal services.

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