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 not meet the requirements in 14 CFR 107.61(d)(2) must pass the knowledge test before applying for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating.
Applicants who do meet the requirements use:
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. (Please note that as of March 1, 2021 you will no longer be required to take a UGR written test for renewal of your Remote Pilot Certificate but instead will be able to renew for FREE with the completion of the FAA online course.)
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
Recurrent 1 hour and 30 minutes knowledge test (UGR) consists of 40 objective, multiple-choice questions
- important part of ensuring that airmen who hold a remote pilot certificate with sUAS rating can operate safety in the National Airspace System (NAS)
- required for Airmen who do not hold a pilot certificate that was issued under 14 CFR part 61
- required for airmen who do hold a pilot certificate that was issued under 14 CFR part 61, but do not have a current Flight Review as per 14 CFR part 61, section, 61.56
- 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
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.
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.
a. See and avoid other aircraft and other potential hazard considerations of the remote PIC (UA.I.B.K14a)
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.
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)
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.
Task B. Airspace Operational Requirements (UA.II.B) *
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of airspace operational requirements.
5. The Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) system including how to obtain an established NOTAM
through Flight Service (UA.II.B.K5)
Task A. Sources of Weather (UA.III.A)
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sources of weather information.
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.
Task A. Loading and Performance (UA.IV.A)
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the loading and performance of an sUAS.
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.
Task B. Airport Operations (UA.V.B) *
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in airport operations.
Task C. Emergency Procedures (UA.V.C) *
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS emergency procedures.
Task D. Aeronautical Decision-Making (UA.V.D) *
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in aeronautical decision-making.
Task E. Physiology (UA.V.E)
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the physiological factors affecting remote pilot performance.
Task F. Maintenance and Inspection Procedures (UA.V.F) *
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS maintenance and inspection procedures.
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
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