Study Strategies & Test Tips
You’ve Got This
If you’ve worked through all the lessons in this course, you’ve covered every topic the FAA tests. Now let’s make sure you’re ready for exam day.
How the Exam Works
- 60 questions, multiple choice with 3 options
- 2 hours to complete (most finish in 45-60 minutes)
- 70% to pass (42 out of 60 correct)
- Questions are independent. Missing one doesn’t affect the next.
- The FAA Testing Supplement is provided with all charts and figures
Study Strategy
The 3-Pass Method
Pass 1: Learn the material
- Read through each lesson
- Take notes on key numbers and limits
- Don’t worry about memorizing everything yet
Pass 2: Focus on weak areas
- Revisit lessons where you struggled with Quick Check questions
- Focus on: airspace, chart reading, weather decoding, regulations
- These topics make up 75%+ of the exam
Pass 3: Practice
- Take practice exams (free ones online, or in paid courses)
- Time yourself
- Review every question you get wrong and understand why
The Numbers to Memorize
| Number | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 55 lbs | Maximum drone weight |
| 400 ft | Maximum AGL altitude |
| 100 mph | Maximum ground speed |
| 3 SM | Minimum visibility |
| 500 ft | Below clouds |
| 2,000 ft | Horizontal from clouds |
| 70% | Passing score |
| 60 | Number of questions |
| 24 months | Certificate currency |
| $500 | Property damage reporting threshold |
| 10 days | Accident reporting deadline |
| 0.04% | BAC limit |
| 8 hours | Bottle to throttle |
Test Day Tips
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Read each question carefully. The FAA uses precise language. “May” versus “must” versus “should” all mean different things.
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Eliminate wrong answers first. With 3 choices, eliminating one gives you a 50/50 shot.
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Use the Testing Supplement. Look up every chart and figure. Don’t answer from memory when you can verify.
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Answer every question. There’s no penalty for guessing. Blank answers are always wrong.
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Flag and move on. If you’re stuck, flag it, move to easier questions, and come back with fresh eyes.
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Trust your preparation. If you’ve studied the material, your first instinct is usually right. Don’t second-guess yourself into changing correct answers.
Common Exam Traps
- “What is the MAXIMUM…” versus “What is the MINIMUM…”: read carefully
- MSL vs AGL: charts use MSL, Part 107 limits use AGL
- “Authorization required” versus “notification required”: authorization means you need permission; notification means you just tell them
- “Towered airport” versus “controlled airspace”: a magenta airport can still be in controlled airspace
After the Exam
- Preliminary results appear on screen before you leave
- Official results arrive by email within a few days
- If you pass, apply for your certificate through IACRA
- If you don’t pass, you can retake after 14 days. Study your weak areas and try again.
Most people who study thoroughly pass on the first attempt.
Quick Check
Q: How many questions are on the exam and what score do you need? A: 60 questions, 70% (42 correct) to pass.
Q: What should you do if you’re stuck on a question? A: Flag it, move on, and come back later. Don’t waste time.
Q: If you don’t pass, how long before you can retake? A: 14 days.
What’s Next?
Final lesson. Let’s do a practice exam review with 10 scenario-based questions.
Ready for the full experience? Pilot Institute’s Part 107 course includes practice exams that look exactly like the real test, plus unlimited quiz attempts and video explanations for every answer.