The typical rating on the Half 107 take a look at is fairly dangerous

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Half 107 take a look at, formally referred to as the “Unmanned Plane Basic – Small (UAG) Data Check”, is crucial for anybody trying to develop into a licensed drone pilot for industrial operations within the U.S.. However the newest statistics for 2024 offered by the FAA reveal a stunning actuality: the typical rating on the Half 107 take a look at is nothing to brag about.

Out of the 67,576 individuals who took the Small Unmanned Plane Check in 2024, the typical rating was 79.95%. In the meantime, the go fee was 84.2%. Whereas that’s above the minimal passing rating of 70%, it’s decrease than I actually anticipated. That’s not even a B!

Common take a look at scores on the take a look at to develop into a licensed drone pilot are additionally decrease than common scores on different FAA-issued exams. To place it in perspective, the general go fee throughout all FAA-issued Airman Data Exams in 2024 was 89.51%.

How the Half 107 take a look at compares to different FAA exams

The Small Unmanned Plane Check isn’t simply considered one of many exams provided by the FAA — it’s truly the preferred. However reputation doesn’t essentially imply greater scores. In actual fact, fairly the alternative.

For comparability:

• Airplane Personal Pilot’s Check: 46,132 individuals took this take a look at in 2024, with a median rating of 82.89% and a go fee of 91.9%.
• Airplane Instrument Score Check: 25,647 test-takers achieved a median rating of 85.64% and a go fee of 94.24%.

And what concerning the take a look at with the very best common rating? That honor belongs to the Army Competence Teacher Data Check, which had a median rating of 95.07% and a jaw-dropping go fee of 99.38% amongst its 641 test-takers.

So why do drone pilots are inclined to carry out worse on their take a look at? A part of the reply could lie within the number of individuals taking the take a look at — from hobbyists trying to flip skilled to skilled aviators increasing their {qualifications}. With such a various group, it’s probably that some test-takers aren’t absolutely ready, which drags down the averages.

Ideas for passing the Half 107 Check

The Half 107 take a look at covers a variety of subjects, from airspace classifications to climate, laws and emergency procedures. Whereas it’s not an insurmountable feat to go (hey, I handed on my first attempt!), success requires correct preparation.

Listed here are a few of the greatest methods to make sure you’re a part of the passing share:

1. Put money into an on-line Half 107 take a look at prep course. Complete on-line programs like Drone Pilot Floor College and Drone Launch Academy are tailor-made particularly that will help you go the Half 107 take a look at. These programs present video classes, follow exams and quizzes that mimic the actual take a look at.
2. Search for reductions. Don’t fail the take a look at simply since you couldn’t afford to pay for a web-based course. There are a bunch of promo codes on the market. For instance, Drone Pilot Floor College is providing an unique low cost for Drone Woman readers to get you $100 off utilizing coupon code DRONEGIRL100. 
3. Apply, follow, follow. Taking follow exams is essential to determine your weak areas and enhance your understanding of key subjects. A lot of these aforementioned on-line programs embrace limitless follow exams. However, in case you don’t wish to spring the a number of a whole lot of {dollars} for a full course, you can probably get away with shopping for a follow take a look at solely. There are many good ones for $15 or much less, just like the Prime Apply Check from Peltier Picture Programs.
4. Give attention to airspace and climate, particularly. These subjects are sometimes probably the most difficult for test-takers. Allocate additional time to mastering them.
5. Present up with every part you want. Don’t add layers of stress on take a look at day since you weren’t ready with the bodily gadgets you have to carry to the Half 107 take a look at. That features a legitimate, government-issued ID.

What’s the Half 107 take a look at?

The FAA Half 107 take a look at is an examination required to develop into a licensed drone pilot in the US. Passing this take a look at grants you a Distant Pilot Certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In flip, that permits you to legally function drones for industrial functions beneath the Half 107 Small UAS Rule.

It covers subjects together with airspace classifications, drone efficiency, security procedures, deciphering aeronautical costs, restrictions, and flight operations. The take a look at is multiple-choice with 60 questions. It’s carried out in-person at an FAA-approved Data Testing Heart (use this hyperlink to discover a location close to you). You’ll have to pay a test-taking payment (usually about $175).

Why preparation issues

Whereas a rating of 79.95% is sufficient to go, aiming greater than the typical rating on the Half 107 take a look at is the aim. Passing with an A demonstrates a powerful understanding of the principles and laws governing drones, which finally results in safer skies for everybody. Plus, a deeper information of those ideas can improve your confidence and credibility as a drone pilot.

To not point out, don’t pay the $175 test-taking payment solely to fail (although for what it’s value, many on-line Half 107 take a look at prep programs will refund you in case you fail — simply one other incentive to take the course by them).

If you happen to’re planning to take the Half 107 take a look at, keep in mind that success isn’t nearly passing — it’s about really understanding the fabric. With the proper preparation instruments and a centered research plan, you’ll be able to beat the typical rating and be a part of the ranks of extremely competent drone pilots.

Oh, and in case you’re questioning, I scored 90% after I took the Half 107 take a look at. I may positively do higher — and I’m nonetheless studying extra about drones even to this present day. However, I did beat the typical rating on the Half 107 take a look at.

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