The common rating on the Half 107 take a look at is fairly unhealthy

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Half 107 take a look at, formally known as the “Unmanned Plane Common – Small (UAG) Data Check”, is crucial for anybody seeking to develop into a licensed drone pilot for business 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 cross price 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 cross price 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 supplied by the FAA — it’s truly the preferred. However recognition doesn’t essentially imply increased scores. In reality, fairly the other.

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 cross price of 91.9%.
• Airplane Instrument Ranking Check: 25,647 test-takers achieved a median rating of 85.64% and a cross price of 94.24%.

And what in regards to 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 cross price 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 seeking 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.

Suggestions for passing the Half 107 Check

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

Listed below are among 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 cross 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. Observe, follow, follow. Taking follow exams is essential to establish your weak areas and enhance your understanding of key matters. Lots of these aforementioned on-line programs embrace limitless follow exams. However, if you happen to don’t wish to spring the a number of a whole bunch of {dollars} for a full course, you may 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 Observe Check from Peltier Picture Programs.
4. Deal with airspace and climate, particularly. These matters are sometimes essentially the most difficult for test-takers. Allocate further time to mastering them.
5. Present up with all the pieces you want. Don’t add layers of stress on take a look at day since you weren’t ready with the bodily objects you have to convey 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 business functions underneath the Half 107 Small UAS Rule.

It covers matters together with airspace classifications, drone efficiency, security procedures, decoding aeronautical prices, 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 Middle (use this hyperlink to discover a location close to you). You’ll have to pay a test-taking charge (usually about $175).

Why preparation issues

Whereas a rating of 79.95% is sufficient to cross, aiming increased than the typical rating on the Half 107 take a look at is the objective. Passing with an A demonstrates a robust 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 charge solely to fail (although for what it’s value, many on-line Half 107 take a look at prep programs will refund you if you happen to fail — simply one other incentive to take the course via them).

In the event you’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 suitable preparation instruments and a targeted examine plan, you possibly can beat the typical rating and be a part of the ranks of extremely competent drone pilots.

Oh, and if you happen to’re questioning, I scored 90% after I took the Half 107 take a look at. I might undoubtedly do higher — and I’m nonetheless studying extra about drones even to at the present time. However, I did beat the typical rating on the Half 107 take a look at.

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