sarge43
lvl.3
United States
Offline
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So, I paid the $150 and took the FAA Section 107 test. I missed passing by ONE question. I thought I'd share some things here for others who may be getting ready to take the test themselves. These are MY observations, so take them as such. Remember, the questions are pulled from a large "pool" of questions, so the test you actually take WILL be at least a little different than mine.
I've heard a lot about the test being hard. I didn't think it was overly hard as it's a simple multiple choice test and you pick an answer from the three options given. Having said that, here's what made it seem harder than it should be:
1. Over half the questions on the test I took had NOTHING to do with legal drone operation. Questions about figuring the floor from a map in class _ and the minimum answer is way over DOUBLE the ceiling at which we can fly legally. Really? If I'm legal, I don't need to know that. Loads forward or aft of CG affect take off requirements fixed wing loads etc etc etc. Again, really? Don't need to know that or how to figure it. Just a couple of examples - this type silly stuff made up a LOT of the test, and it's stuff you pass over when studying simply because you DON'T need to know it, but its there. Surprise.....
2. Understanding pilot lingo. Another thing that we don't really need to know UNLESS we are both operating inside the airport boundaries AND have a radio with us monitoring all radio traffic to the tower. I don't need to know what direction the pilot at 1,000 feet is heading when he says "midfield left downwind descending 20 knot cross hut hut hike" etc etc. His heading does not matter to me if I'm flying legally.
3. THEIR definition (the FAA) of words like macho, invulnerable etc. Yes, you need to know THEIR definitions as given in scenarios in which someone urges you to fly. "What type of bad characteristic is the PIC displaying when he agrees/disagrees with this set of instructions?" The definitions are pretty close to each other, and frankly which type doesn't freaking matter because everyone with half a brain knows that the scenario given is a bad idea anyway.
4. Questions about fixed wing AIRPLANES and their characteristics in turns, under load paramaters, and fuel consumption - anyone flying one of these?
Now, things that should be studied prior to taking the test:
1. Have at least a basic knowledge of airspaces A,B,C,D,E,F and G.
2. Have a basic knowledge of Aeronautical maps and how to read them.
3. Know where to find the legend and how to use it to interpret map info
4. Basic understanding of how meteorology affects flight (moisture vs. dry air, affects of elevation and pressure, stable vs turbulant air etc)
They give you a handbook to use and the legend is right up front, so use it. The procter will be of NO help in figuring out why a question was missed, but to be fair, that's not their job. At the end of the test, you will see a screen that shows you the questions that you answered incorrectly. There is no idication of why you missed it, or what the answer SHOULD have been, so it's of little help other than determining a certain area that you need to brush up on for next time. The test is administered on a computer and the diagrams or photos shown on the screen are all in the handbook as well, so no worries if the screen is grainy. You are allowed to bring in a basic calculator and glasses if you need them, but that's about it. Car keys, jackets, wallet, phone etc will all need to be left in the car or with the procter. They gave me two sheets of scratch paper and two pencils, but I didn't find any reason to use them or the calculator that I brought with me.
I admit that without knowing what was on the test or what to study in particular (really, is anyone going to read the 400 plus pages of government verbage just in case it's on the test?), I took this first swing as simply a way to find what to study for the real (second) attempt. The fact that I only failed by one question is heartening to me, and should be to others as well. I did find a study guide of sorts that was helpful. You can find it by doing a search for "Rupprecht Law 107 study guide". It was much more helpful than most out there and it's free.
Well, that's it. Lookling forward to taking it again in two weeks now that I have a feel for it. If you have any questions, let me know and I'll answer them as best I can.
Sarge out.
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