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) Information Take a look at”, is crucial for anybody trying to turn out to be a licensed drone pilot for industrial operations within the U.S.. However the newest statistics for 2024 offered by the FAA reveal a shocking 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 Take a look at in 2024, the typical rating was 79.95%. In the meantime, the cross charge 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 turn out to be a licensed drone pilot are additionally decrease than common scores on different FAA-issued assessments. To place it in perspective, the general cross charge throughout all FAA-issued Airman Information Exams in 2024 was 89.51%.

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

The Small Unmanned Plane Take a look at isn’t simply considered one of many assessments provided by the FAA — it’s really the most well-liked. However recognition doesn’t essentially imply greater scores. In truth, fairly the alternative.

For comparability:

• Airplane Personal Pilot’s Take a look at: 46,132 folks took this take a look at in 2024, with a mean rating of 82.89% and a cross charge of 91.9%.
• Airplane Instrument Score Take a look at: 25,647 test-takers achieved a mean rating of 85.64% and a cross charge of 94.24%.

And what in regards to the take a look at with the best common rating? That honor belongs to the Army Competence Teacher Information Take a look at, which had a mean rating of 95.07% and a jaw-dropping cross charge of 99.38% amongst its 641 test-takers.

So why do drone pilots are likely to carry out worse on their take a look at? A part of the reply could lie within the number of folks 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 totally ready, which drags down the averages.

Suggestions for passing the Half 107 Take a look at

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

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

1. Spend money on 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 can assist you cross the Half 107 take a look at. These programs present video classes, follow assessments and quizzes that mimic the true 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 an internet 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 Lady readers to get you $100 off utilizing coupon code DRONEGIRL100. 
3. Apply, follow, follow. Taking follow assessments is essential to determine your weak areas and enhance your understanding of key matters. Lots of these aforementioned on-line programs embrace limitless follow assessments. However, if you happen to don’t need to spring the a number of lots of of {dollars} for a full course, you would 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 Take a look at from Peltier Picture Programs.
4. Deal with airspace and climate, particularly. These matters are sometimes essentially the most difficult for test-takers. Allocate additional time to mastering them.
5. Present up with all the things you want. Don’t add layers of stress on take a look at day since you weren’t ready with the bodily gadgets it’s essential 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 turn out to be a licensed drone pilot in america. Passing this take a look at grants you a Distant Pilot Certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In flip, that lets you legally function drones for industrial functions underneath the Half 107 Small UAS Rule.

It covers matters together with airspace classifications, drone efficiency, security procedures, decoding aeronautical fees, restrictions, and flight operations. The take a look at is multiple-choice with 60 questions. It’s performed in-person at an FAA-approved Information Testing Middle (use this hyperlink to discover a location close to you). You’ll must pay a test-taking price (sometimes about $175).

Why preparation issues

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

To not point out, don’t pay the $175 test-taking price 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 by way of 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 actually understanding the fabric. With the precise preparation instruments and a centered research plan, you possibly can beat the typical rating and be 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 may 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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