Part 107 Study Guide
Airport Operations
Traffic patterns, runway markings, light gun signals, wake turbulence, PAPI/VASI, and how to safely operate sUAS near airports without creating hazards to manned aircraft.
21 questions in this topic
Sample Questions
A segmented circle at an airport provides information about:
The segmented circle system includes a wind indicator (tetrahedron or wind sock), landing strip indicators, and traffic pattern indicators. It helps pilots determine active runway and pattern direction. AIM 4-3-2.
A rotating beacon that flashes white-green indicates:
White-green = civilian land airport. White-white-green = military. Green-yellow-white = heliport. A beacon operating during the day indicates weather conditions below VFR minimums. AIM 2-1-11.
💡 Memory tip
Beacon color memory: White + Green = civilian land. White + White + Green = military. Green + Yellow + White = heliport. Each 'step up' adds another color.
What does a steady red light from an ATC light signal gun mean to an aircraft on the ground?
ATC light gun signals are used when radio communication fails. Steady red on the ground = STOP. Steady green = cleared for takeoff. Flashing red = taxi clear of runway. Flashing green = cleared to taxi. AIM 4-3-13.
💡 Memory tip
Light gun steady signals are definitive commands: Steady Red on ground = STOP. Steady Green = cleared for takeoff. Flashing signals indicate transitional states.
Right-of-way rules under Part 107 state that a sUAS must yield to:
14 CFR 107.37(a) is clear: the remote PIC must yield right of way to all other aircraft. The sUAS is always the give-way aircraft, regardless of airspace class.
14 CFR 107.37
UNICOM is commonly used at non-towered airports for:
UNICOM (often 122.8 or 123.0 MHz) provides non-official traffic advisories at uncontrolled airports. Pilots self-announce positions and intentions. It is NOT ATC — there are no mandatory instructions. AIM 4-1-11.
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Start Full Practice ExamAirport Operations FAQ
What is the standard traffic pattern altitude? ▾
Standard traffic pattern altitude for manned piston aircraft is 1,000 ft AGL above airport elevation. Turbine aircraft typically fly 1,500 ft AGL. Right-hand patterns are non-standard and published in the Chart Supplement. Remote pilots should avoid this airspace. AIM 4-3-3.
What does a rotating airport beacon operating during the day mean? ▾
A civil airport beacon operating during daylight hours indicates weather at that airport is below basic VFR minimums (ceiling below 1,000 ft and/or visibility below 3 SM). This is a visual cue to check weather before operating nearby. AIM 2-1-11.