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Part 107 Study Guide

Airspace Classification

Master Class B through G airspace, Special Use Airspace (MOAs, Restricted, Prohibited), TFRs, and the 400-ft rule near structures. This is the largest category on the Part 107 exam.

43 questions in this topic

Sample Questions

Medium UA.II.A.K1

Class G airspace extends from the surface up to (but not including) the overlying Class E airspace. In most areas, what is the typical floor of Class E airspace?

A. 700 ft AGL
B. 1,200 ft AGL ✓ Correct
C. 14,500 ft MSL

In most areas Class E starts at 1,200 ft AGL (shown by the absence of a magenta vignette). Near airports with instrument approaches, it may start at 700 ft AGL (indicated by a magenta vignette on sectionals).

💡 Memory tip

Think of Class G as the bottom layer that Class E presses down on. 1,200 ft AGL is where Class E 'kicks in' everywhere there's no special depiction.

Easy UA.II.B.K1

To operate a small UAS in Class C airspace, the remote PIC must:

A. File a flight plan with the FSS
B. Receive prior ATC authorization via LAANC or DroneZone ✓ Correct
C. Hold a private pilot certificate

Part 107.41 requires prior authorization from ATC before operating in Class B, C, or D airspace. LAANC provides near-real-time authorization; FAA DroneZone is the manual alternative. 14 CFR 107.41.

14 CFR 107.41

Medium UA.II.A.K3

Which type of Special Use Airspace may have active times published in NOTAMs and allows flight when not active?

A. Prohibited area
B. Restricted area ✓ Correct
C. Alert area

Restricted areas (e.g., R-2301) have scheduled active times. When the controlling agency releases the airspace, flight is permitted. Prohibited areas are always off-limits. Alert areas simply advise of unusual activity — no authorization needed.

14 CFR 73

💡 Memory tip

Restricted = 'by appointment.' When the military is done, the door opens. Unlike Prohibited, which is a permanent wall.

Hard UA.II.A.K2

A remote pilot wants to fly a drone at 350 ft AGL near a cell tower that is 300 ft tall. Is this permitted under Part 107?

A. No — maximum altitude is 400 ft AGL regardless of structures
B. Yes — you may fly up to 400 ft above the structure if within 400 ft horizontally of it ✓ Correct
C. Yes — but only with a waiver

14 CFR 107.51(b) allows flight up to 400 ft above a structure's uppermost limit, provided the sUAS remains within a 400-ft radius of the structure. In this case 300 + 400 = 700 ft AGL max near that tower.

14 CFR 107.51(b)

💡 Memory tip

Picture a 400 ft invisible bubble sitting on TOP of the structure's highest point. Inside that bubble, you can legally fly above 400 ft AGL.

Medium UA.II.A.K4

A Military Operations Area (MOA) is depicted on a sectional chart with:

A. Blue hash marks
B. Magenta hash marks ✓ Correct
C. Brown dashed lines

MOAs are outlined by magenta hash marks. Activities within MOAs include aerobatics, combat maneuvers, and high-speed flight. While no ATC authorization is required for sUAS, extreme caution is advised.

💡 Memory tip

Magenta hash = military mash-up zone. Not prohibited — just high-speed chaos. Think of it as a live firing range you can legally enter but shouldn't.

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Airspace Classification FAQ

What airspace requires prior authorization for drone operations?

Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace require prior ATC authorization under 14 CFR 107.41. LAANC provides near-real-time authorization for many airports; the FAA DroneZone portal handles manual waivers.

How high can a drone fly under Part 107?

The standard ceiling is 400 ft AGL. However, 14 CFR 107.51(b) allows flight up to 400 ft above a structure's highest point when within 400 ft horizontally of that structure.

What is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and how do I check for one?

A TFR is a short-term restriction on airspace issued under 14 CFR 91.137–91.145. Check tfr.faa.gov, the FAA B4UFLY app, or your preferred preflight planning tool before every flight.

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