Anyone else failed the Part 107 test on their first try?

Technology Forum Drones
1

I thought I was well-prepared for my first attempt at the Part 107 test, but I ended up failing with a 60%. I’d done well in practice tests and watched some YouTube videos, so I was pretty surprised. Here’s the list of codes where I went wrong:

UA.I.A.K1, UA.I.B.K1, UA.I.B.K16, UA.I.B.K21b, UA.I.E.K3c, UA.II.A.K1a, UA.II.A.K1b, UA.II.A.K1d,
UA.II.A.K2, UA.II.B.K5, UA.III.A.K1, UA.III.A.K3, UA.III.B.K1b, UA.III.B.K1c, UA.IV.A.K1a, UA.IV.A.K1b, UA.V.B.K6a, UA.V.D.K5, UA.V.E.K4, UA.V.E.K8.

For anyone who’s taken this test, do you have tips on what I should focus on to pass next time? How did you approach it?

2

Hey, you can find some detailed guides and tips on this forum’s Part 107 How-To Wiki. It’s got a lot of useful info that might help.

3

Maybe start by looking up those specific codes yourself to see where you went wrong.

4

Haru said:
Maybe start by looking up those specific codes yourself to see where you went wrong.

Haha, true, true.

5

Don’t take it again until you’re consistently scoring above 90 on practice tests. Some of the questions on the real exam won’t be in any study materials, so expect your score to dip about 10% from practice exams. Look up each of those codes you missed in the FAA’s PDFs and do a lot more practice tests from various sources.

6

At the end of my test, I spent a bit of time reading the supplement book, which actually helped a lot. I recommend checking out this practice test: Free FAA Drone Pilot Test by King Schools. You can narrow down topics to focus on specific areas like weather. Also, this page has updated info on regulations about flying over people and night operations: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people.

7

Don’t worry, it happens. With more studying and practice, you’ll be ready next time. Aim for scoring consistently in the 80s on practice exams to give yourself a buffer. Here’s where you missed:

  • I (Regulations): UA.I.A.K1, UA.I.B.K1, UA.I.B.K16, UA.I.B.K21b, UA.I.E.K3c - 5 errors
  • II (Airspace & Requirements): UA.II.A.K1a, UA.II.A.K1b, UA.II.A.K1d, UA.II.A.K2, UA.II.B.K5 - 5 errors
  • III (Weather): UA.III.A.K1, UA.III.A.K3, UA.III.B.K1b, UA.III.B.K1c - 4 errors
  • IV (Loading & Performance): UA.IV.A.K1a, UA.IV.A.K1b - 2 errors
  • V (Operations): UA.V.B.K6a, UA.V.D.K5, UA.V.E.K4, UA.V.E.K8 - 4 errors

I’ve noticed a lot of people struggle with Airspace (II) when they post here, just something to keep in mind. Try not to rely on the same practice tests repeatedly since you might just be memorising the answers without fully getting the concepts. Also, remember to use the sectional chart legend when answering airspace questions.

8

Just keep doing the practice exams and review any questions you get wrong. Repeat the process until the night before your retake.

9

Sterling said:
Just keep doing the practice exams and review any questions you get wrong. Repeat the process until the night before your retake.

Where are you finding good study materials and practice tests?

10

@Devon
Google and ChatGPT both have some solid resources. I used them for my study and ended up passing with a 90 on my first try.

11

This is why programs like Pilot Institute are popular. It seems like you’re just memorising answers, and you won’t get the same test again. A course might help you get a stronger understanding.

12

Here’s a quick breakdown of the codes you mentioned:

  • UA.I.A.K1: Rules related to small drone flying privileges and limitations.
  • UA.I.B.K1: Types of airspace and restrictions for small drone flights.
  • UA.I.B.K16: Requirements for remote pilot certification.
  • UA.I.B.K21b: Waivers available for drone operations.
  • UA.I.E.K3c: Effects of drugs and alcohol on pilots.
  • UA.II.A.K1a: Weather info sources.
  • UA.II.A.K1b: How weather affects drone performance.
  • UA.II.A.K1d: Microbursts and wind shear.
  • UA.II.A.K2: Weather reports and forecasts.
  • UA.II.B.K5: More on weather and performance.
  • UA.III.A.K1: Loading and performance.
  • UA.III.A.K3: Weight and balance.
  • UA.III.B.K1b: Emergency procedures.
  • UA.III.B.K1c: Crew management.
  • UA.IV.A.K1a: Radio communications.
  • UA.IV.A.K1b: Airport operations.
  • UA.V.B.K6a: Drone performance.
  • UA.V.D.K5: Decision-making.
  • UA.V.E.K4: Preflight checks.
  • UA.V.E.K8: Effects of substances on pilots.
13

If you’re struggling to study on your own, maybe it’s worth spending on a course. For me, the class I took cost about the same as a retake fee and guaranteed a pass or they’d cover the cost of my retest. I used Pilot Institute, and it really helped me get organised. Passed with a 97% on my first try.

14

Failing Part 107 on the first try doesn’t make you an idiot. A lot of people probably fail and just don’t mention it here.

I didn’t see you mention how long you studied for. So many people say they only studied a day or two, sometimes a week. Take your time and don’t rush it…