How to Pass the FAA Part 107 Exam Without Paying for a Course

If you’re a drone enthusiast looking to turn your passion into a business, getting your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is your first major step. While there are countless paid courses out there promising guaranteed success, the truth is, you can absolutely pass the Part 107 exam for free using the right tools, dedication, and strategy.

Dakota Smith

5/31/20252 min read

Before we begin!

I have been asked numerous times, what did you use to study? Was the test hard? I really do not want to spend a bunch of money on courses is there a cheaper way to do it? Yes absolutely there is! I did quite a bit of self study, watching videos, reviewing the UAS Study Guide. The way my brain works this did not exactly cut it for me. I personally used DroneAcademy.com. I liked their format. Below is the free way of obtaining it, feel free to look into courses though!

✅ Step 1: Understand What the Part 107 Exam Covers

The FAA Part 107 test is not just about flying drones. It covers:

Airspace classifications and flight restrictions
Weather sources and effects on drone operations
Drone loading and performance
Crew resource management
Emergency procedures
FAA regulations and chart reading

You’ll need to study like a pilot—not just a drone hobbyist.

📚 Step 2: Use the FAA’s Free Study Resources

The FAA wants you to be informed, and they’ve created free resources for test prep.

These are the official sources that the FAA draws questions from.

🎓 Step 3: Watch Free YouTube Courses

Many Part 107 instructors share full lesson plans and walkthroughs on YouTube—for free. Some high-quality channels include:

Drone Launch Academy (introductory content for free)
Tony & Chelsea Northrup – great breakdowns of complex concepts
RemotePilot101 (Preview Videos) – although the full course is paid, their free samples are gold

Search YouTube for: “Part 107 free study guide” or “FAA Part 107 exam crash course.”

🧠 Step 4: Practice with Free Sample Questions

Studying is great—but testing yourself is essential.

Use these free tools:

3DR Practice Test: https://3dr.com/faa/drone-practice-tests
UAV Coach Free Quiz: https://uavcoach.com/drone-practice-test/
FAA Sample Questions PDF: Included in the FAA study guide

Get familiar with the language and structure of real FAA questions.

✈️ Step 5: Learn to Read Sectional Charts

This is where many people get tripped up. FAA charts can look like a different language—but don’t panic. Focus on:

Class B, C, D, and E airspace identification
Reading elevation and airspace floors
Recognizing restricted zones and NOTAMs

Plenty of free chart reading tutorials are available on YouTube and FAA.gov.

💡 Bonus Tips

Take notes while you study – writing helps with retention
Schedule your test early – having a deadline keeps you motivated
Use flashcards for acronyms and weather terminology
Join free drone forums like DJI Forums, MavicPilots, or Reddit’s r/drones to get tips from real test-takers

💵 Final Thoughts: Save Your Money, Not Your Effort

You don’t need to spend hundreds on a prep course. With free FAA materials, YouTube walkthroughs, and consistent practice, you can pass the Part 107 on your first try.

Of course, if you prefer structured learning or have a tight timeline, paid courses can be helpful. But if you’re motivated and disciplined, you can do it 100% for free.