I’m thinking about taking the Part 107 exam and started looking for courses. Then it hit me—why not just study the FAA regulations directly?
Would a course actually help that much? Maybe there are specific terms or concepts that need extra explanation?
For context, I’m an engineer and deal with regulations regularly (not aviation-related). I don’t need a physics lesson, just wondering if self-studying the regs is a viable approach.
Appreciate any insight!
The regulations are only about 20% of the test. The rest is weather, sectional maps, and other random topics. It’s not super hard, though—watch a few free YouTube videos, take some practice tests, and you’ll be fine.
The FAA has an official study guide that covers everything on the test:
If you go through that and take practice tests, you should pass without paying for a course. I personally read the guide twice while taking notes, watched a few videos on airport operations (which was tricky for me), and passed with only three questions wrong.
If the guide feels overwhelming, or you struggle with practice tests, then a course might be helpful. But it’s not a must-have.
@Nico
This is the way. If you find the material interesting, studying this way is actually pretty enjoyable.
Reading FAA regs is like learning engineering solely from technical manuals. Sure, the info is there, but there are better ways to absorb it.
You probably don’t need a paid course, but free resources can help a lot. I bought a book mostly to keep myself accountable.
The toughest parts for you might be rote memorization—some details (e.g., weight limits, reporting deadlines) just have to be learned. Also, unless you already know weather patterns, that section can be tricky.
As for sectional charts, they give you a reference sheet during the test, so you just need to know how to use it.
@Wren
Exactly! Studying only the regs is like prepping for the PE exam by just reading engineering laws. There’s way more to it.
I usually recommend either Gleim or Sporty’s:
If you have time and enjoy reading, you could just study the FAA manuals directly. If you learn best with quizzes and structured material, Gleim is great. Sporty’s is nice for video learners.
@Westin
Sporty’s also works on Apple TV, which is a nice perk if you like studying on a bigger screen.
Just take it—you’ll be fine. Google says it’s only a little harder than the driver’s license test. You’re an aerospace engineer, so you got this.
I didn’t take a course. The FAA study guide is free and does the job.
I learned everything from YouTube. If you’re a quick learner, a course isn’t necessary.
The regs won’t teach you weather, airspace, chart reading, or airport operations—all major parts of the test.
A structured course will get you up to speed faster and help you fly safely and legally. I’d recommend Pilot Institute—they guarantee a pass or your money back. Plus, they train all levels of pilots, so they cover aviation in a broader context, not just Part 107.
If you’re planning to use your drone commercially or fly in controlled airspace, you need Part 107. It’s just one of those boxes to check if you want to do more than recreational flying.
I’m looking into taking the UK’s A2 test next year for the same reason.
I work in regulatory engineering. Regulations are important, but they only make up about 25% of the test.
Weather data and sectional maps are a huge part of it. If you only study the regs, you will fail.