News

Auto Added by WPeMatico

UK Watchdog Approves BVLOS Drone Flights for Security Operations: Gamechanger

Approval Could Transform the Security Industry with Cost Savings and Improved Safety The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted Heliguy approval to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights using a drone-in-a-box (DIAB) system. This milestone could significantly impact the security industry by enabling remote drone operations to replace traditional on-site security […]

The post UK Watchdog Approves BVLOS Drone Flights for Security Operations: Gamechanger appeared first on DRONELIFE.

Redmond, WA Police Take Innovation to New Heights with Drone First Responder Program

City embraces innovation in launching DFR program By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Armed with recent approval to conduct drone missions beyond the visual line of sight, the Redmond, Washington Police Department is working to launch its drones as first responders (DFR) program to new heights to protect public safety. Last November, the FAA granted […]

The post Redmond, WA Police Take Innovation to New Heights with Drone First Responder Program appeared first on DRONELIFE.

Argentech Solutions and S-PLANE Partner to Advance Drone Assurance and Autonomous Capabilities

Strategic collaboration aims to deliver certified hardware and software for advanced drone operations Argentech Solutions has announced a strategic partnership with S-PLANE, a company known for autonomous aviation and avionics systems. This collaboration will merge Argentech’s operational expertise with S-PLANE’s advanced technologies, offering innovative solutions for drone operations, including advanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) […]

The post Argentech Solutions and S-PLANE Partner to Advance Drone Assurance and Autonomous Capabilities appeared first on DRONELIFE.

SimActive’s Correlator3D™ 10.3: Revolutionizing Large-Scale Mapping with Enhanced Speed and Flexibility

The latest update tackles big data challenges with optimized workflows and multi-platform integration, delivering powerful solutions for commercial and military applications. by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb Quebec-based software developer SimActive Inc. recently announced the release of the new Correlator3D™ Version 10.3, updating their popular mapping solution to better tackle large-scale projects. This latest […]

The post SimActive’s Correlator3D™ 10.3: Revolutionizing Large-Scale Mapping with Enhanced Speed and Flexibility appeared first on DRONELIFE.

The average score on the Part 107 test is pretty bad

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 test, officially called the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Knowledge Test”, is essential for anyone looking to become a certified drone pilot for commercial operations in the U.S.. But the latest statistics for 2024 provided by the FAA reveal a surprising reality: the average score on the Part 107 test is nothing to brag about.

Out of the 67,576 people who took the Small Unmanned Aircraft Test in 2024, the average score was 79.95%. Meanwhile, the pass rate was 84.2%. While that’s above the minimum passing score of 70%, it’s lower than I certainly expected. That’s not even a B!

Average test scores on the test to become a certified drone pilot are also lower than average scores on other FAA-issued tests. To put it in perspective, the overall pass rate across all FAA-issued Airman Knowledge Tests in 2024 was 89.51%.

How the Part 107 test compares to other FAA tests

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Test isn’t just one of many tests offered by the FAA — it’s actually the most popular. But popularity doesn’t necessarily mean higher scores. In fact, quite the opposite.

For comparison:

  • Airplane Private Pilot’s Test: 46,132 people took this test in 2024, with an average score of 82.89% and a pass rate of 91.9%.
  • Airplane Instrument Rating Test: 25,647 test-takers achieved an average score of 85.64% and a pass rate of 94.24%.

And what about the test with the highest average score? That honor belongs to the Military Competence Instructor Knowledge Test, which had an average score of 95.07% and a jaw-dropping pass rate of 99.38% among its 641 test-takers.

So why do drone pilots tend to perform worse on their test? Part of the answer may lie in the variety of people taking the test — from hobbyists looking to turn professional to experienced aviators expanding their qualifications. With such a diverse group, it’s likely that some test-takers aren’t fully prepared, which drags down the averages.

Tips for passing the Part 107 Test

The Part 107 test covers a wide range of topics, from airspace classifications to weather, regulations and emergency procedures. While it’s not an insurmountable feat to pass (hey, I passed on my first try!), success requires proper preparation.

Here are some of the best ways to ensure you’re part of the passing percentage:

  1. Invest in an online Part 107 test prep course. Comprehensive online courses like Drone Pilot Ground School and Drone Launch Academy are tailored specifically to help you pass the Part 107 test. These courses provide video lessons, practice tests and quizzes that mimic the real test.
  2. Look for discounts. Don’t fail the test just because you couldn’t afford to pay for an online course. There are a bunch of promo codes out there. For example, Drone Pilot Ground School is offering an exclusive discount for Drone Girl readers to get you $100 off using coupon code DRONEGIRL100
  3. Practice, practice, practice. Taking practice tests is crucial to identify your weak areas and improve your understanding of key topics. Many of those aforementioned online courses include unlimited practice tests. But, if you don’t want to spring the multiple hundreds of dollars for a full course, you could likely get away with buying a practice test only. There are plenty of good ones for $15 or less, like the Prime Practice Test from Peltier Photo Courses.
  4. Focus on airspace and weather, especially. These topics are often the most challenging for test-takers. Allocate extra time to mastering them.
  5. Show up with everything you need. Don’t add layers of stress on test day because you weren’t prepared with the physical items you need to bring to the Part 107 test. That includes a valid, government-issued ID.

What is the Part 107 test?

The FAA Part 107 test is an exam required to become a certified drone pilot in the United States. Passing this test grants you a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In turn, that allows you to legally operate drones for commercial purposes under the Part 107 Small UAS Rule.

It covers topics including airspace classifications, drone performance, safety procedures, interpreting aeronautical charges, restrictions, and flight operations. The test is multiple-choice with 60 questions. It’s conducted in-person at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (use this link to find a location near you). You’ll need to pay a test-taking fee (typically about $175).

Why preparation matters

While a score of 79.95% is enough to pass, aiming higher than the average score on the Part 107 test is the goal. Passing with an A demonstrates a strong understanding of the rules and regulations governing drones, which ultimately leads to safer skies for everyone. Plus, a deeper knowledge of these concepts can enhance your confidence and credibility as a drone pilot.

Not to mention, don’t pay the $175 test-taking fee only to fail (though for what it’s worth, many online Part 107 test prep courses will refund you if you fail — just another incentive to take the course through them).

If you’re planning to take the Part 107 test, remember that success isn’t just about passing — it’s about truly understanding the material. With the right preparation tools and a focused study plan, you can beat the average score and join the ranks of highly competent drone pilots.

Oh, and if you’re wondering, I scored 90% when I took the Part 107 test. I could definitely do better — and I’m still learning more about drones even to this day. But, I did beat the average score on the Part 107 test.

The post The average score on the Part 107 test is pretty bad appeared first on The Drone Girl.

General Atomics Pitches Drone Launch System for US and Allied Warships

General Atomics unveiled concepts for the installation of a new drone launch system on a variety of vessels, including the Royal Navy’s Daring-class (Type 45) destroyer and U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base. The company claims the “Electric Launch System for Unmanned Aircraft” is part of a broader effort to support the launching of drones in […]

New Poll Reveals who Americans Think is Behind New Jersey’s Drone Invasion

Americans have revealed who they think is really behind the mysterious drone sightings that have plagued New Jersey since November. Exclusive polling from DailyMail.com and J.L. Partners found that nearly half (45 percent) of people believe the bizarre activity was more than just recreational or normal drone use, with the majority (26 percent) of those […]

Iran’s ‘359’ Loitering Drone Can Target AWACS and Refueling Tankers at High Altitude

Iran has taken a major step forward in its missile and drone capabilities with the official unveiling of the “359” Loitering SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), a next-generation version of its 358 Loitering Munition system. Specifically engineered to engage and destroy high-altitude military aircraft, such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and […]

Pioneering Wildfire Mitigation: Drone America and UAS Center at SBD Partner for Safer Communities

– Drone America has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the UAS Center at SBD. This collaboration aims to revolutionize wildfire prevention and mitigation through advanced drone technology, building a safer and more resilient future for our communities. Since 2009, Drone America has been at the forefront of UAS innovation, designing tools such as multirotor quadcopters, […]

Drone Technology Supports Wildfire Prevention and Response

Drone America and UAS Center at SBD Collaborate on Advanced Safety Tools Drone America has announced a partnership with the UAS Center at SBD, focusing on wildfire prevention and mitigation. The collaboration combines advanced drone technology with regional expertise to create innovative tools that enhance community safety and emergency response. “By combining Drone America’s expertise […]

The post Drone Technology Supports Wildfire Prevention and Response appeared first on DRONELIFE.