Why Choose Me as your Guide?
I am a University Professor and an Environmental Scientist who focuses on GIS (making digital maps). Years ago, I got into drones as a way to expand my ability to gather environmental data. I have also had a blast learning about digital aerial photography and videography. I have taught hundreds of people how to pass this test in person at a University in Boston. Through that experience, I learned what students struggle with and tested every which way to explain things. I have also taught this course to thousands of students online here in Udemy since 2018. I take pride in being available to my students. If you have a specific question while studying, I am an email away. In this course, you are not only getting the materials you need to pass the test and become a responsible drone pilot, you are getting access to me and my experience. I know of only one student of the thousands that I have instructed who has not passed the test on the first time. (They missed by one question and admitted to not having put enough time in studying).
In addition, and this may seem counterintuitive, I am not a pilot. I entered this drone journey as an Environmental Consultant who decided to learn about drones. Aviation terminology was new to me when I started. I had to figure all of this out. I imagine most of you considering this course are in the same boat as well.
Stay Current
FAA regulations change periodically. Most notably, changes were made in the spring of 2021 that changed some rules, many of them coming active in the Fall of 2023. As a University Professor, I keep track of the changes as part of my job. When I see something new, I adjust the course to ensure you are getting the latest information. The majority of test prep materials you see out there are dated. This is not the case with my course. If you log back in two years from now (and you will when you need to renew your license), the materials will be up to date.
My Approach
There are many ways to approach taking the FAA Part 107 exam, ranging from free and lightning quick YouTube tutorials, which will give you the bare minimum and may be based on info 4 years old, on up to in-person training classes costing hundreds of dollars, which will give you every last detail on drones. My aim with this course is to give you a middle ground.
I give you practical information you will need as a beginner pilot. In these videos I will tell you if a concept is not really applicable to a Drone Pilot and what is a good thing to know even if its not on the test. I have had my license since the test first came out and have taken the 2 year Recurrence exam twice since then. In addition to teaching Environmental Sciences courses, including a few on drones, I have flown many missions as an environmental consultant and for research. I have real experience as a pilot and I have also spoken with many students after they have taken the exam. I thoroughly understand what you are getting yourself into.
Preparing for the Exam requires a few steps:
Memorize facts that really matter to drone pilot (i.e. you cannot fly higher than 400')
Memorize facts that do not matter at all to a drone pilot but will be on the test (i.e. how to read a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
Learn fairly complex concepts that you will definitely need to know as a future pilot(i.e. How to read airspace charts)
Learn fairly complex concepts that you will never need to know as a future pilot (i.e. how to read a Load Chart to calculate the G-Force affecting your drone in flight)
Cram it all in so that you are ready to deliver on Test Day
In my videos, I let you know what you are dealing with from a test taking perspective as well as from real life drone pilot perspective.
The Materials You'll Get
In my years of teaching, I have learned that everyone learns differently. Some want to watch a video, some want to read PDFs, some want all the details, some want the bare minimum. Some want to buckle down and figure it all out in a day, some want to drip it into their heads in their spare time. Whatever works for you is fine. This course gives you options:
48 videos explaining the concepts. Each are about 2 to 10 minutes long.
Included in most videos is a set of optional multiple choice questions that you can use to gauge your retention of the knowledge. Many are actual FAA questions that have appeared on the test in recent years.
Access to a Quizlet (online flash cards) which allows you to study remotely. Each answer on the Quizlet references which video explains that concept. If you don't thoroughly understand an answer, you can easily go back to that particular video to refresh your understanding.
PDF summaries of each of the nine Sections and a PDF of all my slides.
PDFs of the maps that the FAA uses on the exam. Being familiar with them will help you come test time.
A "Refresher Sheet" which is designed for last minute cramming before you walk into the Exam. To be honest, just this sheet alone is worth the price of admission.
Whatever your learning style is, you will be ready. Having reviewed many test prep options, I can honestly say this is the best value you will find. If you are someone who wants to fully understand the regulations and wishes to use your time effectively, this is the system for you.