The FAA Part 107 exam is the #1 gatekeeper to flying drones professionally. And in 2026, Remote ID and night operations updates make “old advice” risky.

In this episode, we demystify the Part 107 test (it’s a knowledge exam, not a flight test), explain what’s on it, and give you a realistic study strategy you can follow with confidence.

If you’re studying right now, this episode gives you a clear path and a readiness benchmark so you know exactly when to schedule your test.

We cover:

• What the Part 107 exam is (and what it isn’t)
• Who needs Part 107 (business intent = commercial use)
• Test format: 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass (42/60)
• The 5 major categories: regulations, airspace, weather, loading/performance, operations
• 2026 updates: Remote ID + night operations requirements
• Why airspace + sectional charts are the biggest failure point
• Weather essentials: visibility rules, cloud clearances, METAR/TAF decoding
• Density altitude and performance changes
• Why people fail: memorization vs understanding
• Common traps: AGL vs MSL, airspace floor confusion, and “NOT” questions
• The “cheat code” most people miss: the legend in the testing supplement
• A proven study timeline: 2–6 weeks (5–8 hours/week) + readiness benchmark (80–85% on practice tests)

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:16 Part 107 is a knowledge test (not a flight test)
01:45 Who needs Part 107 (business intent)
02:12 Test format + passing score (60 Q / 2 hours / 70%)
02:31 What’s on the exam (5 areas)
02:52 Regulations: Remote ID
03:17 Regulations: Night operations (2026 requirements)
03:48 Airspace + sectional charts (where most people fail)
04:50 Weather: visibility + METAR/TAF
06:01 Loading & performance: density altitude basics
06:41 Operations: CRM + comms basics
07:31 Common traps: AGL vs MSL + “NOT” questions
08:58 Cheat code: testing supplement legend
09:21 Real-world examples: military routes + fog
10:42 Study plan: 2–6 weeks
11:29 Readiness benchmark: 80–85% on practice tests
13:11 Course + pass guarantee

Learn more / training:

Want a structured path with practice tests, audio study, and an AI tutor? Check out our Part 107 course below.

• Part 107 course: https://www.redravenuas.com/part107
• Website: https://www.redravenuas.com

For UAS consulting, on-site training, and FAA Part 107 certification, visit redravenuas.com

Headlines are calling it a DJI ban. The reality is more specific, and it matters for anyone buying drones in the United States. In this episode, we break down what the FCC’s latest move actually does, what it does not do, and how to make smart decisions right now if you are a hobbyist, a small drone business, or an agency building an enterprise UAS program.

We explain what “FCC equipment authorization” means in plain English, why this is not an FAA flight ban, and what the real risk is for the market going forward. We also talk about DJI, other foreign manufacturers, and what alternatives look like depending on your mission and budget.

In this episode

• What people mean when they say “DJI ban” and what the FCC action really targets
• What is banned vs what is still allowed to operate and purchase
• Whether this affects only DJI or other manufacturers too
• The likely near term outcomes for inventory, repairs, parts, and new product releases
• What alternatives exist and how to evaluate them without getting burned
• Whether it is time to shift toward U.S. made platforms and what the tradeoffs are
• What we are advising Red Raven UAS customers to do right now

For UAS consulting, on-site training, and FAA Part 107 certification, visit redravenuas.com

This episode explains how fire departments are using drones as a powerful force multiplier to improve safety, protect personnel, and make better decisions at every stage of an incident.

The conversation covers how aerial overwatch strengthens Incident Command by revealing roof conditions, escape routes, fire spread, and structural risk in real time. The hosts walk through key use cases, including structure fires, wildfires, search and rescue, and hazmat responses. They also explain the role of thermal cameras, how they see through smoke and darkness, and why they are so effective at finding victims and detecting hotspots. The episode closes with a discussion about cost, training, and how departments of all sizes can build or expand a drone program with the right support.

Red Raven helps agencies design and launch safe, compliant, and dependable UAS programs through consulting, on-site training, and Part 107 certification.

For UAS consulting, on-site training, and FAA Part 107 certification, visit redravenuas.com