The FAA's latest Airman Knowledge Test data is in, and the numbers paint a concerning picture for the state of commercial drone pilot preparedness across the United States. According to the agency's 2025 release, more aspiring UAV operators are sitting down to take the Small Unmanned Aircraft General — or UAG — Knowledge Test than ever before. The problem? Average scores are trending in the wrong direction.
What Is the Part 107 Knowledge Test?
For anyone unfamiliar, the FAA Part 107 certification is the legal requirement for flying drones commercially in the United States. That means if you're getting paid to shoot aerial photos, inspect infrastructure, map construction sites, or operate any UAS (unmanned aircraft system) for business purposes, you need to pass this test first.
The UAG Knowledge Test covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Airspace classifications and operating rules
- Weather interpretation for flight planning
- FAA regulations and flight restrictions
- Emergency procedures and crew resource management
- Radio communications and airport operations
It's a 60-question, multiple-choice exam administered at an FAA-approved testing center. A passing score is 70 percent or higher.
More Pilots, Lower Scores
According to the FAA's 2025 Airman Knowledge Test data, the volume of people attempting the UAG exam has reached record levels. This growth reflects the continued expansion of the commercial drone industry — more businesses are turning to UAVs for surveying, delivery, agriculture, and inspection work, driving demand for certified remote pilots.
However, the aggregate test scores accompanying that surge have declined. While the FAA data does not pinpoint a single cause, the trend raises legitimate questions about how well candidates are preparing before they walk into testing centers.
Why the Dip in Performance?
There are a few plausible explanations worth considering. The drone industry has grown rapidly, attracting people from a much wider range of backgrounds — many of whom may have limited aviation knowledge coming in. Traditional pilots or aviation enthusiasts who once made up a larger share of test-takers generally arrive with foundational knowledge of airspace and weather that newer entrants simply don't have yet.
It's also worth noting the sheer volume of Part 107 study resources available today varies wildly in quality. Some test-prep courses are thorough and rigorous; others are little more than question dumps that may not build genuine understanding of the material.
What This Means for the Industry
A lower average score doesn't necessarily mean more pilots are failing outright — but it does suggest that a growing portion of newly certified remote pilots may be entering the airspace with a thinner margin of knowledge above the minimum passing threshold. For an industry that is actively pushing for expanded BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations and greater integration into the national airspace, that's a detail regulators and operators alike should take seriously.
Safety in the NAS (National Airspace System) depends not just on passing a test, but on truly understanding the rules, the risks, and the responsibilities that come with operating an unmanned aerial vehicle commercially.
How to Prepare the Right Way
If you're planning to take the Part 107 exam, don't cut corners on preparation. Focus on study materials that explain the why behind the rules, not just the answers. The FAA's own Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and the official Part 107 regulatory text are essential reading. Supplement with reputable prep courses that cover aeronautical charts, weather reports (METARs, TAFs), and airspace in depth.
The test exists for a reason — and the airspace is safer when everyone in it actually knows the material.