The sUAS Test pt. 2
Before I started preparing for the small UAS drone test, I had a decent amount of knowledge because of the requirements for my project within the Center of Excellence. My job that start mid-May was to know about the regulations on drones from countries around the world. To better understand worldwide regulations, I had learned the proposed regulations of part 107 and the process of flying commercially within the U.S. using Section 333 Exemptions and Certificate of Authorizations. When 14 CFR 107 was released by the FAA, the Center made the regulations our top priority by learning the reasoning to each regulations and statement made in the full document. This was the first step in preparing for the small UAS rating test. However, there were still operation procedures, safety management systems, and VFR charts to learn. Since we had a month to study after the laws were released, our office would quiz each other on a day to day basis on topics that were going to be on the test. We also would take practice tests and quizzes released online of what was suspected to appear on the test, including the FAA practice test. As the test date got closer, I reviewed practice material that our Center made, the FAA study guide, and sample VFR charts. The VFR charts were the hardest for me to understand since there were a lot of information to look at in a single area alone.
On the day of my test, I felt like I was ready but was still nervous I did not know enough. I arrived early and spoke to the person at the front desk who said that I would do just fine since I have been keeping up to date with the laws and regulations released by the FAA. During the test, I realized that most of the questions were very familiar to what people ask our Center frequently. The only parts of the tests that were tricky to me were the VFR chart questions. Once the test finished, the computer had told me I had passed which gave me a sense of relief. The test overall was very reasonable and will be unpassable to those who do not prepare themselves to fly drones safely and legally.
