StudyWhat is the maximum allowable weight for a small UAS under Part 107?
- ✅A:55 pounds including payload
- ❌B:25 pounds including payload
- ❌C:55 pounds excluding payload
Explanations
- A: Correct. Under Part 107, the maximum allowable weight for a small UAS is 55 pounds, including the payload. This is crucial to maintain safety and avoid potential collisions, damage, and injury. Exceeding this weight limit could lead to regulatory violations and potential fines, impacting the profitability and reputation of your drone business.
- B: Incorrect. The maximum allowable weight under Part 107 is not 25 pounds. Operating a drone under this weight limit could limit the types of services your business can provide, potentially impacting your revenue and competitive advantage.
- C: Incorrect. The 55-pound limit under Part 107 includes all components and payload. Misunderstanding this could lead to safety risks and regulatory violations, negatively affecting your business operations and reputation.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding the weight limits for small UAS under Part 107 is crucial for your drone business. It impacts the types of services you can provide, the equipment you can use, and the payloads you can carry. Exceeding these limits can lead to safety risks, regulatory violations, and potential fines, which could negatively affect your profitability and reputation.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Operating a drone within the allowable weight limit is essential to maintain safety and avoid potential collisions, damage, and injury. Exceeding the weight limit can compromise the drone's performance, increasing the risk of accidents. It's also important to consider liability and insurance implications, as operating outside of regulatory limits could void your coverage.
Consider This Scenario
A commercial drone operator is providing aerial photography services for real estate listings. The operator uses a small UAS equipped with a high-resolution camera and additional lighting equipment. Before each flight, the operator weighs the drone with all its equipment to ensure it stays within the 55-pound limit under Part 107. By doing so, the operator maintains safety, complies with regulations, and delivers high-quality services to clients.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA is testing your understanding of Part 107 weight limits for small UAS. This includes knowing the maximum allowable weight, including all components and payload, and the implications of exceeding this limit.
Business Success Strategy
Ensure you understand the weight limits under Part 107 and how to calculate the total weight of your UAS, including any payload. Consider the types of services you offer and the equipment you use, and plan your operations accordingly to stay within these limits. Communicate these regulations to your clients to manage expectations and maintain a reputation for safety and compliance.
Memory Aid
Remember the phrase "55 Alive" to recall the 55-pound weight limit for small UAS under Part 107. This includes all components and payload, so plan your operations carefully to stay within this limit.
Enhanced References
FAA Part 107 Regulations (§107.3 Definition of small unmanned aircraft), ACS Knowledge Test Guide (UA.I.A.K1)
Related Concepts
- Small UAS definition
- Weight and balance considerations
- Regulatory compliance
- Operational planning for payload
- Business implications of weight limits
ACS Code: UA.I.A.K1
Difficulty: basic