Free Part 107 Exam Study Guide

How to Read
Sectional Charts

Sectional charts appear on every Part 107 knowledge test. This guide covers everything you need to correctly answer those questions — airspace classes, symbols, altitudes, and drone authorization rules.

Airspace A–G Chart Symbols Altitude Notation Special Use Airspace LAANC Authorization Airport Data Blocks
Drone pilot reviewing sectional chart with drone nearby
Figure 25 from the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement (CT-8080-2H) — the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B sectional chart excerpt used on actual Part 107 exams. Note the solid blue Class B rings, altitude fractions, and airport data blocks.

Guide Contents

1What Is a Sectional Chart? 2Airspace Classes A–G 3Reading Altitude Numbers 4Airport Symbols 5Special Use Airspace 6VOR, VORTAC & Nav Aids 7Drone Authorization Rules 8How to Read a Chart 9Exam Tips

What Is a Sectional Chart?

01

A VFR Sectional Aeronautical Chart is the FAA’s official low-altitude aviation map. It shows controlled airspace boundaries, airports, obstructions, navigation aids, and restricted zones. The U.S. is divided into 37 sections at a scale of 1:500,000 (1 inch ≈ 6.86 nautical miles).

The Part 107 knowledge test presents sectional chart excerpts and requires you to identify airspace class, altitude limits, and whether FAA authorization is needed to fly. This is one of the highest-tested topic areas on the exam.

Scale: 1:500,000

One inch = ~6.86 nautical miles (~8 statute miles). Exam questions sometimes ask whether a location falls within an airspace boundary based on distance from an airport.

What Sectional Charts Show

  • Airspace class boundaries (Class A through G)
  • Airport locations, type, and field elevation
  • Altitude floors and ceilings per airspace segment
  • Man-made obstructions (towers, antenna farms)
  • Special use airspace (Prohibited, Restricted, MOAs)
  • VOR and VORTAC radio navigation stations
  • Terrain contours and elevation shading

Why Part 107 Pilots Must Know This

  • Directly tested on the FAA Part 107 knowledge exam
  • Required to determine airspace class before every flight
  • Airspace class determines LAANC authorization need
  • LAANC UAS facility map grids are based on sectional airspace
  • Obstruction data essential for safe ops below 400 ft AGL
  • Special use areas and prohibited zones appear on sectionals
Remote pilot certification infographic
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate authorizes commercial UAS operations. Passing the knowledge test — including sectional chart questions — is required to earn it.

Airspace Classes A–G

02

The FAA divides U.S. airspace into six classes. Each has distinct operating rules and specific drone authorization requirements under Part 107. On a sectional, each class is identified by a unique color, line style, and altitude notation. The symbols below match the official FAA chart legend.

Class B symbolClass B — Major Hubs

Surrounds the 30 busiest U.S. airports. Solid blue lines. Multiple concentric rings at different altitudes (upside-down wedding cake). Extends surface to ceiling. Notation: 100/SFC = surface to 10,000 ft MSL.

LAANC or DroneZone required
Class C symbolClass C — Radar Service

Surrounds airports with FAA radar approach control. Shown as solid magenta circles. The core surface area is generally a 5 NM radius from the surface to 4,000 ft above airport elevation (charted in MSL). An outer shelf extends to approximately 10 NM from 1,200 ft above airport elevation to the same ceiling. Ceiling and floor are charted in MSL — e.g., a notation of 42/SFC means the ceiling is 4,200 ft MSL, floor at surface.

LAANC required (near-real-time approval)
Class D symbolClass D — Towered Airports

Surrounds airports with an operating control tower. Shown as a dashed blue circle, typically 4–5 NM radius. Class D is designed to extend from the surface to approximately 2,500 ft above airport elevation, but the ceiling is charted in MSL and will vary by airport elevation. The bracketed number on the chart is an MSL reading: [25] = ceiling at 2,500 ft MSL. Class D only exists when the tower is staffed and operating.

LAANC required
Class E surface area symbolClass E Surface Area

Dashed magenta line designates a Class E surface area — controlled airspace extending from the surface, typically surrounding non-towered airports with instrument approaches. Requires LAANC authorization. Note: dashed magenta also marks Class E extensions. Always check the chart context to confirm which applies.

LAANC required
Class E 700ft floor symbolClass E — 700 ft AGL Floor

Magenta vignette/shading on the chart indicates the Class E floor drops from 1,200 ft AGL to 700 ft AGL. This is the faded magenta coloring that appears on the chart edge. All altitudes charted in MSL — the 700 ft AGL design standard will translate to different MSL values depending on terrain elevation. No drone authorization needed when operating below the Class E floor.

No authorization needed
NO
MARK
Class G — Uncontrolled

Not marked on the chart. It is the absence of any other class. From the surface to where Class E begins — typically SFC to 700 ft or 1,200 ft AGL in rural areas. Most drone flights occur in Class G.

No authorization required
Critical Exam Distinction: Solid vs. Dashed Magenta

Solid magenta lines = Class C airspace. Dashed magenta lines = Class E surface area or Class E extension. These are frequently confused on the exam. Also: a magenta vignette/shaded edge (faded magenta coloring on the chart) = Class E floor beginning at 700 ft AGL. The key rule: solid = Class C, dashed = Class E surface, vignette = Class E 700 ft floor.

Sectional chart on tablet showing Class B/C airspace rings
Nashville Intl (BNA) Class C airspace on a real FAA sectional chart. The solid magenta outer ring is Class C. The yellow shading inside is Class B. Note the altitude fractions (46/SFC, 46/21) and the VORTAC symbol at center.

Reading Altitude Numbers

03

Altitudes on sectional charts are almost always MSL (Mean Sea Level). Your Part 107 operating ceiling of 400 feet is measured AGL (Above Ground Level). You must understand both to correctly interpret chart questions on the exam.

18,000 ft MSL+Class A — IFR only, not shown on VFR sectionals
≈7,000 ft MSLClass B outer ring ceiling — varies by airport
≈4,000 ft MSLClass C ceiling — typically 4,000 ft MSL
0–400 ft AGLYour drone operating zone — Part 107 standard ceiling
Surface (SFC)Ground level — SFC floor means airspace starts here

How the Altitude Fraction Works

Airspace limits written as ceiling / floor in hundreds of feet MSL:

  • 100/30 → ceiling 10,000 ft / floor 3,000 ft MSL
  • SFC as floor → airspace reaches the ground
  • [25] in brackets → Class D ceiling 2,500 ft MSL
  • Drop two zeros to read: 40 = 4,000 ft MSL

MSL vs. AGL

  • MSL — measured from sea level regardless of terrain
  • AGL — measured from ground directly below you
  • 400 ft AGL over a 500 ft MSL hill = 900 ft MSL
  • Your 400 ft ceiling is always AGL, not MSL
  • Airport field elevations on charts are always MSL
Exam Key: SFC in the Floor Position

When you see SFC at the bottom of an altitude fraction (e.g., 42/SFC), that airspace reaches all the way to the ground. A drone at 10 ft AGL is inside and requires FAA authorization. This appears frequently in Part 107 exam questions.

Airport Symbols

04

Every airport on a sectional has a symbol indicating its type. The symbol’s shape and color directly indicate the airspace class surrounding it — a critical link for authorization questions on the Part 107 exam. The symbols below match the official FAA VFR Chart User’s Guide.

Towered airport symbol
Towered Airport — Hard Surface
Class B, C, or D — Blue circle with radial tick marks. Control tower present. Authorization required.
Non-towered airport symbol
Non-Towered — Hard Surface
Class E or G — Solid magenta filled circle. No tower. Usually no auth needed below 400 ft AGL.
Soft surface airport symbol
Non-Towered — Soft/Private
Class G usually — Open magenta circle outline. Unpaved or private. Uncontrolled airspace.
Seaplane base symbol
Seaplane Base
Varies — Blue diamond shape. Water operations. Check surrounding airspace.
Heliport symbol
Heliport
Varies — H in amber square. May have Class D when tower operating. Check for controlled airspace.
Military airport symbol
Military Airport
Often Class C or D — Blue circle with flag. Often near restricted areas or MOAs.
Blue Airport Symbol = Strong Indicator of Controlled Airspace

A blue airport symbol tells you a control tower is present, which is a reliable indicator that you are near Class B, C, or D controlled airspace. However, you must verify the actual airspace boundary and altitude structure on the chart to confirm authorization requirements — do not rely on the airport symbol color alone. Magenta = non-towered, likely Class E or G, but always verify.

FAA sectional chart airport symbols reference
The four primary airport symbol types on a VFR sectional chart with example data blocks. Recognizing these symbols instantly is essential for Part 107 exam chart questions.

Reading the Airport Data Block

Every airport symbol has an adjacent data block. The example below is a simplified teaching reference — actual sectional data blocks vary by airport. Airport field elevation (in ft MSL) is tested frequently on the Part 107 exam in altitude calculation questions.

KORD
Chicago O’Hare International
668 L ATIS 135.4
668 = Field elevation (ft MSL)L = Lighting availableATIS = Weather at 135.4 MHz

Special Use Airspace

05

Special Use Airspace (SUA) overlays standard airspace classes and can restrict or prohibit flight regardless of the underlying class. SUA boundaries appear directly on sectional charts and are heavily tested on Part 107. The chart patterns below match the official FAA sectional chart legend.

Prohibited area chart symbolProhibited Areas (P-xxx)

Airspace where flight is prohibited by FAA regulation. Examples: P-56A/B (White House/National Mall), P-49 (Camp David). Shown with blue hatching on the chart, labeled P-xxx. Civilian UAS operations are not permitted in prohibited areas under standard Part 107 authority.

Not permitted under Part 107
Restricted area chart symbolRestricted Areas (R-xxx)

Airspace where operations are hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft — live fire, missiles, high-energy testing. Entry requires authorization from the using or controlling agency (not just ATC). The chart shows the boundary, altitude limits, and designated agency. Check NOTAMs for active times.

Controlling agency authorization required
MOA chart symbolMilitary Operations Areas

Military training airspace. Magenta hatching with MOA name in magenta text. MOAs are nonregulatory special-use airspace — the underlying airspace class (Class E or G) still applies, and Part 107 pilots may legally operate in a MOA. However, military jets may be maneuvering at high speeds with limited communication. Check NOTAMs for active periods and exercise extreme caution when the MOA is hot.

Legal — check NOTAMs
W-497
Warning Areas (W-xxx)

International airspace (3+ NM offshore). Similar hazards to Restricted areas, but nonregulatory over international waters. The underlying airspace class still governs. Military activity may be occurring — exercise extreme caution.

Extreme caution required
A-211
Alert Areas (A-xxx)

High volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity. Nonregulatory — no flight restrictions for Part 107 operators. The underlying airspace class still applies. Common near flight schools and parachute drop zones. Heightened situational awareness required.

No restrictions — stay alert
TFR
NOTAM
TFRs — Temporary Flight Restrictions

Not shown on sectional charts. Issued via NOTAM only. Presidential movements (30 NM), wildfires, stadiums (3 NM). Violations are federal offenses.

Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight
TFR Violations Are Federal Offenses

Penalties: certificate revocation, civil fines up to $1,000+ per violation, criminal prosecution, military interception. Always check tfr.faa.gov or FAA B4UFLY before every flight.

Drone Authorization Rules by Airspace

07

Under 14 CFR Part 107.41, no person may operate a small UAS in Class B, C, D, or Class E airspace designated at the surface without prior ATC authorization.

Class B
Class B
LAANC provides near-real-time authorization at pre-approved altitudes. Certificated Part 107 pilots may request further coordination above UAS Facility Map values, including 0-ft grid areas, through LAANC. DroneZone is used when LAANC is unavailable for the specific location.
Required
Class C
Class C
LAANC provides near-real-time authorization at pre-approved altitudes. Requests above the published UAS Facility Map altitude require further coordination through LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
Required
Class D
Class D
LAANC or DroneZone. Only active when tower is staffed. Verify tower hours before flight.
Required
Class E surface
Class E Surface Area
Dashed magenta around non-towered IFR airports. LAANC required same as Class D.
Required
Class E 700ft
Class E above 700 ft or 1,200 ft AGL floor
No authorization required below 400 ft AGL. Standard Part 107 rules apply.
No Auth Needed
Class
G
Class G
Uncontrolled. No authorization required. 400 ft AGL ceiling and all Part 107 rules still apply.
No Auth Needed
Prohibited
Prohibited Areas (P-xxx)
No authorization available under any circumstances. Entry is a federal violation.
Never Permitted
LAANC vs. FAA DroneZone

LAANC provides near-real-time authorization at pre-approved UAS Facility Map altitudes. Certificated Part 107 pilots can also request further coordination above grid values — including 0-ft grids — through the LAANC system. FAA DroneZone is used where LAANC coverage is unavailable; processing can take up to 90 days.

How to Read a Chart Excerpt

08

The Part 107 exam presents sectional chart excerpts and asks you to identify airspace, altitudes, and authorization requirements. Work through these steps in order on every chart question.

  • 1
    Identify the Airport Symbol ColorBlue = towered = controlled (Class B, C, or D) = authorization required. Magenta = non-towered = likely Class E or G. This single observation narrows the answer on most questions.
  • 2
    Identify the Boundary Line TypeSolid blue rings = Class B. Solid magenta circles = Class C. Dashed blue = Class D. Dashed magenta = Class E surface area (check chart context for which type). Magenta vignette/shading = Class E floor beginning at 700 ft AGL. No marking = Class G or Class E above 1,200 ft AGL.
  • 3
    Read the Altitude FractionCeiling/floor in hundreds of feet MSL near the boundary. SFC at the bottom = airspace starts at the ground. Determine if your operating altitude falls within the airspace shown.
  • 4
    Check for SUA OverlaysBlue hatching = Prohibited area (P-xxx). Blue/magenta hatching = Restricted area (R-xxx). Magenta hatching with text = MOA. Note: Prohibited and Restricted areas are regulatory — they restrict or prohibit flight. MOAs, Warning areas, and Alert areas are nonregulatory — the underlying airspace class still applies, but operational hazards are significant.
  • 5
    Determine Authorization RequirementApply Section 7 rules. SFC floor in Class B/C/D/E surface = authorization required at any altitude. Above Class E floor or in Class G = no authorization needed.
  • 6
    Read Obstruction Heights If AskedTop number = MSL height. Number in parentheses = AGL height. Example: 1549 (249) = 1,549 ft MSL, 249 ft AGL.

Exam Tips & High-Frequency Topics

09

On Exam Chart Questions

  • Read the question fully before looking at the chart
  • Identify airport color first — blue vs. magenta
  • Trace the boundary line type before reading altitudes
  • SFC in the floor = authorization required at any altitude
  • Check inner vs. outer ring for Class B and C
  • Account for airport field elevation in MSL altitude questions
  • Check for any SUA overlay on the location in question

Common Wrong Answers

  • Confusing solid magenta (Class C) with dashed magenta (Class E surface area) — solid = C, dashed = E surface
  • Using MSL chart altitudes as AGL operating altitude
  • Assuming non-towered = no controlled airspace (Class E surface areas exist)
  • Assuming Class D exists 24/7 (only when tower is operating)
  • Missing a MOA or R-area overlaid on otherwise clear airspace
  • Assuming a clean sectional means no TFRs are active

Most Frequently Tested Topics

Class B/C/D authorization requirementsSolid magenta = Class C | Dashed magenta = Class E surface area | Magenta vignette = Class E 700 ft AGL floorAirport field elevation from data blockCeiling/floor fraction in hundreds of ftSFC floor = authorization at any altitudeBlue = towered / Magenta = non-toweredClass D only active when tower is staffedMOA status requires NOTAM checkObstruction AGL vs. MSL heightsTFRs not shown on sectional chartsClass G = surface to 700 or 1,200 ft AGLLAANC vs. DroneZone authorization
Study Directly from the Official FAA Exam Supplement

The FAA publishes the exact sectional chart excerpts used on the Part 107 knowledge test in the Airmen Knowledge Testing Supplement CT-8080-2H — a free, public domain government document. Download it at faa.gov. The figures in that supplement are the actual images you will see on your exam. Study them so the chart excerpts feel familiar on test day.