FAA Part 107 Drone Practice Test

How far horizontally must you be from clouds while flying a drone?

1. 1,000 feet

2. 1,500 feet

3. 2,000 feet

4. 3,000 feet

The correct answer is: 2,000 feet

When operating a drone under FAA Part 107 regulations, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from clouds to ensure visibility and avoid potential collisions with manned aircraft. The requirement specifies that a drone pilot must stay at least 2,000 feet horizontally away from clouds. This distance helps to provide a buffer zone that accounts for the possibility of low-flying aircraft using the same airspace, thereby enhancing safety for everyone involved. The reason this specific horizontal distance is mandated is largely derived from the need to maintain visual line-of-sight with the drone. By ensuring that the drone remains at least 2,000 feet away from clouds, pilots can have better situational awareness and improve their ability to see and avoid other aircraft, as well as maintain visual contact with their own drone. Maintaining this distance is also essential because flying too close to clouds can lead to restricted visibility and may obscure the drone from the pilot’s view, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, this distances aligns with the FAA’s approach to separating drone operations from areas where visibility may be compromised, ensuring a smoother and safer coexistence with traditional aviation.