Radio Communication Procedures
Radio Communication Procedures is a core knowledge area on the Part 107 (Drone) FAA written exam. This hub collects our 15 in-depth, ACS-aligned radio communication procedures articles — each written in plain English and grounded in the official FAA handbooks. Work through them below, then drill the topic with practice questions.
Phonetic Alphabet and Numbers in Aviation Radio Communication
The NATO phonetic alphabet and standardized number pronunciation are foundational radio communication tools that every remote pilot must master to exchange clear, unambiguous information with ATC and other pilots.
Controlled Airspace Communication Requirements for Part 107 Operations
Part 107 drone pilots operating in controlled airspace must obtain prior authorization rather than establishing two-way radio contact, but understanding the full communication framework is essential for safe, legal sUAS operations.
Standard ATC Phraseology for Drone Pilots
Part 107 remote pilots rarely hold a radio, but knowing standard ATC phraseology is tested on the exam and essential whenever you coordinate airspace authorizations or operate near towered airports.
How to Obtain an ATIS Broadcast as a Remote Pilot
Remote pilots operating under Part 107 must understand how to access ATIS broadcasts to obtain current airport weather and NOTAMs before and during sUA operations near airports.
CTAF and Uncontrolled Airport Radio Procedures
CTAF procedures let pilots and remote pilots share position information at uncontrolled airports using a common frequency, reducing collision risk without an operating control tower.
LAANC System and Its Role in Replacing Traditional Radio Authorization
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) gives Part 107 remote pilots near-instant UAS airspace authorization in controlled airspace, replacing the older manual DroneZone process for most operations.
Transponder Codes and Their Meaning for UAS Awareness
Transponder codes broadcast a crewed aircraft's identity and altitude to ATC and traffic-avoidance systems — understanding them helps remote pilots recognize airspace activity and stay clear of manned traffic.
Manned Aircraft Right-of-Way Rules and Radio Situational Awareness
Under Part 107, sUAS operators must always yield right-of-way to manned aircraft and use radio awareness tools to avoid conflicts — understanding these rules is critical for both the exam and safe operations.
Advisory Circular 90-66 Recommendations for Non-Towered Airport Operations
AC 90-66 provides FAA recommendations for flying safely at non-towered airports, covering radio position reports, traffic pattern procedures, and self-announce communication practices that drone and manned pilots must understand.
Radio Communication with ATC for Part 107 Waivers and Authorizations
Part 107 remote pilots operating in controlled airspace must coordinate with ATC through approved channels; understanding radio procedures, LAANC, and waiver communication rules is essential for legal and safe UAS operations.
Reading and Interpreting METARs Received via ASOS/AWOS Broadcasts
METARs from ASOS/AWOS stations are the backbone of real-time weather assessment for Part 107 remote pilots — learn to decode every field accurately before your next flight.
Notam Coordination and Radio Notification for UAS Operations Near Airports
Part 107 remote pilots operating near airports must understand NOTAM requirements and radio notification procedures to ensure safe, coordinated UAS operations in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
Handoff Procedures and Frequency Changes During Extended UAS Flights
Extended UAS flights may require frequency changes or coordination handoffs between facilities; knowing the correct procedures keeps operations safe, legal, and fully communicative with ATC and other airspace users.
Lost Communications Procedures Relevant to Remote Pilot Operations
Remote pilots rarely operate with ATC communications, but knowing what lost-comms procedures mean for manned aircraft—and how Part 107 rules interact—is essential for safe airspace sharing and the FAA knowledge test.
VHF Radio Frequencies and Band Assignments for Aviation
VHF aviation radio spans 118.000–136.975 MHz, with specific sub-bands reserved for approach, tower, ground, CTAF, ATIS, and emergency use — knowledge critical for both manned and unmanned airspace coordination.
More Part 107 (Drone) subjects
Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.