Part 107 Statistics the first 15 days
Part 107 Statistics: 3 Big Take-Aways from the First 15 Days
The data gathered above was from a source in the FAA which requested to remain anonymous. I made an effort to cite data and list it in end notes below.
1. Remote Pilot Pass Rates Are Close to Private Pilot Knowledge Test Pass Rates.
Interestingly, with only about two weeks worth of data, the individuals taking the remote pilot exam had a pass rate of 87.88%, which is close to the private pilot knowledge test for airplanes pass rate of 89.44% for all of 2015[1].
2. TSA Responded Well to Processing the Applications.
You’ll notice that when you compare the applications filed to applications approved, it is disproportionate for the first 3 days; however, the TSA, while not catching up fully with the applications filed, responded well by increasing their rate of processing the applications close to that of applications being filed. Many of us were concerned the TSA would be backed up with the surge in applications which would continue to grow and grow.
3. The 107 Waivers Granted Were Really Old 333 Exemptions Filed Months Prior.
No one has received a waiver from a post-August 29th filed waiver application. It is going to be interesting coming up. Why? Many of the 333 exemptions filed had manuals that were filed along with the 333 exemption petition. One of my clients, who received a 107 night waiver, had filed a manual specifically designed for night operations. The FAA online portal, where the 398 waivers have been filed, has no way to attach digital manuals to submit along with the waiver request. The FAA at some point will be requesting information from those 398 individuals. One wonders if the waivers will be like wars, easy to start but hard to finish. If you are needing help filing waivers, please contact me.
[1] https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation_data_statistics/test_statistics/media/2015/annual/2015_Airman_Knowledge_Tests.pdf
[2] Id. on Page 2.
[3] https://www.faa.gov/data_research/aviation_data_
