Property damage reporting threshold calculation

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 3 of 13 on Regulations / General. ACS element UA.I.A.K4 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring a part 107 operation, a small unmanned aircraft strikes a parked car. The repair estimate is $320 for materials and $230 for labor; no one is injured. Under § 107.9, what must the remote pilot in command do?

ANo report is required, because neither materials nor labor alone exceeds $500
BNo report is required, because the car is not the small unmanned aircraft
CReport the operation to the FAA within 10 calendar days

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Report the operation to the FAA within 10 calendar days

A — incorrect § 107.9(b)(1) counts the cost of repair including both materials and labor together, so the two amounts must be added, giving $550.
B — incorrect § 107.9(b) covers damage to any property other than the small unmanned aircraft; damage to the car is exactly what the rule addresses.
C — correct § 107.9(b)(1) exempts damage only when the cost of repair, including materials and labor, does not exceed $500. Here $320 plus $230 equals $550, which exceeds $500, so a report is required within 10 calendar days.

BACKGROUND

§ 107.9 requires the remote pilot in command to report certain operations to the FAA no later than 10 calendar days afterward. Paragraph (b) covers damage to any property other than the small unmanned aircraft, unless one of two conditions is satisfied: the cost of repair, including materials and labor, does not exceed $500; or the fair market value of the property does not exceed $500 in the event of total loss. Because materials and labor are combined, a remote pilot must total both parts of a repair estimate before deciding whether the exemption applies. Damage to the small unmanned aircraft itself is not a reporting trigger.

STUDY TIP

When a scenario gives separate materials and labor figures, add them; the $500 test applies to the combined repair cost.

KEY POINTS

Property damage is reportable unless combined repair cost (materials plus labor) is $500 or less.
Total loss is exempt only when fair market value is $500 or less.
Damage to the small unmanned aircraft itself does not trigger a report.

SOURCES

14 CFR 107.9(b)(1)
14 CFR 107.9(b)(2)

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