SkyDrill

ADS-B Out transmit-mode authorization

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 1 of 8 on Regulations / Remote Identification. ACS element UA.I.F.K4 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot wants to operate a small unmanned aircraft system under 14 CFR part 107 with its ADS-B Out equipment in transmit mode. Under § 107.53, this is permitted only if

  1. Athe remote pilot notifies the nearest ATC facility before the flight
  2. Bthe flight remains below 400 feet AGL in Class G airspace
  3. Cthe Administrator has otherwise authorized the operation
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. the Administrator has otherwise authorized the operation

  • A — incorrect § 107.53 does not mention any notification to air traffic control; notifying ATC does not lift the transmit-mode prohibition.
  • B — incorrect The prohibition in § 107.53 applies regardless of altitude or airspace class; staying low in Class G airspace does not create an exception.
  • C — correct § 107.53 prohibits operating a small UAS with ADS-B Out equipment in transmit mode "unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator," so authorization from the Administrator is the only route the rule provides.

BACKGROUND

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment transmits an aircraft's position to other aircraft and ground stations. Under 14 CFR § 107.53, no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) under part 107 with ADS-B Out equipment in transmit mode. The section opens with the words "unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator," which is the only exception the rule provides. A neighbouring rule, § 107.52, contains a parallel prohibition on operating with a transponder on. Neither § 107.52 nor § 107.53 appears in the list of waivable regulations in § 107.205.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the pair § 107.52 (transponder on) and § 107.53 (ADS-B Out in transmit mode) together, and note that both open with the same Administrator-authorization exception.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.53 prohibits operating an sUAS with ADS-B Out equipment in transmit mode.
  • The only exception is authorization by the Administrator.
  • Altitude, airspace class or ATC notification do not change the rule.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.53
  • 14 CFR 107.205
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON REGULATIONS / REMOTE IDENTIFICATION

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.