Why Part 107 Pass Rates Hit a Record Low in 2025 (And How to Beat the Odds)

Thinking about turning your drone hobby into a side hustle or a full-blown career? You’re in good company. The FAA recently reported that the number of people seeking remote pilot certification is skyrocketing.

That’s the good news. The bad news? The failure rate is at an all-time high.

In 2025, the Part 107 pass rate dipped to just 82.96%, with an average score of 79.31%. While nearly 74,000 aspiring pilots stepped up to the plate—almost double the numbers we saw in 2020—more people are walking away empty-handed than ever before.

Why Are So Many Pilots Washing Out?

At TCB Drones Academy, we’ve analyzed the data and the "why" boils down to three main pitfalls:

• The YouTube Rabbit Hole: Many students think watching "talking head" videos is enough. Information is great, but without a coach to help you understand the nuances of airspace and weather charts, you're just memorizing noise.

• The "Lone Wolf" Mentality: Studying in solitary confinement is a recipe for disaster. There is no one to challenge your logic or correct a misunderstanding. We’ve found that group study—where you confer with classmates—is the winning strategy for high performance.

• A Lack of Urgency: "I'll take it when I'm ready" usually means "I'll never take it." Without a deadline or a structured plan, the pressure to perform never kicks in. As we like to say: No pressure, no diamond.

The TCB Solution: S.O.A.R. 30

We developed the S.O.A.R. 30 Formula to take you from zero experience to certified hero in less than 30 days. We combine expert coaching with collaborative cohort sessions to ensure you land in the "passed" column.

Ready to get certified? Text PILOT to (214) 702-2559 or email us at registrar@TCBDronesAcademy.com.