FAA sUAS Pilot Knowledge

Overview

This lecture covers the essential knowledge required for the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), including regulations, airspace, weather, aircraft performance, emergency procedures, crew management, communication, and decision-making.

Applicable Regulations

• Know and refer to 14 CFR part 107 and AC 107-2 for sUAS rules.
• Understand sUAS operating privileges, limitations, and flight operation rules.

Airspace Classification and Flight Restrictions

• Airspace is categorized into controlled (Class B, C, D, E), uncontrolled (Class G), special use, and other areas.
• Controlled airspace requires ATC authorization for Classes B, C, and D; usually not for E.
• Class G does not require ATC authorization.
• Special use airspace (prohibited, restricted, warning, MOA, alert, CFA) imposes restrictions or hazards.
• Check NOTAMs for time-critical flight information and TFRs for temporary flight restrictions.

Aviation Weather and Effects on sUAS

• Pilots access weather via METARs, TAFs, and aviation forecasts.
• Key factors affecting performance: density altitude (affected by pressure, temperature, and humidity), turbulence, wind shear, and icing.
• High density altitude and humidity decrease performance; cold/dry air increases it.
• Thunderstorms and certain clouds (cumulonimbus, lenticular) are flight hazards.

Aircraft Loading and Performance

• Verify weight and balance before every flight; overloading degrades performance and safety.
• Center of gravity (CG) must remain within specified limits.
• Higher weight increases stalling speed and required takeoff distance.
• Load factor increases with steep turns; stalls can occur at higher speeds if overloaded.

Emergency Procedures

• The remote PIC may deviate from part 107 to manage emergencies.
• Emergencies and deviations must be reported to the FAA if requested.
• Conduct thorough preflight inspections and brief crew on emergency procedures.

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

• CRM involves using all available resources and effective communication for flight safety.
• Refer to Chapter 10 for detailed CRM practices and decision-making processes.

Radio Communication Procedures

• Understanding aviation communication and frequencies is essential for situational awareness.
• Use appropriate frequencies at airports (UNICOM 122.8, MULTICOM 122.9, CTAF).
• Remote pilots should not transmit unless required for safety.

Physiological Factors Affecting Pilot Performance

• No operation is permitted under the influence of drugs or alcohol; strict limits apply.
• Factors like stress, fatigue, dehydration, and medications impair pilot abilities.
• Use the IMSAFE checklist (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion) before flight.

Aeronautical Decision-Making and Judgment

• ADM is a systematic process to ensure safe choices; human factors cause most accidents.
• Use risk management tools (IMSAFE, PAVE checklists) to assess and mitigate hazards.
• Mitigate hazardous attitudes (anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, resignation) with antidotes.
• Maintain situational awareness to manage workload and avoid common pitfalls.

Airport Operations

• Know the difference between towered and non-towered airports.
• Always use the correct frequency for airport communications.
• Review airport data via charts, Chart Supplement U.S., NOTAMs, and ATIS.

Maintenance and Preflight Inspection

• Follow maintenance and inspection procedures, as outlined in AC 107-2.
• Ensure all equipment is airworthy and safe for operation.

Key Terms & Definitions

• sUAS — Small Unmanned Aircraft System.
• Remote PIC — Remote Pilot in Command.
• Density Altitude — Altitude relative to standard atmosphere for a given air density.
• NOTAM — Notices to Airmen, time-critical flight information.
• TFR — Temporary Flight Restriction.
• IMSAFE — Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review 14 CFR parts 107 and 48, AC 107-2, and AIM for additional details.
• Practice reading METAR/TAF reports and interpreting aeronautical charts.
• Complete any manufacturer-recommended preflight checklists.
• Self-assess with the IMSAFE checklist before each operation.