Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airspace Operational Requirements Lesson Plan
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area II, Task B
The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airspace Operational Requirements Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of airspace operational requirements.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson:0:05Part 2, Airspace Operational Requirements:0:10Part 3, Airspace Operational Requirements Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Airspace Operational Requirements Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to airspace operational requirements.
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
- Explain how proficiency in airspace operational requirements supports safe and effective flight operations.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Takeoff and Climb Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Taxiing Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Faa-g-8082-22 (Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide).
- Thermal Soaring Supplement.
- Notice to Airmen Supplement.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards (ACS).
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
- Part 2, Airspace Operational Requirements:
- Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with airspace operational requirements.
- Part 3, Airspace Operational Requirements Risk Management:
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of collision hazards.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway incursion risks.
- Approved syllabus objective coverage:
- Apply the basic weather minimums for small UAS operations to current and forecast conditions. (UA.II.B.K1)
- Determine when ATC authorization is required and apply all related operating limitations. (UA.II.B.K2)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the requirements and collision-avoidance responsibilities for operations near airports. (UA.II.B.K3)
- Have the learner identify potential flight hazards, including causal factors, unmanned balloons, airborne inspections, precipitation static, lasers, thermal plumes, and wires, and establish appropriate avoidance or reporting actions. (UA.II.B.K4)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain precipitation-static effects on control, navigation, communication, sensors, and mission reliability, including avoidance and termination criteria. (UA.II.B.K4d)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain laser-operation hazards and the procedures for reporting illumination of aircraft without creating an additional hazard. (UA.II.B.K4e)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the turbulence, vertical-current, visibility, and contamination hazards near thermal plumes such as smokestacks and cooling towers, and establish avoidance margins. (UA.II.B.K4f)
- Have the learner identify manned-aircraft lighting and use it with movement, sound, traffic information, and visual scanning to recognize and avoid conflicting traffic. (UA.II.B.K9)
- Use the Notice to Airmen system and Flight Service to obtain and evaluate current flight restrictions affecting the operation. (UA.II.B.K5)
- Part 4, Airspace Operational Requirements Guided Scenario(s):
- Present an operation near an airport, thermal plume, laser activity, and changing airspace restrictions; require the learner to determine equipment, authorization, communication, visibility, cloud-clearance, lighting, and avoidance requirements.
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Interactive Guided Scenario
The Downtown Roof Inspection Authorization
Execute a controlled-airspace roof inspection while authorization conditions, changing traffic, and an unexpected relocation test operational compliance.
Decision 1
0%
Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airspace Operational Requirements Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of airspace operational requirements.
- References: 14 CFR part 71; AC 107-2; AIM; FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); FAA-G-8082-22 (Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide); SAFO 10015.
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
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UA.II.B.K1: Basic weather minimums -
UA.II.B.K3: Operations near airports -
UA.II.B.K4: Potential flight hazards-
UA.II.B.K4a: Common aircraft accident causal factors. -
UA.II.B.K4b: Avoid flight beneath unmanned balloons. -
UA.II.B.K4c: Emergency airborne inspection of other aircraft. -
UA.II.B.K4d: -
UA.II.B.K4e: Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (laser) operations and reporting illumination of aircraft. -
UA.II.B.K4f: -
UA.II.B.K4g:
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UA.II.B.K5: The NOTAM system including how to obtain an established NOTAM through Flight Service
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
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NA: Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
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NA: Not Applicable.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Airspace Operational Requirements builds the knowledge and disciplined operating habits remote pilots need to conduct safe, compliant small UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) missions.
- Understanding how aircraft limitations, weather, airspace, people, and mission objectives interact helps remote pilots recognize hazards before launch and respond as conditions change.
- Consistent inspections, crew coordination, communication, situational awareness, and aeronautical decision-making turn regulatory knowledge into dependable operational performance.
- Continued scenario-based practice with Airspace Operational Requirements prepares remote pilots for more complex missions and reinforces the judgment expected in later training and real-world operations.
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Closure:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.