Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Aeronautical Decision Making Lesson Plan
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area V, Task D
The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Aeronautical Decision-Making Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in aeronautical decision-making.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson:0:05Part 2, Aeronautical Decision-Making:0:10Part 3, Aeronautical Decision-Making Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Aeronautical Decision-Making 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 aeronautical decision making.
- 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 aeronautical decision making supports safe and effective flight operations.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) [Amazon] or an internet-enabled device to access the AIM.
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, Portable whiteboard [Amazon]).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards [Amazon] or an internet-enabled device to access the ACS.
- 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.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.
- 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, Aeronautical Decision-Making:
- Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with aeronautical decision making.
- Part 3, Aeronautical Decision-Making 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. (UA.V.D.K3)
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway incursion risks.
- Approved syllabus objective coverage:
- Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply closed-loop team communication, standard terminology, acknowledgement, challenge-and-response, and escalation when a crewmember identifies an unsafe condition. (UA.V.D.K1a)
- Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply task prioritization, workload distribution, interruption management, and transfer of responsibilities during normal and abnormal operations. (UA.V.D.K1b)
- Apply Crew Resource Management to remote PIC, person manipulating the controls, visual observer, client, and other participants, including authority, briefings, workload, and communication. (UA.V.D.K2)
- Have the learner identify hazardous attitudes in realistic mission decisions, state the appropriate antidotes, and explain how those antidotes change the decision. (UA.V.D.K4)
- Use a structured process to identify hazards, assess likelihood and severity, select controls, determine residual risk, and establish launch and termination criteria. (UA.V.D.K5)
- Part 4, Aeronautical Decision-Making Guided Scenario(s):
- Use a commercial mission with schedule pressure, changing weather, a fatigued crewmember, and an emerging ground hazard; require the remote PIC (Pilot in Command) to apply risk-management tools, assign duties, communicate decisions, and establish termination criteria.
- 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 Deadline Inspection After a Storm
Manage a time-critical insurance inspection as client pressure, fatigue, deteriorating weather, and equipment anomalies accumulate. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM).
Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Review AOPA's Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots Safety Spotlight.
- 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
Aeronautical Decision-Making Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in aeronautical decision-making.
- References: AC 107-2; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); FAA-G-8082-22 (Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide).
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
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UA.V.D.K1: Aeronautical decision-making (ADM)-
UA.V.D.K1a: Effective team communication -
UA.V.D.K1b: Task management
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UA.V.D.K2: Crew Resource Management (CRM) -
UA.V.D.K3: Situational awareness -
UA.V.D.K4: Hazardous attitudes -
UA.V.D.K5: Hazard identification and risk assessment
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:
- Aeronautical Decision Making 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 Aeronautical Decision Making 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.