Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area V, Task B

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in airport operations.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Airport Operations:
    0:10
    Part 3, Airport Operations Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Airport Operations Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
    0:10
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to airport operations.
    • 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.

  • Motivator:

    • Explain how proficiency in airport operations supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Materials

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Airport Operations:
    • Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with airport operations.
  • Part 3, Airport Operations 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:
      • Distinguish towered airports, nontowered airports, heliports, and seaplane bases and explain their operating characteristics. (UA.V.B.K1)
      • Monitor and interpret control-tower communications to improve situational awareness near an airport. (UA.V.B.K2)
      • Interpret runway markings and signage and relate them to aircraft movement areas and hazards. (UA.V.B.K3)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain traffic patterns used by manned aircraft and use them to anticipate traffic conflicts. (UA.V.B.K4)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain Security Identification Display Area access, identification, escort, challenge, and local-authority requirements; do not assume Part 107 authority grants airport access. (UA.V.B.K5)
      • Use current Chart Supplements, airport diagrams, Notices to Airmen, airport and ATC contacts, automated weather, sectional charts, and local publications to obtain airport data. (UA.V.B.K6)
      • Identify bird and wildlife hazards, avoid concentrations of wildlife, and explain how to report a wildlife strike. (UA.V.B.K7)
      • Recognize airport and seaplane-base lighting and explain how it supports orientation and traffic awareness. (UA.V.B.K8)
  • Part 4, Airport Operations Guided Scenario(s):
    • Plan an operation near an unfamiliar airport; require the learner to obtain current airport data, identify traffic flows and security restrictions, establish communication and visual-observer duties, and maintain safe separation from manned aircraft.
  • 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 instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 8 ACS Elements
  • UA.V.B.K1:
    Types of airports such as towered, uncontrolled towered, heliport, and seaplane bases
  • UA.V.B.K2:
    ATC towers, such as ensuring the remote pilot can monitor and interpret ATC communications to improve situational awareness
  • UA.V.B.K3:
    Runway markings and signage
  • UA.V.B.K4:
    Traffic patterns used by manned aircraft pilots
  • UA.V.B.K5:
    Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA)
  • UA.V.B.K6:
    Sources for airport data
    • UA.V.B.K6a:
      Aeronautical charts
    • UA.V.B.K6b:
      Chart Supplements
  • UA.V.B.K7:
    Avoiding bird and wildlife hazards and reporting collisions between aircraft and wildlife
  • UA.V.B.K8:
    Airport and seaplane base lighting
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • :

    NA:

    Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • :

    NA:

    Not Applicable.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airport Operations Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Airport Operations 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 Airport Operations prepares remote pilots for more complex missions and reinforces the judgment expected in later training and real-world operations.

  • 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.