Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area V, Task C

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS emergency procedures.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Emergency Procedures:
    0:10
    Part 3, Emergency Procedures Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Emergency Procedures 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 emergency procedures.
    • 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 emergency procedures supports safe and effective flight operations.

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Materials

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Emergency Procedures:
    • Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with emergency procedures.
  • Part 3, Emergency Procedures 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:
      • Develop mission-specific emergency roles, communication methods, lost-link actions, notification priorities, landing or containment areas, and criteria for contacting ATC or emergency services. (UA.V.C.K1)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain lithium-battery energy density, cell damage, short circuit, swelling, overheating, thermal runaway, toxic products, re-ignition, and incompatibility with routine fire assumptions. (UA.V.C.K2)
      • Inspect, isolate, protect terminals, package, secure, and transport batteries in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable hazardous-material rules. (UA.V.C.K2a)
      • Demonstrate a safe charging area, compatible charger and settings, temperature and damage checks, supervision, separation, and post-charge storage. (UA.V.C.K2b)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain lithium-battery fire recognition, evacuation and isolation priorities, appropriate extinguishing or cooling guidance, re-ignition monitoring, and emergency notification. (UA.V.C.K2d)
      • Explain and apply aircraft-specific lost-control-link and fly-away procedures. (UA.V.C.K3)
      • Explain how loss or degradation of GPS can affect position hold, navigation, geofencing, return-to-home, flight mode, and recovery, and apply the aircraft-specific response. (UA.V.C.K4)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the frequency spectrum used by the control link and its operational limitations, interference risks, and contingency implications. (UA.V.C.K5)
      • Apply emergency procedures appropriate to operations over people. (UA.V.C.K6)
      • Apply emergency procedures appropriate to night operations. (UA.V.C.K7)
  • Part 4, Emergency Procedures Guided Scenario(s):
    • Introduce a lost-link or GPS (Global Positioning System) failure followed by a damaged lithium battery; require the remote PIC (Pilot in Command) to maintain area safety, execute the aircraft-specific contingency plan, coordinate the crew, notify affected parties, and manage the battery without worsening the hazard.
  • 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 Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

Loading scenario details...

Loading...
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 7 ACS Elements
  • UA.V.C.K1:
    Emergency planning and communication
  • UA.V.C.K2:
    Characteristics and potential hazards of lithium batteries
    • UA.V.C.K2a:
      Safe transportation such as proper inspection and handling
    • UA.V.C.K2b:
      Safe charging
    • UA.V.C.K2c:
      Safe usage
    • UA.V.C.K2d:
      Risks of fires involving lithium batteries
  • UA.V.C.K4:
    Loss of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal during flight and potential consequences
  • UA.V.C.K5:
    Frequency spectrums and associated limitations
  • UA.V.C.K6:
    Procedures for operations over people
  • UA.V.C.K7:
    Procedures for operations at night
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • :

    NA:

    Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • :

    NA:

    Not Applicable.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Emergency Procedures Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Emergency Procedures 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 Emergency Procedures 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.