Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area V, Task A

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in radio communication procedures.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Radio Communications Procedures:
    0:10
    Part 3, Radio Communications Procedures Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Radio Communications 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 radio communications 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 radio communications procedures supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Materials

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Radio Communications Procedures:
    • Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with radio communications procedures.
  • Part 3, Radio Communications Procedures Risk Management:
    • Introduce collision hazards.
    • Introduce low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
    • Introduce distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
    • Introduce runway incursion risks.
    • Approved syllabus objective coverage:
      • Have the learner accurately encode and decode call signs, identifiers, and critical information using the ICAO phonetic alphabet. (UA.V.A.K7)
      • Practice standard pronunciation and readback of altitudes, directions, speeds, frequencies, and time in realistic traffic communications. (UA.V.A.K8)
  • Part 4, Radio Communications Procedures Guided Scenario(s):
    • Use a mission near an airport with rapidly changing traffic; require the learner to monitor the correct frequency, interpret calls, use standard phonetics and number phrasing when coordination is authorized, and reposition or terminate before creating a conflict.
  • 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 Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 8 ACS Elements
  • UA.V.A.K1:
    Airport operations with and without an operating control tower
  • UA.V.A.K2:
    The description and use of a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to monitor manned aircraft communications
  • UA.V.A.K4:
    Aeronautical advisory communication station (UNICOM) and associated communication procedures used by manned aircraft pilots
  • UA.V.A.K5:
    Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)
  • UA.V.A.K6:
    Aircraft call signs and registration numbers
  • UA.V.A.K7:
    The phonetic alphabet
  • UA.V.A.K8:
    Phraseology: altitudes, directions, speed, and time
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • :

    NA:

    Reserved.
Skills N/A

N/A

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Radio Communications Procedures Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Radio Communications Procedures builds the knowledge and disciplined operating habits remote pilots need to conduct safe, compliant small UAS 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 Radio Communications Procedures prepares remote pilots for more complex missions and reinforces the judgment expected in later training and real-world operations.

  • Closure:

    • The 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.