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.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson:0:05Part 2, Radio Communications Procedures:0:10Part 3, Radio Communications Procedures Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Radio Communications Procedures 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 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.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
- Explain how proficiency in radio communications procedures 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.
- 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, Radio Communications Procedures:
- Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with radio communications procedures.
- Part 3, Radio Communications 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:
- Compare airport operations with and without an operating control tower and determine the communications appropriate to each environment. (UA.V.A.K1)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how to identify and monitor the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to improve awareness of manned-aircraft operations. (UA.V.A.K2)
- Interpret recommended self-announcement procedures used by manned-aircraft pilots to communicate position and intentions. (UA.V.A.K3)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain UNICOM services and the communication procedures used by manned-aircraft pilots. (UA.V.A.K4)
- Obtain and interpret Automatic Terminal Information Service broadcasts. (UA.V.A.K5)
- Interpret aircraft call signs and registration numbers accurately. (UA.V.A.K6)
- 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 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 Railroad Survey Beside a Nontowered Airport
Use disciplined crew and aviation communications during an authorized corridor survey beside a busy nontowered airport.
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
Radio Communications Procedures Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in radio communication procedures.
- References: 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).
Knowledge 8 ACS Elements
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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.K3: Recommended traffic advisory procedures used by manned aircraft pilots such as self-announcing of position and intentions -
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
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NA: Reserved.
Skills N/A
N/A
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Radio Communications 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 Radio Communications Procedures 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.