Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area I, Task B

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the operating rules of 14 CFR parts 89 and 107, the registration rules of 14 CFR parts 47 and 48, and other associated operating requirements.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Operating Rules:
    0:10
    Part 3, Operating Rules Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Operating Rules 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 operating rules.
    • 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 operating rules supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Materials

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Operating Rules:
    • Explain and assess the essential knowledge and procedures associated with operating rules.
  • Part 3, Operating Rules 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:
      • Determine when registration is required and verify that the aircraft is properly registered and marked before operation. (UA.I.B.K1)
      • Determine whether the small unmanned aircraft is in a condition for safe operation and identify conditions that prohibit flight. (UA.I.B.K2)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the remote pilot in command's responsibility and authority, including when another person may manipulate the flight controls. (UA.I.B.K4) (UA.I.B.K4a)
      • Apply emergency-deviation authority and the associated reporting requirements. (UA.I.B.K5)
      • Have the learner identify and avoid careless or reckless operations and hazardous object-dropping operations. (UA.I.B.K6) (UA.I.B.K6a) (UA.I.B.K6b)
      • Apply the restrictions governing operations from moving aircraft, land vehicles, and waterborne vehicles. (UA.I.B.K7)
      • Apply daylight operating requirements. (UA.I.B.K9)
      • Maintain visual line of sight and determine when visual observers are required and how they must coordinate with the remote pilot in command. (UA.I.B.K10) (UA.I.B.K11)
      • Apply the prohibition against serving as remote pilot in command or visual observer for more than one small unmanned aircraft operation at a time. (UA.I.B.K12)
      • Determine whether material carried by the aircraft is prohibited hazardous material. (UA.I.B.K13)
      • Apply right-of-way and see-and-avoid requirements to prevent collision hazards. (UA.I.B.K14) (UA.I.B.K14a)
      • Determine whether a proposed operation over people complies with the applicable operating category and limitations. (UA.I.B.K15)
      • Determine when prior air traffic control authorization is required for operation in controlled airspace. (UA.I.B.K16)
      • Apply the requirements for operating in the vicinity of airports and heliports. (UA.I.B.K17)
      • Have the learner identify prohibited and restricted areas and determine whether a proposed operation requires authorization. (UA.I.B.K18)
      • Have the learner identify and comply with flight restrictions published by Notice to Airmen. (UA.I.B.K19)
      • Conduct required preflight familiarization, inspection, crew briefing, site assessment, aircraft-status verification, and contingency planning. (UA.I.B.K20)
      • Apply the groundspeed, altitude, visibility, cloud-clearance, and other applicable operating limitations. (UA.I.B.K21) (UA.I.B.K21a) (UA.I.B.K21b) (UA.I.B.K21c) (UA.I.B.K21d)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain Remote Pilot Certificate eligibility, privileges, limitations, possession, inspection, and recency requirements. (UA.I.B.K22)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the limitations and responsibilities associated with automated small unmanned aircraft operations. (UA.I.B.K23)
      • Apply civil-twilight and night-operation lighting, training, visibility, and operational requirements to the proposed flight. (UA.I.B.K24) (UA.I.B.K25)
      • Determine whether carriage of property complies with weight, hazardous-material, visual-line-of-sight, transportation, and compensation requirements. (UA.I.B.K26)
      • Apply the prohibition against operating a small unmanned aircraft with an active transponder. (UA.I.B.K27)
      • Apply the prohibition against operating a small unmanned aircraft with active ADS-B Out equipment. (UA.I.B.K28)
      • Have the learner identify medical or physiological conditions that could interfere with safe operation and remove an affected crewmember from duty. (UA.I.B.K3)
      • Apply alcohol- and drug-use prohibitions, testing consequences, residual-impairment considerations, and conservative fitness-for-duty decisions. (UA.I.B.K8)
  • Part 4, Operating Rules Guided Scenario(s):
    • Present a proposed Part 107 mission involving twilight, property carriage, nearby people, changing weather, and a questionable crewmember condition; require the learner to identify every applicable operating rule and modify or reject the mission.
  • 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.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive small unmanned aircraft systems scenario covering operating rules.

The County Fair Infrastructure Survey

Conduct a fairground survey while visual line of sight, altitude, speed, visibility, clouds, right-of-way, night, vehicles, and hazardous-operation limits become relevant. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Above Ground Level (AGL); Mean Sea Level (MSL).

9 DecisionsPart 107Operating RulesContinuous Operational ScenarioConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Operating Rules Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 28 ACS Elements
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • NA:
    Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • NA:
    Not Applicable.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operating Rules Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Operating Rules 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 Operating Rules 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.