Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area I, Task D

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the FAA waiver policy and requirements.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Waivers:
    0:10
    Part 3, Waivers Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Waivers 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:
    • 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:

    • Soft field takeoffs maximize performance when departing from a soft or rough runway surface
    • Otherwise "hard" surfaces can become "soft" following rainstorms or disturbance
    • These soft and rough surfaces provide unique challenges which may make the aircraft harder to control and reduce acceleration
    • Additionally, with soft and perhaps bumpy surfaces, you are at risk of getting the nose wheel stuck
    • For this reason, procedures may specify a flap setting

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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Materials

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Waivers:
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of surface wind impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb performance, including determining wind direction with or without visual indicators.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of wind shear impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb performance.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of wake turbulence considerations during soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of outside air temperature and field elevation/density altitude impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb performance.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway surface condition impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway slope impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of gross weight center of gravity impacts and to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of power settings impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of flight profile impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of nose strut slope impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of tire pressure impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of ground effect.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of the importance of weight transfer.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of the four left turning tendencies.
  • Part 3, Waivers 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:
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain which Part 107 provisions may be waived, the application and lead-time process, the evidence and mitigations needed to show an equivalent level of safety, and the obligation to comply with every waiver condition. (UA.I.D.K1)
  • Part 4, Waivers Guided Scenario(s):
    • Give the learner a mission that cannot comply with one Part 107 operating rule; require identification of the exact rule, operational necessity, equivalent level of safety, mitigations, supporting evidence, application timing, and conditions that would still require cancellation.
  • Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
    • 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 Waivers Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive small unmanned aircraft systems scenario covering part 107 waivers.

The Extended Pipeline Inspection Proposal

Determine which portions of a pipeline mission need waivers, build a safety case, distinguish authorization from waiver, and comply with issued conditions. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC); Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).

8 DecisionsPart 107Part 107 WaiversContinuous Operational ScenarioConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 1 ACS Element
  • UA.I.D.K1:
    Waiver policy and requirements
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • NA:
    Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • NA:
    Not Applicable.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Waivers Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Waivers 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 Waivers 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.