Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area III, Task A

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sources of weather information.

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Sources of Weather:
    0:10
    Part 3, Sources of Weather Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Sources of Weather 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 sources of weather.
    • 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 sources of weather supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Materials

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Sources of Weather:
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of weather types of weather products (observations, analysis, and forecasts.
    • Teach the student to obtain an internet weather briefing and identify authoritative weather sources available for flight planning. (UA.III.A.K1)
    • Teach the student to obtain and interpret aviation routine weather reports (METARs). (UA.III.A.K2)
    • Teach the student to obtain and interpret Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs). (UA.III.A.K3)
    • Teach the student to select and interpret applicable weather charts. (UA.III.A.K4)
    • Teach the student to obtain and interpret Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) information. (UA.III.A.K5)
  • Part 3, Sources of Weather Risk Management:
  • Part 4, Sources of Weather Guided Scenario(s):
    • Assign a time-sensitive operation with changing weather; require the learner to obtain current observations and forecasts from authoritative sources, reconcile conflicting information, identify limitations, and decide whether to launch, delay, relocate, or cancel.
  • 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 Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive small unmanned aircraft systems scenario covering sources of weather.

The Mountain Communications-Site Forecast

Build and update a mountain-site weather picture using forecasts, observations, radar, pilot reports, terrain cues, and trends. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Above Ground Level (AGL); Mean Sea Level (MSL); Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF).

8 DecisionsPart 107Sources of WeatherContinuous Operational ScenarioConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • NA:
    Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • NA:
    Not Applicable.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sources of Weather Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Sources of Weather 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 Sources of Weather 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.