Structured Learning Path
Work through 5 modules in order. Each module ends with a 10-question quiz. Score 80%+ to complete a module.
Overall Progress: 0% Complete
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Regulations
Regulations
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Airspace
Airspace
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Weather
Weather
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Loading
Loading
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Operations
Operations
Module 1: Regulations (15–25% of test)
Learning Objectives
- Know age (16+), language, and medical requirements for certification
- Memorize core operating limits: 400 ft AGL, 100 mph, VLOS, right-of-way
- Understand Remote ID requirements and exceptions (FRIA, <250g)
- Know Categories 1–4 for operations over people
- Know alcohol rules: 8 hours, BAC <0.04%
- Understand accident reporting (10 days, >$500, serious injury)
- Know certificate currency: 24 months, free online recurrent training
Remote Pilot Certification
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Language | Read, speak, write, understand English |
| Test | Pass UAG knowledge test at PSI center |
| Currency | Free online recurrent training every 24 months |
| Medical | No medical certificate; self-certify fitness |
Core Operating Limits
Max Altitude: 400 ft AGL (or 400 ft above a structure if within 400 ft horizontally). (§107.51)
Max Speed: 100 mph / 87 knots groundspeed. (§107.51)
VLOS: Must maintain visual line of sight at all times — unaided except corrective lenses. (§107.31)
Right-of-Way: sUAS must yield to ALL manned aircraft. (§107.37)
Remote ID
Most sUAS must broadcast: drone ID, location, altitude, velocity, control station location, time mark, and emergency status.
Exceptions: sUAS <250g (0.55 lb) recreational, or operations in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Operations Over People — Categories
| Category | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | ≤ 0.55 lb, no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate skin |
| Category 2 | ≤ 11 ft-lbs impact energy, no exposed rotating parts |
| Category 3 | ≤ 25 ft-lbs. No sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless over participants/covered structures |
| Category 4 | Airworthiness certificate under Part 21 |
Night Operations & Alcohol
Night Ops: Allowed without waiver if anti-collision lights visible ≥3 SM. Civil twilight = 30 min before sunrise and after sunset. (§107.29)
8 hours bottle to throttle. BAC must be below 0.04%. Any impairing medication is prohibited.
Accident Reporting & Registration
Report to FAA within 10 calendar days if: serious injury OR property damage >$500 (excluding drone). (§107.9)
Register sUAS >0.55 lb before any operation. Valid 3 years. Mark registration number on exterior. (Part 48)
Module 2: Airspace Classification (15–25% of test)
Learning Objectives
- Identify all 7 airspace classes (A–G) and know which require authorization
- Read sectional chart symbols: blue/magenta lines, dashed/solid, shaded areas
- Understand LAANC, waivers, and how to get airspace authorization
- Identify special use airspace: Prohibited, Restricted, MOA, Alert, Warning, MTRs
- Know TFRs, NOTAMs, MEF, CTAF, and Mode C veil
Airspace Classes
| Class | Description | Auth Required? |
|---|---|---|
| A | 18,000 MSL to FL600 | Prohibited |
| B | Surface to 10,000 MSL (solid blue lines) | Yes |
| C | Surface to 4,000 AGL (solid magenta) | Yes |
| D | Surface to ~2,500 AGL (dashed blue) | Yes |
| E (surface) | Surface upward (dashed magenta) | Yes |
| E (transition) | 700 ft AGL+ (magenta shaded) | No (below 400 ft = Class G) |
| G | Uncontrolled (default airspace) | No (below 400 ft) |
Sectional Chart Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid blue line | Class B surface area |
| Dashed blue line | Class D / Class B shelf |
| Solid magenta line | Class C surface area |
| Dashed magenta line | Class E surface area |
| Magenta shaded | Class E from 700 ft AGL |
| Blue shaded | Class B shelf |
Special Use Airspace
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Prohibited (P-) | No flight without waiver |
| Restricted (R-) | Military — check NOTAMs |
| MOA | Military training — check NOTAMs |
| Alert (A-) | High training volume — caution |
| Warning (W-) | Over water — similar to restricted |
| MTR (VR/IR) | Low-altitude military routes — hazard |
| TFR | Temporary — check NOTAMs before EVERY flight |
LAANC: Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — near-real-time authorization for controlled airspace at/below 400 ft AGL through FAA-approved apps.
MEF: Maximum Elevation Figure — highest terrain/obstacle in quadrant, rounded up to nearest 100 ft + buffer. In MSL.
CTAF: Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (122.8 or 122.9 MHz). Monitor near non-towered airports for manned traffic awareness.
Module 3: Weather (11–16% of test)
Learning Objectives
- Decode METAR and TAF reports (wind, visibility, clouds, temp/dewpoint, altimeter)
- Understand density altitude and its effects on sUAS performance
- Know thunderstorm lifecycle stages and avoidance
- Distinguish stable vs. unstable air characteristics
- Understand fronts, inversions, fog formation, wind shear, and icing
- Know weather sources: AIRMET, SIGMET, Convective SIGMET, Winds Aloft
METAR Decoding
Example: METAR KLAX 121852Z 25004KT 6SM BR SCT007 SCT250 16/15 A2991
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| KLAX | Station (Los Angeles) |
| 121852Z | 12th day, 18:52 UTC |
| 25004KT | Wind 250° at 4 knots |
| 6SM | 6 statute miles visibility |
| BR | Mist |
| SCT007 | Scattered clouds at 700 ft AGL |
| 16/15 | Temp 16°C / Dewpoint 15°C |
| A2991 | Altimeter 29.91 inHg |
Density Altitude
Density Altitude = pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature and humidity. High DA = thinner air = reduced performance.
Factors increasing DA: High temperature, high altitude, high humidity, low pressure.
Effects on sUAS: Decreased propeller efficiency, reduced lift, reduced climb rate, reduced hover time, reduced battery endurance.
Thunderstorms — AVOID
Keep at least 20 NM from any thunderstorm.
| Stage | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cumulus | Updrafts, building clouds |
| Mature | Rain, hail, lightning — most hazardous |
| Dissipating | Downdrafts dominate, weakening |
Stable vs. Unstable Air
| Stable | Unstable |
|---|---|
| Poor visibility | Good visibility |
| Steady precipitation | Showery precipitation |
| Smooth air | Turbulence |
| Stratus clouds | Cumulus clouds |
Standard lapse rate: 2°C (3.5°F) decrease per 1,000 ft.
Inversion: Temperature increases with altitude — traps pollution/moisture near surface.
Weather sources:
- METAR: Current observation (hourly)
- TAF: 24–30 hour forecast (5 SM around airport)
- AIRMET: Moderate hazards
- SIGMET: Severe hazards
Module 4: Loading & Performance (7–11% of test)
Learning Objectives
- Understand center of gravity (CG) and effects of forward/aft loading
- Know load factor at different bank angles (1G, 1.15G at 30°, 2G at 60°)
- Understand stall — caused by exceeding critical angle of attack
- Know how weight, density altitude, and wind affect performance
- Use manufacturer data for preflight performance calculations
Center of Gravity (CG)
Forward CG: Nose-heavy — increased stability, difficulty flaring.
Aft CG: Tail-heavy — decreased stability, pitch-up tendency, stall risk.
Always follow manufacturer loading instructions. CG must stay within approved envelope.
Stall
A stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack — NOT when exceeding a specific speed. Airflow separates from the wing and lift collapses.
Load Factor
| Maneuver | Load Factor |
|---|---|
| Straight & level | 1G |
| 30° bank | ~1.15G |
| 45° bank | ~1.4G |
| 60° bank | ~2G |
Load factor increases in turns, pull-ups, and gust encounters. At 60° bank, the aircraft supports 2× its weight.
Performance Factors
- Weight: Higher weight = higher stall speed, reduced climb, reduced endurance
- Density Altitude: Higher DA = reduced performance in all aspects
- Wind: Headwind reduces groundspeed; gusts increase momentary load factor
- Cold batteries: LiPo capacity drops significantly in cold temperatures
Maximum endurance: Achieved at minimum power required to maintain level flight — NOT maximum speed.
Module 5: Operations (35–45% of test)
Learning Objectives
- Master ADM: 3P model (Perceive-Process-Perform), PAVE checklist
- Know the 5 hazardous attitudes and their antidotes
- Use IMSAFE for self-assessment before every flight
- Understand emergency procedures: lost link, flyaway, battery failure
- Know airport operations: runway markings, traffic patterns, CTAF, radio
- Understand crew resource management and single-pilot resource management
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
3P Model: Perceive hazards → Process risks → Perform actions. Repeat continuously.
PAVE: Pilot · Aircraft · enVironment · External pressures.
5 Hazardous Attitudes
| Attitude | Antidote |
|---|---|
| Anti-authority — "Rules don't apply" | Follow the rules. They are usually right. |
| Impulsivity — "Do it quickly" | Not so fast. Think first. |
| Invulnerability — "It won't happen to me" | It could happen to me. |
| Macho — "I'll show them" | Taking chances is foolish. |
| Resignation — "What's the use?" | I'm not helpless. I can make a difference. |
IMSAFE Checklist
IMSAFE: Illness · Medication · Stress · Alcohol · Fatigue · Emotion/Eating
Self-assess before every flight. If compromised, do not fly.
Emergency Procedures
- Lost Link: Pre-programmed RTH or safe landing
- Flyaway: Attempt failsafe recovery; prioritize safety
- Battery Failure: Land immediately in safe area
- General Emergency: Deviate from rules as needed; report if FAA requests
Airport Operations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Runway numbers | Magnetic azimuth rounded to nearest 10° |
| Threshold markings | 8 white longitudinal stripes |
| Hold-short lines | 4 yellow lines (2 solid, 2 dashed) |
| Traffic pattern | Standard left turns, 45° entry to downwind |
| CTAF | Monitor at non-towered airports (122.8/122.9 MHz) |
Night Vision & Fatigue
Dark adaptation takes 20–30 minutes. Avoid bright lights before night ops. Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and attention.
Preflight Inspection
Before EVERY flight, check: propellers, battery, airframe, firmware, Remote ID. Do not fly with known irregularities. (§107.49)
Section Quiz —
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