Quick Reference / Cheat Sheet
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Must-Know Numbers
400 ft AGLMaximum altitude (or 400 ft above structure within 400 ft horizontally)
100 mph / 87 ktMaximum groundspeed
55 lbMaximum takeoff weight (including payload)
0.55 lb / 250 gRegistration and Remote ID threshold
16 years oldMinimum age for Remote Pilot Certificate
24 monthsCertificate validity and recurrent training interval
70% (42/60)Passing score on knowledge test
2 hoursTime limit for knowledge test
8 hoursBottle-to-throttle (alcohol prohibition)
0.04% BACMaximum blood alcohol content
3 SMAnti-collision light visibility for night ops
10 daysAccident report deadline (serious injury or >$500 damage)
3 yearssUAS registration validity period
20 NMRecommended thunderstorm avoidance distance
2°C / 1,000 ftStandard temperature lapse rate
30 minCivil twilight before sunrise / after sunset
Acronyms
sUASsmall Unmanned Aircraft System
PICPilot in Command
VLOSVisual Line of Sight
BVLOSBeyond Visual Line of Sight
AGLAbove Ground Level
MSLMean Sea Level
LAANCLow Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
NOTAMNotice to Air Missions
TFRTemporary Flight Restriction
CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory Frequency
MOAMilitary Operations Area
MEFMaximum Elevation Figure
MTRMilitary Training Route
ADMAeronautical Decision-Making
CRMCrew Resource Management
SRMSingle-Pilot Resource Management
FRIAFAA-Recognized Identification Area
CGCenter of Gravity
VRSVortex Ring State
ATTIAttitude Mode (non-GPS stabilization)
5 Hazardous Attitudes & Antidotes
| Attitude | Behavior | Antidote |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-authority | "Rules don't apply to me" | Follow the rules. They are usually right. |
| Impulsivity | "Do it quickly — don't think" | Not so fast. Think first. |
| Invulnerability | "It won't happen to me" | It could happen to me. |
| Macho | "I'll show them I can do it" | Taking chances is foolish. |
| Resignation | "What's the use?" | I'm not helpless. I can make a difference. |
Airspace Quick Reference
| Class | Chart Symbol | Altitude | sUAS Auth Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | — | 18,000–FL600 | Prohibited for sUAS |
| B | Solid blue lines | SFC–10,000 MSL | Yes |
| C | Solid magenta lines | SFC–4,000 AGL | Yes |
| D | Dashed blue lines | SFC–2,500 AGL | Yes |
| E (surface) | Dashed magenta lines | SFC–(see chart) | Yes |
| E (transition) | Magenta shaded | 700 ft AGL+ | No (below 400 ft is Class G) |
| G | Unmarked (default) | SFC–overlying airspace | No (below 400 ft AGL) |
Weather Codes Quick Card
| METAR Code | Meaning | METAR Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKC | Sky Clear | RA | Rain |
| FEW | Few clouds | +RA / −RA | Heavy / Light rain |
| SCT | Scattered clouds | FG | Fog |
| BKN | Broken (ceiling) | BR | Mist |
| OVC | Overcast (ceiling) | HZ | Haze |
| VV | Vertical visibility (indefinite ceiling) | TS | Thunderstorm |
| CLR | Clear (automated station) | TSRA | Thunderstorm with rain |
| CB | Cumulonimbus | DZ | Drizzle |
| TCU | Towering Cumulus | SN | Snow |
| P6SM | >6 SM visibility | GR | Hail |
ADM Checklists
3P Model
Perceive (hazards) → Process (risks) → Perform (actions). Repeat continuously.
PAVE
Pilot · Aircraft · enVironment · External pressures
IMSAFE
Illness · Medication · Stress · Alcohol · Fatigue · Emotion/Eating
DECIDE
Detect · Estimate · Choose · Identify · Do · Evaluate
Sectional Chart Symbol Legend
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid blue line | Class B surface area |
| Dashed blue line | Class D boundary (also Class B shelves) |
| Solid magenta line | Class C surface area |
| Dashed magenta line | Class E surface area |
| Magenta shaded area | Class E from 700 ft AGL |
| Blue shaded area | Class B shelf |
| Magenta Mode C veil | 30 NM transponder requirement ring (Class B area) |
| Gray line with VR/IR | Military Training Route |
| Blue airport symbol | Airport with control tower |
| Magenta airport symbol | Non-towered airport |