Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Loading & Performance Lesson Plan
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area IV, Task A
The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Loading and Performance Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the loading and performance of an sUAS.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduction:0:05Part 2, Loading and Performance:0:10Part 3, Loading and Performance Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Loading and Performance Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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- 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.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
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Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Takeoff and Climb Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Taxiing Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Introduce soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
- Part 2, Loading and Performance:
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- Part 3, Loading and Performance Risk Management:
- Introduce collision hazards.
- Introduce low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Introduce distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Introduce runway incursion risks.
- Part 4, Loading and Performance Guided Scenario(s):
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Loading & Performance Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Loading & Performance Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the loading and performance of an sUAS.
- References: AC 107-2; FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); FAA-G-8082-22 (Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide).
Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
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UA.IV.A.K1: General loading and performance, including:-
UA.IV.A.K1a: Effects of loading changes -
UA.IV.A.K1b: Balance, stability, and center of gravity
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UA.IV.A.K2: Importance and use of performance data to calculate the effect on the aircraft's performance of an sUAS
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
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NA:
Reserved.
Skills 1 ACS Element
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NA:
Not Applicable.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Loading and Performance builds the knowledge and disciplined operating habits remote pilots need to conduct safe, compliant small UAS 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 Loading and Performance prepares remote pilots for more complex missions and reinforces the judgment expected in later training and real-world operations.
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Closure:
- The 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.