Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems General Regulations Lesson Plan
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems • ACS Area I, Task A
The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems General Regulations Lesson Plan determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the general regulatory requirements of 14 CFR parts 89 and 107.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduction:0:05Part 2, General Regulations:0:10Part 3, General Regulations Risk Management:0:10Part 4, General Regulations 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.
- 14 CFR Part 107.
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Supplement.
- Advisory Circular Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Taxiing Supplement.
- Aeronautical Decision Making Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide.
- National Transportation Safety Board Regulations Supplement.
- 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, General Regulations:
- Introduce applicability of 14 CFR Part 107 to small unmanned aircraft operations.
- Discuss operations that qualify under Part 107 versus operations requiring other authorization, waiver, or certification.
- Review operational definitions used in Part 107 including:
- Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
- Visual Observer
- Small Unmanned Aircraft
- Control Station
- Payload
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
- Discuss how incorrect interpretation of regulatory definitions can result in unlawful operations.
- Introduce certificate responsibilities associated with remote pilot operations.
- Discuss the ramifications of falsification, reproduction, or alteration of:
- Remote pilot certificates
- Operational records
- Maintenance records
- Waivers and authorizations
- Discuss FAA enforcement actions, civil penalties, and certificate consequences resulting from fraudulent or inaccurate records.
- Review accident reporting requirements under Part 107.
- Discuss reportable thresholds including:
- Serious injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Property damage thresholds
- Discuss timelines and procedures for submitting accident reports to the FAA.
- Introduce inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance requirements.
- Discuss FAA authority to inspect:
- The aircraft
- Operational records
- Remote pilot certificates
- Supporting documentation
- Discuss operator responsibilities for demonstrating regulatory compliance during FAA investigations or inspections.
- Introduce multiple-category sUAS operations and associated regulatory considerations.
- Discuss operational differences between:
- Fixed-wing systems
- Multirotor systems
- Hybrid systems
- Review record retention requirements associated with remote pilot operations.
- Discuss maintaining:
- Training records
- Maintenance logs
- Waiver documentation
- Operational authorizations
- Introduce previously manufactured sUAS and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Discuss compliance considerations for older aircraft lacking current equipment or Remote Identification capabilities.
- Discuss integration of remotely piloted aircraft into the National Airspace System.
- Review use of FAA guidance materials and Advisory Circulars to support regulatory compliance.
- Part 3, General Regulations 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.
- Discuss risks associated with operating outside the scope of Part 107 privileges.
- Discuss risks associated with incomplete understanding of regulatory definitions and operational limitations.
- Discuss operational risks associated with inadequate documentation and record retention.
- Discuss risks associated with failure to report qualifying accidents or incidents.
- Discuss risks associated with operating previously manufactured or modified aircraft without confirming regulatory compliance.
- Discuss risks associated with complacency during repetitive or commercial sUAS operations.
- Introduce aeronautical decision-making concepts as applied to remote pilot operations.
- Discuss distraction, task saturation, and loss of situational awareness during remote operations.
- Discuss collision hazards associated with operations near people, structures, airports, and other aircraft.
- Part 4, General Regulations Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- 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 General Regulations 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 General Regulations Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the general regulatory requirements of 14 CFR parts 89 and 107.
- References: 14 CFR parts 89 and 107, subpart A; 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 8 ACS Elements
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UA.I.A.K1: -
UA.I.A.K2: -
UA.I.A.K4: -
UA.I.A.K5: Inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance -
UA.I.A.K6: Multiple category sUAS -
UA.I.A.K7: Record retention -
UA.I.A.K8: Previously manufactured sUAS
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
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NA:
Reserved.
Skills N/A
N/A
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- General Regulations 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 General Regulations 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.