Topics for Remote Pilot Certification Exam Alexus Garcia Unmanned Aircraft System Safety Center of Excellence University of California

Remote Pilot Certificate with SUAS Rating In aviation, licenses are referred to as ‘Certificates’ A pilot is certified to fly aircraft at different levels and then rated to fly specific categories E.g. A Private Pilot with instrument rating (fly based on instrumentation only, no visual) The organization of the new Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate implies that there will be other ‘ratings’ such as Beyond Line of Sight, or over 55 lbs

How to get the new Certificate*? Schedule an appointment with a Knowledge Testing Center Pass the initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test Complete FAA Form (online) to initiate TSA security background check Temporary certificate available online after TSA security check. Permanent certificate will be mailed. *Existing pilots have a different process (no test needed)

What’s on the exam? Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance Emergency procedures Crew resource management Radio communication procedures Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol Aeronautical decision-making and judgment Airport operations Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures

Breakdown of Exam UAS Topics on ExamPercentage of Questions on Test 1. Regulations15 – 25 % 2. Airspace & Requirements15 – 25 % 3. Weather11 – 16 % 4. Loading & Performance7 – 11 % 5. Operations35 – 45% Total Number of Questions60 Applicants have two hours to complete the exam

UAS Regulations

Regulations - General The applicability of 14 CFR Part 107 to small unmanned aircraft operations Definitions used in 14 CFR Part 107 Accident reporting Registration requirements for sUAS Responsibilities of Remote Pilot in Comman

Regulations- Operating Rules Hazardous operations Daylight operation Visual line of sight aircraft operations (VLOS) The requirements when a visual observer is used The prohibition of operating multiple sUAS

Regulations – Operating Rules The prohibition of carrying hazardous material Operations over living beings Prior authorization required for operation in certain airspace Operating in the vicinity of airports Operating in prohibited or restricted areas

Regulations – Operating Rules Flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas by notice to airmen (NOTAM) Operating Limitations for sUAS Maximum groundspeed Altitude limitations Minimum viability Cloud clearance requirements The requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating

Airspace Classification & Operations

General Airspace: Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class G Special-use airspace: prohibited, restricted, military operation Air Traffic Control authorizations and operations near towered and untowered airports, helipads, seaplane bases The NOTAM system

How to read VFR charts

Weather

Internet weather briefing and sources of weather for flight planning Aviation routine weather reports (METAR) & Terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAF)

Weather Weather charts Automated surface observing systems (ASOS) and automated weather observing systems (AWOS) Weather factors and the effects on sUAS performance

Loading & Performance

Effects of loading changes Balance, stability, center of gravity

Loading & Performance How to interpret data for sUAS to understand how the sUAS will performance

Procedures, Decision Making & Maintenance

Radio Communication Procedures Description and use of Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) Recommended traffic advisory procedures Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) Phraseology: altitudes, directions, speed & time

Emergency Procedures Planning and communication Potential hazards of lithium batteries Loss of aircraft control link & fly aways Loss of GPS signal

Aeronautical Decision-Making Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) Effective team communication Task management Crew Resource Management (CRM) Situational awareness Hazardous attitudes Hazard identification and risk assessment

Maintenance & Inspection Procedures Preflight inspections Record keeping Persons for sUAS maintenance

Additional Resources

Study Material For more details, refer to: Part 107 Summary How to Use Part 107: AC Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide Pilot’s Handbook: Chapters 1 - 5; 10 – 15 Airman Certification Standards

Resources Free Introduction Course Sample Exam List of Testing Centers Register For Exam

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