Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide iii
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
Obtaining Assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) .............................................. 1
FAA Reference Material ...................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1: Applicable Regulations .......................................................................................... 3
Chapter 2: Airspace Classification, Operating Requirements, and Flight Restrictions .............. 5
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Controlled Airspace ............................................................................................................................. 5
Uncontrolled Airspace ......................................................................................................................... 6
Special Use Airspace ............................................................................................................................ 6
Other Airspace Areas ........................................................................................................................... 9
Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System ....................................................................... 12
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Terms & Symbols ....................................................................................... 12
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) ............................................................................................................ 13
Chapter 3a: Aviation Weather Sources ................................................................................. 15
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Surface Aviation Weather Observations ........................................................................................... 15
Aviation Weather Reports ................................................................................................................. 15
Aviation Forecasts ............................................................................................................................. 18
Convective Significant Meteorological Information (WST) ............................................................... 19
Chapter 3b: Effects of Weather on Small Unmanned Aircraft Performance .......................... 21
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Density Altitude ................................................................................................................................. 21
Performance ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Measurement of Atmosphere Pressure ............................................................................................ 22
Effect of Obstructions on Wind ......................................................................................................... 23
Low-Level Wind Shear ....................................................................................................................... 23
Atmospheric Stability ........................................................................................................................ 24
Temperature/Dew Point Relationship .............................................................................................. 25
Clouds ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Fronts ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Mountain Flying ................................................................................................................................. 26
Structural Icing................................................................................................................................... 26
Thunderstorm Life Cycle .................................................................................................................... 26
Ceiling ................................................................................................................................................ 28
Visibility ............................................................................................................................................. 28
Chapter 4: Small Unmanned Aircraft Loading ....................................................................... 29