Remote Pilot Ground School
Prepare for your Remote PIC with sUAS rating (Part 107) written knowledge test
April 2021 - FAA-S-ACS-10B - Remote Pilot - sUAS - Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
An FAA document used to communicate a means to evaluate the aeronautical knowledge standards for certification knowledge testing for a Remote Pilot Certificate with sUAS rating.
The following web pages web pages (Test Prep 1- 9) are aimed at preparing you for the Remote PIC with sUAS rating written certification knowledge test.
FAA views ACS as the foundation of its transition to a more integrated and systematic approach to airman certification.
ACS is part of the safety management system (SMS) framework that the FAA uses to mitigate risks associated with airman certification training and testing
ACS, associated guidance, and test question components of the airman certification system are constructed around the four functional components of an SMS:
1. Safety Policy - aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and flight proficiency as integrated components of the airman certification system;
2. Safety Risk Management - processes through which both internal and external stakeholders identify changes in regulations, safety recommendations, or other factors. These changes are then evaluated to determine whether they require modification of airman testing and training materials;
3. Safety Assurance - processes to ensure the prompt and appropriate incorporation of changes arising from new regulations and safety recommendations; and
4. Safety Promotion - ongoing engagement with both external stakeholders (e.g., the aviation training community) and FAA policy divisions
Historical Documents (for potential reference)
Feb 2012 - FAA Modernization and Reform Act (FMRA) - PL 112.95
June 2016 - FAA finalized 14 CFR 107 (624-page document) governing commercial UAS operations in the U.S.
July 2016 - FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act (FESSA) - PL 114-190
Aug 2016 - 14 CFR 107 went into effect
3-page summary - quicker read but scarce in detailed knowledge
Aug 2016 - FAA-G-8082-22 - FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide went into effect
Oct 2018 - FAA Reauthorization Act - PL 115-254
July 2020 - FAA ORDER JO 7200.23B - went into effect
Feb 2021 - AC 107-2A - guidance to help teach you how to follow the rule
simmons - (2010) legal interpretation.pd[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [47.2 KB]
RIN_2120-AJ60_Clean_Signed with Nilsson [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [2.2 MB]
The goal of the airman certification process is to ensure the applicant possesses knowledge consistent with the privileges of the Remote Pilot Certificate with sUAS rating, as well as the ability to manage the risks of flight in order to act as a remote PIC.
In fulfilling its responsibilities for the airman certification process, the FAA Flight Standards Service (AFS) plans, develops, and maintains materials related to airman certification testing. These materials include several components.
The FAA Knowledge Test measures mastery of the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in 14 CFR Part 89 and 14 CFR Part 107.
Other materials, such as airman knowledge testing supplements in the FAA-CT-8080 series and FAA online training, provide guidance to applicants on aeronautical knowledge and risk management.
FAA recognizes that safe operations in today's complex National Airspace System (NAS) require a more systematic integration of aeronautical knowledge and risk management. FAA further recognizes the need to more clearly calibrate knowledge and risk management to the level of the Rmeote Pilot Certificate with sUAS rating.
The ACS integrates the elements of knowledge and risk management in 14 CFR Part 89 and 14 CFR Part 107 for a Remote Pilot Certificate with sUAS rating. It thus forms the comprehensive standard for what an applicant knows and considers to successfully complete eash Task tested on the knowledge test.
In keeping with this integrated and systematic approach, the knowledge Task elements of each Task identify what the applicant should know and understand for sUAS operations conducted under 14 CFR Part 89 and 14 CFR Part 107. The applicant demonstrates this understanding by passing the knowledge test.
ACS includes Areas of Operation and Tasks for the Issuance of a Remote Pilot Certificate with sUAS rating in accordance with 14 CFR 107.65.
Each Area of Operation is further broken down into Tasks
Each Task is coded according to a scheme that includes 4 elements
The elements are then even further broken down into Task Element Knowledge
e.g. UA.I.B.K10:
UA = Applicable ACS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
I = Area of Operation (Regulations)
B = Task (Operating Rules)
K10 = Task Element Knowledge 10 (Visual line of sight (VLOS) aircraft operations)
At the conclusion of a knowledge test, an applicant is given their Knowledge Test Report (KTR) which lists the applicant's name, date of the test, the type of test, a unique test identification number, the score, and ACS Codes for questions that were answered incorrectly. The printed ACS Codes guides the applicant to the area(s) that were found to be deficient in the test. The codes are found in April 2021 - FAA-S-ACS-10B - Remote Pilot - sUAS - Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
FAA encourages applicants to use the ACS as a reference while preparing for the certification airman knowledge test.
For those applicants who do not pass the knowledge test for certification, remedial instruction and an enforsement from an instructor is NOT required for retesting.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements in 14 CFR 107.61(d)(2) must pass the knowledge test before applying for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating.
Free FAA training on the FAA Safety Team website:
- Current Part 61 certificate holders are eligible to take ALC-451
- Part 107 remote pilots who are also certificated and current under Part 61 are eligible to take ALC-515
- Part 107 remote pilot certification holders (regardless of currency) are eligible to take ALC-677
The 2-hour certification knowledge test consists of 60 objective, multiple-choice questions
- single correct response for each test question
- each test question is independent of other questions
- correct response to one question does not depend upon, or influence, the correct response to another
Practice tests are available at PSI Services, LLC
The FAA-CT-8080-2H, Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Private Pilot contains the supplemental graphics necessary to assist in answering any question on a Remote Pilot Certification (UAG) knowledge test.
You should become very familiar with this supplement prior to taking the test.
The FAA has released 40 sample test questions (these are incorporated throughout this test prep and appear in blue)- see the Application Identification, Information Verification and Authorization Requirements Matrix for general requirements.
I also added some test questions that were on the FAASTEAM test for Part 61 pilots and these are in green.
(Answer key to all green questions is in one document, and answer key to blue questions is in another, both at the bottom of the page UAG Test Prep - 9)
2016 June 28 - FSIMS updated Volume 16 to incorporate the new Part 107 material
- provides information and policy guidance regarding how civil UAS operators, public, UAS operators, and model aircraft operators are authorized to conduct flight operations in a manner which complies with the applicable 14 CFRs
- primary audience for this volume is Flight Standards Service (AFS) aviation safety inspectors (ASI), their managers and supervisors, and other operational and administrative employees
- UAS users may find this volume helpful for informational and planning purposes
- 14 CFR Part 11 grants of exemption are what were formerly known as Section 333 exemptions
(I have added pertinent parts of Volume 16 to the course material)
Certification Knowledge Test
5 main Areas of Operation in total, some more complex than others
UA.I - Regulations
UA.II - Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
UA.III - Weather
UA.IV - Loading and Performance
UA.V - Operations
Your study outline
UA.I - Regulations
15-25% of items on Certification Knowledge Test
UA.I.A - Task A. General
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the general regulatory requirements of 14 CFR Part 89 and 14 CFR Part 107.
UA.I.A.K1 - Applicability of 14 CFR Part 107 to small unmanned aircraft operations
UA.I.A.K2 - Definitions used in 14 CFR Part 107
UA.I.A.K3 - Ramifications of falsification, reproduction, or alteration of a certificate, rating, authorization, record, or report
UA.I.A.K4 - Accident reporting
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
UA.I.B - Task B. Operating Rules
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the operating rules of 14 CFR Part 89 and 14 CFR Part 107, the registration rules of 14 CFR Part 47 and 14 CFR Part 48, and other associated operating requirements.
UA.I.B.K1 - Registration requirements for sUAS
UA.I.B.K2 - Requirement for the sUAS to be in a condition for safe operation
UA.I.B.K3 - Medical condition(s) that would interfere with safe operation of an sUAS
UA.I.B.K4 - Responsibility and authority of the remote PIC
UA.I.B.K4a - Allowing a person other than the remote PIC to manipulate the flight controls
UA.I.B.K5 - Regulatory deviation and reporting requirements for in-flight emergencies
UA.I.B.K6 - Hazardous operations
UA.I.B.K6a - Careless or reckless
UA.I.B.K6b - Dropping an object
UA.I.B.K7 - Operating from a moving aircraft or moving land- or water-borne vehicle
UA.I.B.K8 - Alcohol or drugs and the provisions on prohibition of use
UA.I.B.K9 - Daylight operations
UA.I.B.K10 - Visual line of sight (VLOS) aircraft operations
UA.I.B.K11 - Requirements when a visual observer is used
UA.I.B.K12 - Prohibition of operating multiple sUAS
UA.I.B.K13 - Prohibition of carrying hazardous material
UA.I.B.K14 - Staying safely away from other aircraft and right-of-way rules
UA.I.B.K14a - See and avoid other aircraft and other potential hazard considerations of the remote PIC
UA.I.B.K15 - Operations over human beings - see Area of Operation I, Task E
UA.I.B.K16 - Prior authorization required for operation in certain airspace
UA.I.B.K17 - Operating in the vicinity of airports
UA.I.B.K18 - Operating in prohibited or restricted areas
UA.I.B.K19 - Flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by notice to airmen (NOTAM)
UA.I.B.K20 - Preflight familiarization, inspection, and actions for aircraft operations
UA.I.B.K21 - Operating limitations for sUAS
UA.I.B.K21a - Maximum groundspeed
UA.I.B.K21b - Altitude limitations
UA.I.B.K21c - Minimum visibility
UA.I.B.K21d - Cloud clearance requirements
UA.I.B.K22 - Requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating
UA.I.B.K23 - Automated operations
UA.I.B.K24 - Civil twilight operations
UA.I.B.K25 - Night operations
UA.I.B.K26 - Transportation of property
UA.I.B.K27 - ATC transponder equipment prohibition
UA.I.B.K28 - ADS-B out prohibition
UA.I.C - Task C. Remote Pilot Certification with an sUAS rating
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the requirements associated with remote pilot certification with an sUAS rating.
UA.I.C.K1 - Offenses involving alcohol or drugs
UA.I.C.K2 - Consequences of refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test or to furnish test results
UA.I.C.K3 - Eligibility requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating
UA.I.C.K4 - Aeronautical knowledge recency
UA.I.D - Task D. Waivers
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the FAA waiver policy and requirements.
UA.I.D.K1 - Waiver policy and requirements
UA.I.E - Task E. Operations over People
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the operating rules of 14 CFR Part 89 and 14 CFR Part 107, and the associated operating requirements when operating over people.
UA.I.E.K1 - Remote pilot responsibilities when operating over people
UA.I.E.K2 - Operations over people at night
UA.I.E.K3 - Category of operations, including:
UA.I.E.K3a - Category 1
UA.I.E.K3b - Category 2
UA.I.E.K3c - Category 3
UA.I.E.K3d - Category 4
UA.I.E.K4 - Selecting an operational area
UA.I.E.K5 - Minimum distances from a person
UA.I.E.K6 - Operations over moving vehicles
UA.I.E.K7 - Modifications to an sUAS
UA.I.E.K8 - Closed and restricted access sites
UA.I.E.K9 - Remote pilot operating limitations
UA.I.E.K10 - Required components and Category declaration
UA.I.E.K11 - Optional components
UA.I.E.K12 - Applicant produced, designed, or modified sUAS for operations over people
UA.I.E.K13 - Declaration of Compliance (DoC)
UA.I.E.K14 - Maintenance of an sUAS that is eligible for operations over people
UA.I.E.K15 - Means of Compliance (MoC)
UA.I.E.K16 - Impact kinetic energy
UA.I.E.K17 - Exposed rotating parts
UA.I.F - Task F. Remote Identification (RID)
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge associated with operating rules of 14 CFR Part 89 and their associated operating requirements.
UA.I.F.K1 - Standard remote identification
UA.I.F.K2 - Alternative remote identification
UA.I.F.K3 - Operations for aeronautical research
UA.I.F.K4 - ADS-B out
UA.I.F.K5 - Confirmation of identification
UA.I.F.K6 - Minimum message elements broadcast for remote identification
UA.I.F.K7 - Product labeling
UA.II - Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
15-25% of items on Certification Knowledge Test
UA.II.A - Task A. Airspace Classification
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeble in airspace classification.
UA.II.A.K1 - General airspace:
UA.II.A.K1a - Class B controlled airspace
UA.II.A.K1b - Class C controlled airspace
UA.II.A.K1c - Class D controlled airspace
UA.II.A.K1d - Class E controlled airspace
UA.II.A.K1e - Class G uncontrolled airspace
UA.II.A.K2 - Special-use airspace, such as prohibited, restricted, warning areas, military operation areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas
UA.II.A.K3 - Other airspace areas, such as Airport Advisory Services, Military Training Routes (MTRs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Parachute Jump Operations, Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs), National Security Areas (NSAs), and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) routes.
UA.II.A.K4 - Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the NAS
UA.II.B - Task B. Airspace Operational Requirements
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of airspace operational requirements.
UA.II.B.K1 - Basic weather minimums
UA.II.B.K2 - ATC authorizations and related operating limitations
UA.II.B.K3 - Operations near airports
UA.II.B.K4 - Potential flight hazards
UA.II.B.K4a - Common aircraft accident causal factors
UA.II.B.K4b - Avoid flight beneath unmanned balloons
UA.II.B.K4c - Emergency airborne inspection of other aircraft
UA.II.B.K4d - Precipitation static
UA.II.B.K4e - Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) operations and reporting illumination of aircraft
UA.II.B.K4f - Avoiding flight in the vicinity of thermal plumes such as smoke stacks and cooling towers
UA.II.B.K4g - Flying in the wire environment
UA.II.B.K5 - The NOTAM system, including how to obtain an established NOTAM through Flight Service
UA.II.B.K6 - Operator equipment for night flying
UA.II.B.K7 - Ground structures and ground structure lighting
UA.II.B.K8 - Hazards on the ground that do not have lighting
UA.II.B.K9 - Manned aircraft lighting
UA.II.B.K10 - sUAS lighting requirements
UA.III - Weather
11-16% of items on Certification Knowledge Test
UA.III.A - Task A. Sources of Weather
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sources of weather information.
UA.III.A.K1 - Internet weather briefing and sources of weather available for flight planning purposes
UA.III.A.K2 - Aviation routine weather reports (METAR)
UA.III.A.K3 - Terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAF)
UA.III.A.K4 - Weather charts
UA.III.A.K5 - Automated surface observing systems (ASOS) and automated weather observing systems (AWOS)
UA.III.B - Task B. Effects of Weather on Performance
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable of the effects of weather on performance.
UA.III.B.K1 - Weather factors and their effects on performance
UA.III.B.K1a - Density altitude
UA.III.B.K1b - Wind and currents
UA.III.B.K1c - Atmospheric stability, pressure, and temperature
UA.III.B.K1d - Air masses and fronts
UA.III.B.K1e - Thunderstorms and microbursts
UA.III.B.K1f - Tornadoes
UA.III.B.K1g - Icing
UA.III.B.K1h - Hail
UA.III.B.K1i - Fog
UA.III.B.K1j - Ceiling and visibility
UA.III.B.K1k - Lightning
UA.IV - Loading and Performance
7-11% of items on Certification Knowledge Test
UA.IV.A - Task A. Loading and Performance
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the loading and performance of an sUAS.
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
UA.IV.A.K2 - Importance and use of performance data to calculate the effect on the aircraft's performance of an sUAS
UA.V - Operations
35-45% of items on Certification Knowledge Test
UA.V.A - Task A. Radio Communications Procedures
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in radio communication procedures.
UA.V.A.K1 - Airport operations with and without an operating control tower
UA.V.A.K2 - Description and use of a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to monitor manned aircraft communications
UA.V.A.K3 - Recommended traffic advisory procedures used by manned aircraft pilots such as self-announcing of position and intentions
UA.V.A.K4 - Aeronautical advisory communication station (UNICOM) and associated communication procedures used by manned aircraft pilots
UA.V.A.K5 - Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)
UA.V.A.K6 - Aircraft call signs and registration numbers
UA.V.A.K7 - The phonetic alphabet
UA.V.A.K8 - Phraseology: altitudes, directions, speed, and time
UA.V.B - Task B. Airport Operations
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in airport operations.
UA.V.B.K1 - Types of airports such as towered, uncontrolled towered, heliport, and seaplane bases
UA.V.B.K2 - ATC towers, such as ensuring the remote pilot can monitor and interpret ATC communications to improve situational awareness
UA.V.B.K3 - Runway markings and signage
UA.V.B.K4 - Traffic patterns used by manned aircraft pilots
UA.V.B.K5 - Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA)
UA.V.B.K6 - Sources for airport data
UA.V.B.K6a - Aeronautical charts
UA.V.B.K6b - Chart Supplements
UA.V.B.K7 - Avoiding bird and wildlife hazards and reporting collisions between aircraft and wildlife
UA.V.B.K8 - Airport and seaplane base lighting
UA.V.C - Task C. Emergency Procedures
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS emergency procedures.
UA.V.C.K1 - Emergency planning and communication
UA.V.C.K2 - Characteristics and potential hazards. of lithium batteries
UA.V.C.K2a - Safe transportation such as proper inspection and handling
UA.V.C.K2b - Safe charging
UA.V.C.K2c - Safe usage
UA.V.C.K2d - Risks of fired involving lithium batteries
UA.V.C.K3 - Loss of aircraft control link and fly-aways
UA.V.C.K4 - Loss of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal during flight and potential consequences
UA.V.C.K5 - Frequency spectrums and associated limitations
UA.V.C.K6 - Procedures for operations over people
UA.V.C.K7 - Procedures for operations at night
UA.V.D - Task D. Aeronautical Decision-Making
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in aeronautical decision-making.
UA.V.D.K1 - Aeronautical decision-making
UA.V.D.K1a - Effective team communication
UA.V.D.K1b - Task management
UA.V.D.K2 - Crew Resource Management (CRM)
UA.V.D.K3 - Situational awareness
UA.V.D.K4 - Hazardous attitudes
UA.V.D.K5 - Hazard identification and risk assessment
UA.V.E - Task E. Physiology
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in the physiological factors affecting remote pilot performance.
UA.V.E.K1 - Physiological considerations and their effects on safety such as dehydration and heatstroke
UA.V.E.K2 - Drug and alcohol use
UA.V.E.K3 - Prescription and over-the-counter medication
UA.V.E.K4 - Hyperventilation
UA.V.E.K5 - Stress and fatigue
UA.V.E.K6 - Factors affecting vision
UA.V.E.K7 - Fitness for flight
UA.V.E.K8 - Physiological aspects of night operation
UA.V.E.K9 - Night illusions
UA.V.F - Task F. Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
Objective: To determine that the applicant is knowledgeable in sUAS maintenance and inspection procedures.
UA.V.F.K1 - Basic maintenance
UA.V.F.K2 - Preflight inspection
UA.V.F.K3 - Techniques to mitigate mechanical failures of all elements used in sUAS operations such as the battery and any device(s) used to operate the sUAS
UA.V.F.K4 - Appropriate record keeping
UA.V.F.K5 - Persons that may perform maintenance on a sUAS
UA.V.F.K6 - Preflight inspection for night operations
UA.V.F.K7 - Manufacturer's Declaration of Compliance for Category 2 and 3 operations
Speaking from the standpoint of a seasoned pilot I would like to recommend at this point a free AOPA membership (good for 6 months) so that you can reap the benefits of the Air Safety Institute Interactive modules at several points in this course (these will be denoted by name in message boxes much like this one).
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Sarah Nilsson, J.D., Ph.D., MAS
602 561 8665
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The information on this website is for EDUCATIONAL purposes only and DOES NOT constitute legal advice.
While the author of this website is an attorney, she is not YOUR attorney, nor are you her client, until you enter into a written agreement with Nilsson Law, PLLC to provide legal services.
In no event shall Sarah Nilsson be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages relating to this material, for any use of this website, or for any other hyperlinked website.
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