The Complete Remote Pilot by Bob Gardner, David C. Ison (z-lib.org)

10–6 The Complete Remote Pilot

APPENDIX A

Glossary

above ground level (AGL). The height in feet of an Facilities exclusively reserved for helicopters are
object, such as a tower or UAS, above the local area called heliports. Facilities specifically for seaplanes
terrain. For example, a cell phone tower that is 200 feet and amphibious aircraft are called seaplane bases.
tall would be described as being 200 feet AGL. It is common for heliports and seaplane bases to be
co-located with airports (though only the latter is
Advisory Circular (AC). An advisory document typically indicated on aeronautical charts). See also
released by the FAA to provide additional guidance heliport, seaplane base.
on important subjects that goes beyond the explana-
tions in the regulations and other documents.ACs are air traffic control (ATC). The entity in charge of sepa-
available free from the FAA’s website. Be sure you are rating aircraft in controlled airspace as well as in and
using the most recent version (expired versions are around busy airports. ATC can also provide advisory
noted as such on the AC’s first page or on the appli- and emergency assistance if requested. Remote pilots
cable download webpage). may have to contact ATC in specific situations.

aeronautical chart. A type of map used for aviation/ air traffic control tower (ATCT). A facility respon-
aeronautical purposes. These charts come in various sible for handling departures, arrivals, and ground
forms for both visual and non-visual (IFR) flying. The operations at an airport (or airports). These are almost
type of chart most commonly used by sUAS pilots always associated with Class B, C, and D airports.
is the sectional chart, which shows terrain, airports,
airspace, landmarks, and other pertinent flight data. airfoil. A structure specifically designed to produce
lift. In sUAS, the typical airfoil is the wing or propel-
aeronautical decision making (ADM). A systematic ler/rotor blade(s).
mental process for making decisions about tasks that
must be undertaken in all phases of flight. Airman’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET).
A weather warning covering a specific area that is
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). A refer- applicable to small aircraft and UAS (e.g., for windy
ence publication applicable to all types of aviation/ conditions, turbulence, low visibilities).
aerospace operations. Provides detailed information
on topics such as air traffic control, weather, airports, airspace. The region of space above the ground in
and other subjects critical to remote pilots. which aircraft operate. Airspace in the United States
is generalized into two primary categories: controlled
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). A desig- and uncontrolled. Airspace is further subdivided into
nated piece of airspace around the border regions of classes: Classes A, B, C, D, and E are types of controlled
a country to provide positive identification of aircraft airspace, while Class G is uncontrolled.
for national security.
alert area. A designated area of airspace in which a
airport. A facility from which aircraft operate. Air- large amount of flight training or other aviation activ-
ports typically have runways, taxiways, and a variety ity takes place. Extreme caution should be used when
of buildings (hangars, businesses, terminals, etc.). operating in or near an alert area.

Appendix A Glossary A-1

altimeter. An instrument that measures altitude base. The leg of an airport traffic pattern at a 90-degree
(height) with respect to a reference plane. In manned angle (perpendicular) to the approach end of the
aircraft, altitude is sensed via pressure changes in ref- runway. This leg follows the downwind and precedes
erence to sea level pressure (height above mean sea the final approach.
level [MSL]). For every 1,000 feet change in altitude,
the barometric (atmospheric) pressure changes by 1 camber. The curvature of the surfaces of an airfoil.
inch of mercury (" Hg) (e.g., a 1,000-foot increase in Camber improves the efficiency of an airfoil to gen-
altitude results in a 1" Hg decrease). Altitude can also erate pressure differences and downwash that results
be measured in reference to height above the ground, in lift.
or above ground level (AGL).
ceiling. The lowest level of cloud cover that substan-
amp. The abbreviation for ampere, a measure of elec- tially covers the sky (i.e., referred to as broken or over-
tric current. An amp is equivalent to the movement cast and not designated thin or partial).
of one coulomb of charge per second. Using water as
an example, this would be the water speed, such as in center of gravity (CG). The average location of the
a river (current). weight of an object in reference to a specific aircraft
axis (usually the longitudinal axis, though there is also
angle of attack (AOA). The angle between the middle a lateral component to CG along the lateral axis).
of an airfoil (wing or rotor blade), referred to as the
chord line, and the relative wind. Relative wind is Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). A
equal to and opposite the direction the aircraft, wing, special waiver or authorization by the FAA to allow
or rotor is moving. operations outside the parameters defined by Part 107.
Operators with current COAs are allowed to continue
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast to operate under them until they expire.
(ADS-B). A system that broadcasts aircraft position
(and other information) to all users within range. certificated flight instructor (CFI). An individual
This can be used by other aircraft to see the origina- who is licensed by the FAA to provide flight and
tor’s position. It can also be used by ground users to ground instruction.
determine the position of all aircraft that have ADS-B
installed onboard. Chart Supplement (CS). A government publica-
tion that provides “data on public and joint use air-
Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). ports, seaplane bases, heliports,VFR airport sketches,
A continuous broadcast of non-control aeronautical NAVAIDs, communications data, weather data, air-
information. This service also provides weather infor- space, special notices, and operational procedures.”
mation for the transmitting airport. Radio frequencies The CS is available free from the FAA website.2
for ATIS can be found on aeronautical charts and in
the Chart Supplement. Generally, only busy, controlled chord line. A reference line drawn from the leading
airports have ATIS. edge to the trailing edge of an airfoil.

Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS). A govern- civil twilight. The time 30 minutes before official
ment-operated website that“provides comprehensive, sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time.
user-friendly aviation weather graphics, including sUAS must have anti-collision lights to operate during
icing, turbulence, and convection.”1 civil twilight.

Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR). A Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The codification
weather report, usually distributed each hour, from air- of the general and permanent rules and regulations
ports with weather observation capabilities. METARs published in the U.S. Federal Register. Title 14 of the
provide winds, visibility, weather phenomenon (e.g., CFR applies to areas of operation and certification of
rain, fog), temperature, dew point, atmospheric pres- UAS and other aviation/aerospace vehicles.
sure (altimeter setting/sea level pressure), and any
other pertinent weather data. cold front. A weather phenomenon indicated on
weather maps with a blue line with triangles pointing
_________ in the direction in which the front is moving. A cold
1 www.aviationweather.gov/adds front is the division line between air masses in which

2 www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dafd/

A-2 Appendix A Glossary

the approaching air mass is colder than the region density altitude. The effective performance altitude
adjacent to it. Cold fronts usually move quickly and for an aircraft. It is negatively impacted (increased) by
have poor weather in a narrow band close to the fron- higher elevation, temperatures, and humidity as well as
tal boundary. lower atmospheric pressure. An example of how den-
sity altitude works: a sUAS is flying at sea level, yet if
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). The there are high temperatures and humidity in addition
frequency used by aircraft in the vicinity of an airport to low atmospheric pressure, the aircraft will perform
to report their position and to communicate with other as though it was flying in Denver, Colorado, at 5,000
local aircraft. On aeronautical charts, it is designated feet in much thinner air. In short, the performance of
with a “C” in a circle next to the applicable frequency. the aircraft will be significantly degraded.
CTAF can also be found in the Chart Supplement.
designated pilot examiner (DPE). A person desig-
control tower (CT). See air traffic control tower. nated by the FAA to represent the administration in
the issuance of pilot certificates and to conduct prac-
controlled airspace. Airspace in which aircraft may tical exams.
be subject to air traffic control. Controlled airspace
includes Classes A, B, C, D, and E. dew point. The temperature at which air becomes
completely saturated. Typically, fog or clouds will form
convective. The term that describes the vertical move- when the temperature reaches the dew point.
ment of air associated with cumulus clouds and thun-
derstorm activity. The term“convective activity” refers drag. The aerodynamic force that resists forward
to the presence of thunderstorms or cumulus clouds movement of an aircraft or airfoil. It is the force oppo-
with extensive vertical height (towering cumulus). site to thrust.

crewmember. An individual associated with the downwind. The leg of an airport traffic pattern that
operation of the sUAS, such as the remote pilot-in- is parallel to the runway. It follows the crosswind leg
command, visual observer, or the operator of the sUAS and precedes the base. It is also a term used to describe
itself. The remote PIC can be, but is not required to when an aircraft is operating with a tailwind (i.e., the
be, the operator. wind is from behind).

crew resource management (CRM). A set of train- electronic speed controllers (ESC). A circuit designed
ing procedures or curricula designed to avoid human to control the speed, braking, and direction of an elec-
errors, namely “group think” errors, in safety-critical tric motor.
environments. CRM is a process to ensure the use of
all available resources, human or otherwise, to solve endurance. The length of time that an aircraft can
problems and work in a coordinated manner. stay aloft. This is a function of the fuel/battery charge
available as well as ambient conditions.
crosswind. The leg of an airport traffic pattern that
occurs perpendicular to and beyond the departure end Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The gov-
of the runway. It occurs after the upwind leg and pre- ernment entity charged with regulation, enforcement,
cedes the downwind leg. It can also be used to describe and promotion of the aviation/aerospace industry in
aircraft operations in conditions when the wind is not the United States. The FAA is tasked with ensuring
aligned with the path of an aircraft. safe operations in the National Airspace System (NAS),
investigating accidents, and the certification of airmen,
cumulus cloud. A cloud that develops in unstable air aircraft, airports, and other system components. sUAS
due to rising air currents (convection). It has a puffy, involved in accidents that meet certain parameters are
cotton, or cauliflower-like appearance. It is generally required to report such events to the FAA.
associated with fair weather and often is indicative of
turbulent conditions. final. The leg of the traffic pattern that is aligned
with and conducted toward the approach end of the
day. See daylight. runway. This leg comes after the base and usually ends
in landing. Also referred to as “final approach.”
daylight. The period between sunrise and sunset in
which sUAS operations are authorized to take place
without a waiver or special equipment.

Appendix A Glossary A-3

first-person view (FPV). The ability of a remote pilot ground control station (GCS). The means of control-
to utilize a camera onboard a UAS to see the perspec- ling a UAS. Also known as the controller.
tive as if the user was in or on the UAS. This can be
displayed on a screen that is part of the controller, on ground effect. An aerodynamic effect when an airfoil
a tablet/smartphone, and/or in FPV goggles worn by comes near a surface (i.e., the ground) during which
the person manipulating the controls. a portion of the airfoil drag is reduced. This increases
performance slightly. Most notably, a fixed-wing
fixed wing. An aircraft that generates lift from a wing/ aircraft may “float” when it gets close to the ground
airfoil that does not move. Instead, it produces lift by during landing.
forward movement that forces air over the wing/airfoil.
In other words, it does not produce the lift it needs ground speed (GS). The speed at which an aircraft
to fly from a rotating airfoil such as a rotor blade or travels in reference to objects on the ground. For exam-
vertical propellers. ple, an aircraft flying into a 20-knot headwind with an
airspeed of 100 knots will only cross the ground at
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). A regional 80 knots. Thus we would say it has a ground speed
FAA office in charge of overseeing aviation/aerospace of 80 knots.
operations in a specific geographic area.
ground visibility. See visibility.
Flight Service Station (FSS). The provider of flight
and weather services to pilots. FSS can be accessed via heliport. An airport for rotorcraft such as helicopters.
the Internet or phone. Instead of runways, heliports have one or more heli-
pads, which are pieces of pavement to and from which
flight visibility. See visibility. helicopters/rotorcraft operate.

fly-away. An unexpected loss of control over an sUAS. icing. The accumulation of frozen liquid on an aircraft
This may involve the rapid departure of the aircraft or other object.
from the local environment.
inertial measurement unit (IMU). A circuit that is
fog. An atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when capable of detecting movements and accelerations in
the air becomes saturated with moisture, resulting in different axes. IMUs are used by some sUAS for stabil-
reduced visibility. Fog is simply a cloud that occurs on ity enhancement, navigation, and control.
or near the ground.
instrument flight rules (IFR). A set of FAA rules that
frequency. The numerical identification of a radio applies to aircraft that fly on IFR flight plans and to
channel used for communication. For example, the allow aircraft to fly in poor weather (less than 3 SM
aviation emergency frequency is 121.50. To use this visibility and cloud ceiling heights below 1,000 AGL—
frequency, you would tune your applicable air band referred to as Instrument Meteorological Conditions
radio to 121.50 MHz. or IMC). IFR aircraft primarily navigate with sophisti-
cated instruments and navigation systems,such as GPS.
front. A division between air masses of different tem-
peratures or humidities. Fronts often bring changing Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating
weather and, in some cases, poor weather. Application (IACRA). The FAA’s electronic applica-
tion system, which should be used when applying for
frost. A deposit of frozen moisture that adheres to your remote pilot certificate.
surfaces when both the air and surface temperatures
are below freezing. Frost is not dew that freezes or knot. A unit of speed equivalent to one nautical mile
rain that freezes to a surface. Frost creates a rough per hour.
surface, which can disrupt airflow if it forms on an
airfoil, significantly reducing performance (or even landing. The phase of flight when an aircraft is being
preventing flight). recovered from flight. Landing also refers to the actual
moment when an aircraft comes in contact with the
Global Positioning System (GPS). A U.S.-based net- appropriate surface to end a flight.
work of satellites that provide very accurate position
information for navigation purposes. GPS is one of lapse rate. The rate at which temperature (or other
several Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS); for measures) change with changes in altitude. In the
example, Russia has its own system called GLONASS. International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), the tem-

A-4 Appendix A Glossary

perature decreases at 2 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet Military Training Route (MTR). Military flight
of altitude. routes indicated on aeronautical charts. The aircraft
flying on MTRs tend to operate at high speeds and
latitude. The navigation reference lines that are par- potentially at low altitudes. Remote pilots should use
allel to the equator. They are designated as north or caution when operating near MTRs.
south of the equator. Latitude is measured in degrees,
minutes, and seconds. Each minute of latitude is multicopter. A rotorcraft that utilizes more than one
approximately equal to 1 nautical mile (NM). rotor/propeller system.

leading edge. The front surface of an airfoil. The sur- National Airspace System (NAS). The various types
face of the airfoil that first contacts oncoming air. of airspace that exist in the United States as well as
the systems that support this airspace (e.g., air traffic
left traffic. A traffic pattern in which all turns are to control).
the left. Aircraft are to the left of the landing runway
in this type of pattern. For example, if operating from National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The
runway 36 (to the north), left traffic would take the agency in charge of investigating transportation acci-
aircraft to the west while in the traffic pattern. dents in the United States. sUAS involved in accidents
that meet certain parameters are required to report
lift. The force of flight that supports the aircraft in the such events to the NTSB.
air. It acts vertically in opposition to weight.
nautical mile (NM). A distance of 6,076 feet or
lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. A rechargeable bat- approximately 1.15 statute miles. NM are used for
tery that uses lithium and a gelled polymer electrolyte most aviation navigation distance measurements.
in a pouch-like housing. The average consumer LiPo
battery is essentially a Lithium-ion battery with minor nickel cadmium (NiCad) battery. A rechargeable bat-
modifications. LiPo batteries are preferred to NiCad tery that utilizes nickel (oxide hydroxide) and metallic
batteries due to their lighter weight, higher capacities, cadmium as conductors.
and high potential discharge rates. Unfortunately, they
are more susceptible to failure and fire. LiPo fires can Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). A notification of a
quickly become uncontrollable. change to expected or documented procedures or
operations. For example, a NOTAM may be used to
load factor. The ratio of lift required to weight. Due notify that a control tower frequency has been changed
to acceleration forces, when an aircraft enters a turn or that airspace is restricted due to the President being
while holding altitude, the actual lift required to sup- in the area. Be sure to check for NOTAMs before each
port it increases. Thus, a 100-pound sUAS in a steep flight to avoid unwanted attention from the FAA or
turn (60 degrees) may, in fact, need to produce 200 law enforcement.
pounds of lift.
pilot-in-command (PIC). The person in charge of
longitude. The navigation reference lines that run the operation of an aircraft. In the case of UAS, they
from the north pole to the south pole. They are des- are referred to as the remote PIC. Note: the remote
ignated as east or west of the prime meridian, which PIC does not necessarily have to be at the controls
passes through Greenwich, England. The other east/ of the UAS.
west border is the international date line in the Pacific
Ocean. precipitation. Any liquid that falls from the sky.
Examples include rain, drizzle, sleet, snow, and hail.
magnetometer. An electronic, magnetic field detec- Generally, precipitation and sUAS operations do not
tor. In short, it is a fancy term for an electric compass. mix.
Magnetometers are used by some sUAS for navigation
and orientation purposes. prohibited airspace. Designated areas of airspace in
which all types of aircraft operations are prohibited.
Military Operations Area (MOA). A type of special Although the regulations state that you can enter these
use airspace, designed to separate military aircraft areas with the permission of the controlling agency,
training and activities occurring in the designated this is not likely (unless you are the U.S. military or
area from non-military air traffic. Remote pilots other government agency).
should avoid flight in these areas when they are active
(referred to as “hot”).

Appendix A Glossary A-5

propeller. Essentially a set or array of rotating airfoils. rotor. The non-stationary part of a motor or engine.
Propellers produce thrust (lift) that can be used to In the case of sUAS, it is the component of a motor/
push an aircraft forward or, in the case of multicopters, engine that drives propeller or rotor blades.
to take the aircraft aloft.
rotor blade. Essentially a large propeller blade, nor-
quadcopter. A rotorcraft with four motors and mally associated with helicopters and other rotorcraft,
propellers. that produces the lift/thrust required to attain flight.

relative wind. The airflow that moves parallel to and rotorcraft. An aircraft in which the primary lift-
in the opposite direction of the movement of the air- generation airfoil rotates, such as in the form of rotor
craft (or airfoil). The angle between the relative wind blades or alternatively, vertically mounted propellers.
and the chord line is referred to as the angle of attack
(AOA). runway. Pavement used by aircraft for takeoff and
landing. Although runways are typically reserved for
remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). The term manned aircraft, they may be needed by larger UAS.
used by many countries outside the United States to
describe UA or UAS. RPAS is synonymous with UAS. seaplane base. An airport for seaplanes and amphib-
ious aircraft. Waterways, lakes, and other bodies of
remote pilot-in-command (remote PIC). The person water serve as the “runways” for these aircraft.
in charge of the operation of a UAS. Note: the remote
PIC does not necessarily have to be at the controls of Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET).
the UAS. A weather warning covering a specific area and that
is applicable to all types of aircraft and UAS (e.g., for
restricted airspace. Designated areas of airspace in extreme and dangerous conditions).
which certain types of aircraft operations are restricted.
Although the regulations state that you can enter these small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS). UAS that
areas with the permission of the controlling agency, are below 55 pounds (25 kg).
this is not likely unless you are a participant or the
restricted airspace is not currently effective (referred special use airspace (SUA). Airspace that is subject
to as being “cold”). Restricted airspace can have dan- to special controls or restrictions. Examples include
gerous and sometimes invisible hazards to aviation Military Operations Areas (MOAs) and Restricted
operations. Airspace.

right traffic. A traffic pattern in which all turns are stability (atmospheric). The general condition of the
to the right. Aircraft are to the right of the landing atmosphere in reference to how conducive such condi-
runway in this type of pattern. For example, if operat- tions are to the development of bad weather, namely
ing from runway 36 (to the north), right traffic would convective activity. Unstable air has a higher tendency
take the aircraft to the east while in the traffic pattern. to produce turbulence, cumulus clouds, and thunder-
storms than stable air. One can gauge the stability of
ring vortex state (RVS). An aerodynamic condition the atmosphere by comparing ambient lapse rates with
that causes a disruption of airflow in the vicinity of the standard lapse rate of 2 degrees Celsius per 1,000
rotor/propeller blades of rotorcraft. This occurs when feet. If the temperature decreases at a faster lapse rate
the aircraft is descending at slow speed and in a steep, (more than 2 degrees), the atmosphere is said to be
vertical manner. If left unchecked, it can lead to loss of unstable. The larger the deviation, the more unstable
control and/or a rapid increase in descent rate. it is. The reverse is true: if temperature decreases at
a rate less than 2 degrees (or even increases), we say
risk management. A procedure of predicting and that the atmosphere is stable.
assessing risks that may be encountered in flight so
as to identify procedures to avoid or mitigate their stall. An aerodynamic condition in which the airflow
impact. over the top of the airfoil becomes detached, dramati-
cally reducing the lift produced. This occurs when the
revolutions per minute (RPM). Also referred to rota- angle of attack reaches or exceeds the critical angle
tions per minute. The number of times a component, of attack. This can occur if the aircraft flies too slow,
such as a motor or propeller, spins each minute. pitches up too high, or conducts maneuvers that are
too abrupt. The only way to recover from a stall is to
reduce the angle of attack.

A-6 Appendix A Glossary

statute mile (SM). A distance of 5,280 feet. Commonly true airspeed (TAS). The speed at which an aircraft
referred to as miles in non-aviation contexts. SM are moves through the air. Simply, how fast air molecules
sometimes used for distances in aviation, such as in pass by the aircraft. In still air, TAS will equal ground
aviation weather reports (METARs and TAFs). speed.

stratus cloud. A type of cloud produced in stable air. turbulence. Atmospheric condition that causes air-
Stratus clouds are sheet-like in appearance and are craft instability during flight. This can be caused by
generally associated with smooth air. wind shear, thermals, or other disruptive conditions.

take off. The maneuver in which an aircraft leaves uncontrolled airspace. Airspace in which aircraft are
the ground; the moment when the aircraft leaves the not subject to air traffic control. Uncontrolled airspace
surface. is also referred to as Class G.

taxiway. Pavement used by aircraft to maneuver (taxi) Universal Communications (UNICOM). A private,
to and from runways. Taxiways are typically reserved non-air traffic control radio facility that provides advi-
for manned aircraft; however, larger UAS may require sory communications capabilities for aircraft. It can
the use of taxiways in some cases. be used to request services and assistance from onsite
businesses or other providers. UNICOM is often avail-
temperature. The amount of energy in the atmo- able at both towered and non-towered airports.
sphere measured in degrees Celsius (in aviation
weather products). Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). A standard time
used in aviation operations based upon the time in
temporary flight restriction (TFR). A restriction to Greenwich, England, uncorrected for daylight savings.
flight operations issued via NOTAM. Flight into a TFR Given in 24-hour time (military) format.Also referred
can have dramatic consequences usually involving law to as ZULU time. UTC is used in communications,
enforcement or government agencies. Be careful to NOTAMs, and weather forecasts.
avoid TFRs.
unmanned aircraft (UA). A term used to describe the
terminal area forecast (TAF). An aviation weather actual aircraft that is part of a UAS (i.e., it excludes the
forecast for a specific airport. In general, the predicted ground station/controller).
weather is limited to within 5 miles of the airport,
although this product can provide limited additional unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The total system
information to a 10-mile radius. associated with an unmanned aircraft to include the
ground station/controller, sensors, processors, and
thermal. Upwards movement of air typically as a other components. Generically, it is used to describe
result of terrestrial heating. Thermals can be used for what is also referred to as a drone or remote-controlled
lift by aircraft, specifically gliders. aircraft. Previously referred to as unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAV).
thrust. The aerodynamic force that opposes drag. The
force produced by propeller or rotor blades. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). See unmanned
aircraft system (UAS).
thunderstorm. A cumulus cloud that becomes large
enough to produce significant rainfall and lightning. upwind. The leg of an airport traffic pattern that
Thunderstorms may also produce strong gusts, down- occurs parallel to the departure runway immediately
drafts, and hail. following take-off. The aircraft then turns 90-degrees
to enter the crosswind leg. This can also be used to
traffic pattern. The rectangular pattern aircraft follow describe aircraft operations into the wind.
as they maneuver in the proximity of an airport. Air-
craft enter, exit, or remain within the pattern depend- variation. The difference between references to mag-
ing upon their destination and intent. netic and true north. For example, if you align your
aircraft with a line of longitude facing the true north
trailing edge. The aft edge of an airfoil. pole (360 or 000 degrees), and your magnetic compass
(which points to the magnetic north pole) indicates a
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The 010 heading, you have 10 degrees of variation.
government entity charged with the safety of trans-
portation in the United States. The TSA vets poten-
tial remote pilots prior to the FAA issuing permanent
certificates.

Appendix A Glossary A-7

virga. Precipitation that evaporates before it reaches warm front. The division line between air masses in
the surface. Virga is usually associated with turbulent which the approaching air mass is warmer than the
conditions. region adjacent to it. This weather phenomenon is
indicated on weather maps with a red line with half-
visibility. The distance at which you can see promi- circles pointing in the direction in which the front is
nent objects. Flight visibility refers to the ability to see moving. Warm fronts usually move slowly and have
prominent objects from the perspective of the cockpit poor weather over a wide band ahead of the frontal
(or ground control station), i.e., slant visibility. Ground boundary.
visibility is that which is reported in weather reports
and is controlling for manned aircraft in terms of warning area. Designated areas of airspace in which
adherence to the applicable flight rules (VFR or IFR). there are certain dangerous and sometimes invisible
hazards to aviation operations, much like restricted
visual flight rules (VFR). The set of FAA regulations airspace. However, because warning areas are located
that dictate operations by aircraft that are not flying far enough offshore to be outside of the authority of
under IFR. VFR flight requires good weather condi- the United States, such airspace cannot technically be
tions (i.e., more than 3 SM visibility and cloud ceiling restricted.
heights above 1,000). VFR aircraft navigate with the
assistance of visual cues. weight. The force imparted on an aircraft due to the
effect of gravity. This force is what must be countered
visual line-of-sight (VLOS). The remote pilot’s abil- by lift to support an aircraft in flight.
ity to see the UAS without any aids to vision (such as
using FPV or binoculars). weight and balance. The procedure of properly load-
ing an aircraft within its operational limits to ensure
visual observer (VO). A crewmember who is respon- that it remains controllable and has the expected or
sible for maintaining visual contact with the sUAS and printed performance capabilities specified by the
communicating this information to the remote pilot- manufacturer.
in-command and person operating the controls.
wildlife refuge area. An area in which manned aircraft
very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR). are requested to avoid overflying at low altitude. These
A navigational aid used by aircraft, often to define areas are designated to avoid disrupting local animal
aircraft routes or position. life. It is advisable that sUAS operations remain well
clear of these areas.Violation of this airspace may open
very high frequency omnidirectional range with the operator to enforcement actions or liabilities to
tactical air navigation (VORTAC). A navigational agencies other than the FAA.
aid used by aircraft, often to define aircraft routes or
position coupled with a similar system used by mili- wind shear. A rapid change in wind direction and/
tary aircraft, Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN). This or speed. Wind shear can have a major impact on the
type of facility provides distance information from controllability of an aircraft. It occurs when wind is
the facility with the appropriate onboard equipment. affected by terrain or obstructions as well as poor
weather conditions.Air traffic control will report wind
volt. A measure of electromotive force or potential. shear on local frequencies, and if wind shear is present,
It is the electrical “push” available. Using water as an sUAS operations should be terminated or conducted
example, it would be equivalent to the water pressure. with extreme caution.

waiver. An authorization provided by the FAA for spe- wing. The part of an aircraft that typically acts as the
cific sUAS operations. Persons can apply for waivers means to generate lift (i.e., an airfoil). Wings can also
directly with the FAA. Examples of potential waivable house electronic equipment, engines/motors, fuel,
activities include operations in Class B airspace or at landing gear, and other components.
night.

wake turbulence. Turbulent air created behind, under,
or near an aircraft as a result of the generation of lift
(wing or rotor vortices) or from engine thrust.

A-8 Appendix A Glossary

APPENDIX B

Chart Supplement Legend:
Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-1

B-2 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-3

B-4 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-5

B-6 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-7

B-8 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-9

B-10 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-11

B-12 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-13

B-14 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-15

B-16 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-17

B-18 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory B-19

B-20 Appendix B Chart Supplement Legend: Airport/Facility Directory

APPENDIX C

Chart Supplement Excerpts

Appendix C Chart Supplement Excerpts C-1

C-2 Appendix C Chart Supplement Excerpts

Appendix C Chart Supplement Excerpts C-3

C-4 Appendix C Chart Supplement Excerpts

APPENDIX D

Additional Full-Color Illustrations

Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations D-1

B
G

D C
E

J

F

D-2 Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations

Seattle Sectional Chart and Legend

THIS REPRODUCTION NOT
TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION

N H
A

I

Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations D-3

Sectional chart legend

D-4 Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations

Sectional chart legend (continued)

Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations D-5

NORTH ALABAMA SECTIONAL CHART

D-6 Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations

Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations D-7

AIRPORT SIGNS
From Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Figure A. Runway Holding Position Sign Figure B. Holding Position Sign
at beginning of takeoff runway

Figure C. Holding Position Sign for a Taxiway that Figure D. Holding Position
intersects the intersection of two runways Sign for ILS Critical Area

Figure E. Holding Position Sign Figure F. Sign Prohibiting Aircraft
for a runway approach area Entry into an area

Figure G. Runway Figure H. Direction Figure I. Destination Sign for common
Location Sign Sign for runway exit taxiing route to two runways

Figure J. Destination Sign for different Figure K. Runway Distance Remaining Sign
taxiing routes to two runways indicating 3,000 feet of runway remaining

Figure L. Taxiway Figure M. Runway Boundary Sign
Location Sign

D-8 Appendix D Additional Full-Color Illustrations

Index

A B

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) . . . . . . . . 2-4, 2-15 B4UFLY app . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4, 2-9
ADS-B. See Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7, 7-8, 8-3.
advection fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10, 6-11
advisory circulars (AC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2, 2-4, 2-14 See also LiPo batteries; battery maintenance;
aeronautical decision making . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3, 9-5 battery fires
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) . . . . . . . . 1-2, 2-1, battery fires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1, 8-4
battery maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
2-2, 5-3
Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) . . . . . . . 2-9, 3-14 C
airport data block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
airport identifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
airports Ceiling and Visibility Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19, 6-23
center of gravity (CG). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
controlled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8–4-10 chart reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
non-tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Chart Supplement (CS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14, 3-1
Part 139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9–4-10 chord line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1, 7-2
airport signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Class A airspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
airspace classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6, 3-7 Class B airspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
airspeed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3, 3-5 Class C airspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9, 4-9
air traffic control (ATC) . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2, 4-12, 5-2, 5-3, 5-6 Class D airspace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9–3-11, 4-9, 5-5
alert areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Class E airspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11, 4-9
angle of attack (AOA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2, 7-1 Class G airspace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Area Forecast (FA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27 clearance bar lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International cloud types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6, 6-7
(AUVSI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12, 2-15 cold front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4, 6-5
Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). . . 5-2, 6-28 cold weather operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) . 5-2, 6-28 commercial operations. See non-recreational operations
Automatic Dependant Surveillance - Broadcast Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) . . . . . . . . 4-3,
(ADS-B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8, 4-13, 5-6
Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). . 1-2, 4-3, 4-7, 5-4
4-8, 5-2 communication frequencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) . . . . 1-3, 6-22, communications by remote PICs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
6-25, 6-27, 6-28 communications components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Aviation Safety Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 controlled airspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9, 3-6
controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
control towers . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2, 3-9, 3-11, 4-4, 4-8, 5-2, 5-5
convective currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
convective forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28, 6-30

Index I-1

Coriolis force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 G
crew resource management (CRM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
crosswind operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 geographical coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
cumulonimbus clouds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7, 6-27 geographic position markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
cumulus clouds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4, 6-6, 6-8 Government Printing Office (GPO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
GPS, loss of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
D Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA). . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
ground controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8, 5-5
datalink loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 ground control station (GCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 7-9, 10-2
DECIDE model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
density altitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5, 7-6 failure of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
ground effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9, 7-10
effect on performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7, 7-8 ground speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
destination signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
dew point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3, 6-4, 6-6 H
direction signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
drugs and alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10, 9-1 handheld radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1, 4-12, 5-2, 5-3
helicopters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 4-6, 7-9
E high-pressure areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

electric engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5–1-6, 1-7 I
electronic speed controller (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6, 1-7
emergencies icing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5, 6-11
information signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 inspection intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2–10-3
inflight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 8-2–8-6 internal combustion engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5, 1-7
emergency communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 International Standard Atmosphere (ISA). . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
emergency frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13, 5-2, 5-4 isobars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2, 6-28
emergency procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1–8-8
Endangered Species Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 K
endurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
engine failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Koch Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

F L

FAA publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 landing distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3–2-13 landing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6, 1-9
landing pattern indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
14 CFR Part 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3, 2-4 landing strip indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
14 CFR Part 107 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5–2-7 latitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2, 3-4
14 CFR Part 107 Operating Rules. . . . . . . . . . . 2-7–2-10 law enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12, 4-12, 8-7
14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot lift 7-2, 7-4
line-of-sight radio limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10–2-12 LiPo batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8, 8-1, 8-4, 10-2, 10-3
14 CFR Part 107 Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 load factor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
fire, battery. See battery fires local aviation regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12–2-13
first-person view (FPV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 1-9 location considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
fitness to fly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1 location signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
fixed-wing sUAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 1-8, 7-2, 7-6 longitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2, 3-4
flight controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5, 1-6 low-frequency transmissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
flight controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 low-pressure areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2, 7-6
flight logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
fly-away. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6, 8-2
fog 6-3, 6-6, 6-10
fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
See also cold front; warm front; occluded front
frost 6-11

I-2 Index

M R

magnetic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25 radar chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
magnetic north . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4, 4-1, 6-25 radar services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
magnetic variation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3, 3-4 radiation fog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
maintenance logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4 radio communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1–5-10
mandatory instruction signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 radio procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3, 5-4
Military Operations Area (MOA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 3-13 recreational flying. See model aircraft
Military Training Routes (MTRs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14 refresher training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
model aircraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1–2-20
MULTICOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 relative humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3, 6-4
multicopter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 1-7, 1-9, 7-9 remote pilot certification. See Federal Aviation Regulations
restricted areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9, 3-12
N risk management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5, 9-6

National Security Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 I’M SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) . . . . 1-3, 2-6 PAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
National Weather Service (NWS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3, 6-13 Three P’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
nautical mile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 3-3 rotating beacons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5, 4-9
night operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12, 4-13 rotor-wing sUAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 7-2
non-recreational operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4, 2-7 runway diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 runway distance remaining signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 2-9, runway guard lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
runway markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4, 4-7
2-15, 2-16, 3-1, 3-12 runway numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
NOTAM (D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15–2-16
S
O
sectional chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1, 3-5
occluded front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 2-5
operating rules. See Federal Aviation Regulations standard lapse rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
operations, off-airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 statute mile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 3-3
stop bar lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
P stratus clouds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
structural failures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
phonetic alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 sun blindness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Pilot/Controller Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1, 5-3 SuperUnicoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Pilot Reports (PIREPs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 surface analysis chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2, 6-3, 6-6,
positive exchange of flight controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
postflight inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 6-14, 6-16, 6-18, 6-28, 6-29
preflight inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9, 10-1
pressure altitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 T
privacy issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13, 4-11
prognostic charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14, 6-16, 6-18, 6-19 takeoff performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
prohibited areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9, 3-12 taxiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
property rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 taxiway centerline lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
taxiway centerline marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Q temperature/dew point spread . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4, 6-10, 6-25
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). . . . 1-4, 2-4, 2-15, 3-12
QR codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14-2-15 terminal area charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
quadcopter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 1-6, 1-8 Terminal Area Forecast (TAF). . . . . . . . 1-4, 6-19, 6-21, 6-27
Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
thunderstorm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6, 6-7, 6-8, 6-9, 6-25

squall line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7–6-8
time conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2, 3-3

Index I-3

time zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 W
tower controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8, 4-9, 5-6
toxic fumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2 waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
traffic pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2, 4-3, 4-6 wake turbulence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
transponder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 warm front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
trim 1-9, 7-9 warning areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
true airspeed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12–6-14
true north . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4, 6-25 weather briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
turbulence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6, 6-8, 6-9 weather information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13, 6-28
weight and balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
U
calculations for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
UAS components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5, 1-6 wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
repair and replacement of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4 wildlife refuge area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
wind drift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
uncontrolled airspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9, 3-6 wind indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1, 4-2
UNICOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4, 4-7, 5-2, 5-4 wind shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7, 6-9–6-10
Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 3-2 wing and lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1–7-2
unmanned aircraft system (UAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1, 1-4 wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2, 7-3, 7-5
upslope fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Z
V
Zulu time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2–3-3
very high frequency (VHF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
visual illusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
visual line-of-sight (VLOS) . . . . . . . 1-4, 2-8, 2-12, 4-11, 8-1
visual scanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
vortex ring state (VRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

I-4 Index

THE COMPLETE BOB GARDNER began his flying career
in Alaska in the U.S. Coast Guard. Over
REMOTE PILOT the next 50+ years, he earned his ATP and
Instructor certificates, flew commercially,
Bob Gardner and David Ison and operated as a designated examiner,
Director of ASA Ground Schools, author,
This textbook is for anyone interested in pursuing and obtaining a journalist, and airshow lecturer.
Remote Pilot certificate, which is required in order to operate drones
for commercial use. With a friendly and readable style, the authors Dr. DAVID ISON is an Associate Professor
cover all of the details involved in becoming a competent, responsible, of Aeronautics for the College of
and safe remote pilot, opening up tremendous opportunities for flying Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
increasingly affordable and sophisticated small unmanned aircraft University–Worldwide. He has been
systems (sUAS). involved in aviation for more than 30
years, which includes 6,000 flight hours
An FAA Knowledge Exam is a requirement for earning a Remote Pilot in aircraft such as the Canadair Regional
certificate. The Complete Remote Pilot is designed to not only prepare you Jet, Boeing 737, and Lockheed L-1011. He
for the exam but to teach you about how UAS fly, their components and also has a wide array of experience with
systems, and the aeronautical knowledge required to fly these systems fixed-wing and multicopter drones.
in the same airspace as large commercial jets. This book covers specifics
on the language of drones, regulations, airspace and navigation, airport Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.
and off-airport operations, radio communication procedures, weather, 7005 132nd Place SE
aerodynamics and aircraft performance, emergency procedures, human
factors, maintenance, and preflight inspection procedures. Newcastle, Washington 98059
425-235-1500
The required aeronautical knowledge is augmented with specific tips
and techniques, checklists and mnemonic devices, and sound advice www.asa2fly.com
from personal experience. You’ll benefit from the review questions for ASA-RPT
each chapter similar to the type found on the FAA test, a comprehensive
glossary, and index. This practical application of the knowledge needed
to pass the FAA Exam is not available in any other book! You will gain
the knowledge needed to pass the test and understand how to operate
safely as a remote pilot in the U.S. National Airspace System.