FAA BGI cheat sheet

Part 107 applies to small unmanned aircraft (sUA) weighing less than 55 lb (25 kg) at takeoff, including everything attached or carried.

A Remote Pilot Certificate with sUA rating is required to operate under Part 107; it is obtained by passing the initial aeronautical knowledge test and completing TSA security vetting.

Recurrent training must be completed every 24 calendar months to maintain currency; the training covers the same knowledge areas as the initial test.

Operations in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace require prior ATC authorization (LAANC or manual authorization); Class G airspace requires no authorization.

Maximum allowable altitude is 400 ft AGL above the ground or within 400 ft of a structure, whichever is higher, when operating under Part 107.

Visual line of sight (VLOS) must be maintained at all times without the use of vision-enhancing devices other than corrective lenses.

Operations over people are permitted only when the sUA meets Category 1, 2, or 3 requirements (e.g., weight, impact energy, or manufacturer declaration) or when all people are under a covered structure or in a moving vehicle.

A Remote Pilot in Command must report an accident to the FAA within 10 calendar days if it causes serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage exceeding $500 (excluding the sUA).

Part 107 prohibits operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft unless the operation is over sparsely populated areas and the sUA is not transporting property for compensation.

Preflight inspection must include checking the sUA structure, propellers, batteries, control links, and onboard systems; a systematic checklist reduces the risk of in-flight failures.

Right-of-way rules: the sUA must yield to all manned aircraft; give way to the right when converging with another sUA at the same altitude, and avoid passing over, under, or in front of another aircraft.

In-flight emergencies: execute the lost-link procedure (typically hover, then land or return-to-home) and maintain situational awareness of manned aircraft traffic.

Crew resource management (CRM) principles apply to sUA operations: define roles for the remote pilot and visual observer, use clear callouts, and maintain sterile cockpit during critical phases.

Weather minimums for Part 107: 3 statute miles visibility from the control station; cloud clearance: 500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontally from clouds, and 2,000 ft above (Class G at or below 1,200 ft AGL).

Radio communications: monitor the appropriate CTAF or ATC frequency when operating near airports; announce position and intentions to enhance traffic awareness.

Lost link procedures must be programmed before flight and should include a predetermined action (e.g., hover, land, or return to home) that avoids hazards and complies with airspace authorization.

Night operations require anti-collision lighting on the sUA visible for at least 3 statute miles, and the remote pilot must be able to see the sUA's orientation and flight path.

Density altitude = pressure altitude + 120 × (OAT − ISA temperature); high density altitude reduces propeller efficiency and lift, increasing takeoff distance and climb rate.

Weight and balance: the sUA's center of gravity must be within the manufacturer's limits; adding payloads (cameras, sensors) can shift CG and affect stability and control.

Battery performance: voltage sag under load reduces available power; plan for a 20-30% reserve and account for temperature effects (cold reduces capacity, heat can cause swelling).

Load factor = 1 / cos(bank angle); increasing bank angle increases load factor and stall speed, which is critical for fixed-wing sUA and for multirotor during aggressive maneuvers.

Performance planning must consider wind (headwind/tailwind), temperature, altitude, and humidity; use the manufacturer's performance charts and apply safety margins.

Endurance and range are limited by battery capacity and power consumption; calculate power required for hover vs. forward flight, and monitor remaining battery percentage in real time.

Takeoff and landing distances are affected by surface type, slope, and obstacles; for multirotor, vertical takeoff and landing minimize ground roll but require clear approach/departure paths.

Preflight planning includes NOTAMs, TFRs, airspace classification, and weather forecasts; use official sources (e.g., 1800wxbrief.com, FAA NOTAM system) and document the go/no-go decision.

Human factors: fatigue, stress, and complacency degrade decision-making; use the IMSAFE checklist (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion) before flight.

Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) frameworks: use the DECIDE model (Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate) to systematically resolve in-flight problems.

Risk management: identify hazards, assess risk using a matrix (likelihood × severity), and mitigate to an acceptable level; use the PAVE checklist (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures).

Physiological factors: dehydration and heat stress impair cognitive performance; maintain hydration and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun.

Situational awareness: maintain a scan for manned aircraft, obstacles, and changing weather; use a visual observer when the sUA may be difficult to see against clutter.

Emergency procedures: practice lost-link, fly-away, and battery failure scenarios; know how to initiate a manual override or emergency landing.

Crew coordination: brief all participants on roles, communication protocols, and emergency actions; use standard phraseology to avoid misunderstanding.

Post-incident actions: secure the area, preserve data (logs, telemetry), and report to the FAA as required; conduct a root-cause analysis to prevent recurrence.