FAA BGI flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Part 107 applicability

Part 107 governs civil operation of small unmanned aircraft systems weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kg) at takeoff, including all attached equipment and payloads.

Remote Pilot Certificate

A certificate with a small unmanned aircraft system rating issued by the FAA after passing the initial aeronautical knowledge test and completing TSA security vetting.

Recurrent training requirement

Remote pilots must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain currency; the training covers the same knowledge areas as the initial certification test.

Class B airspace authorization

Operations in Class B airspace require prior ATC authorization; pilots may request it through LAANC or the FAA's manual authorization process before flight.

Maximum altitude limit

Under Part 107, the maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above ground level or 400 feet above a structure, whichever is higher, when operating within 400 feet of the structure.

Visual line of sight

The remote pilot or a visual observer must maintain unaided visual contact with the small unmanned aircraft at all times, without using vision-enhancing devices other than corrective lenses.

Operations over people

Operations over people are allowed only if the small unmanned aircraft meets Category 1, 2, or 3 requirements, or if all people are under a covered structure or inside a moving vehicle.

Accident reporting threshold

A remote pilot 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 small unmanned aircraft.

Moving vehicle restriction

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

Preflight inspection

A systematic preflight inspection checks the airframe, propellers, batteries, control links, and onboard systems to reduce the risk of in-flight failures.

Right-of-way rules

The small unmanned aircraft must yield to all manned aircraft; when converging with another small unmanned aircraft at the same altitude, give way to the right and avoid passing over, under, or in front.

Lost-link procedure

A programmed response to loss of command and control link, typically hover, land, or return to home, designed to avoid hazards and comply with airspace authorization.

Crew resource management

CRM for small unmanned aircraft operations includes defining roles for the remote pilot and visual observer, using clear callouts, and maintaining a sterile cockpit during critical phases.

Weather minimums

Part 107 requires at least 3 statute miles visibility from the control station and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontally, and 2,000 feet above in Class G airspace at or below 1,200 feet AGL.

CTAF monitoring

When operating near an airport, monitor the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency and announce position and intentions to enhance traffic awareness and avoid conflicts.

Night operations lighting

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

Density altitude formula

Density altitude equals pressure altitude plus 120 times the difference between outside air temperature and ISA temperature; high density altitude reduces propeller efficiency and lift.

Weight and balance

The small unmanned aircraft's center of gravity must remain within manufacturer limits; adding payloads such as cameras or sensors can shift CG and affect stability and control.

Battery performance planning

Voltage sag under load reduces available power; plan for a 20-30% reserve and account for temperature effects, since cold reduces capacity and heat can cause swelling.

Load factor formula

Load factor equals 1 divided by the cosine of the bank angle; increasing bank angle increases load factor and stall speed, which is critical for fixed-wing small unmanned aircraft.

Performance planning factors

Performance planning must consider wind, temperature, altitude, and humidity; use the manufacturer's performance charts and apply safety margins to all calculated values.

Endurance and range

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

Takeoff and landing distances

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

Preflight planning sources

Preflight planning includes NOTAMs, TFRs, airspace classification, and weather forecasts from official sources such as 1800wxbrief.com and the FAA NOTAM system; document the go/no-go decision.

IMSAFE checklist

The IMSAFE checklist assesses Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion; it helps pilots identify personal factors that could degrade decision-making before flight.

DECIDE model

The DECIDE model is an aeronautical decision-making framework: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate; it provides a systematic approach to resolving in-flight problems.

PAVE checklist

The PAVE checklist assesses Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressures; it is used to identify hazards and manage risk before and during flight.

Risk management matrix

A risk management matrix assesses risk by combining likelihood and severity; hazards are identified, assessed, and mitigated to an acceptable level before flight.

Physiological factors

Dehydration and heat stress impair cognitive performance; pilots should maintain hydration and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun to preserve decision-making ability.

Situational awareness

Situational awareness involves maintaining a scan for manned aircraft, obstacles, and changing weather; a visual observer helps when the small unmanned aircraft is difficult to see against clutter.

Emergency procedure practice

Pilots should practice lost-link, fly-away, and battery failure scenarios and know how to initiate a manual override or emergency landing to reduce risk during actual emergencies.

Post-incident actions

After an incident, secure the area, preserve data such as logs and telemetry, report to the FAA as required, and conduct a root-cause analysis to prevent recurrence.