FAA Part 107 sUAS Recurrent (ALC-677) key terms

A credential issued by the FAA that authorizes a person to act as pilot in command of a small unmanned aircraft operated under Part 107 rules. It must be kept available and recurrent knowledge must be maintained.

The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that governs the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems in the National Airspace System, covering certification, operating limits, and waivers.

An unmanned aircraft, including its attached systems, that weighs less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything onboard or otherwise attached to it.

The complete operating package: the unmanned aircraft itself, the control station or transmitter, the command and control link, and any other components required for safe flight.

The total weight of the aircraft plus all attached equipment, payload, and fuel or battery at the moment of liftoff. Under Part 107 it must stay below 55 pounds.

An FAA authorization that permits specific operations otherwise prohibited by rule, such as flight over people or beyond visual line of sight, when the operator shows an equivalent level of safety.

An FAA-issued approval allowing a public or other qualified operator to conduct specific UAS operations under defined conditions and limitations, separate from a Part 107 waiver.

The training or testing requirement a remote pilot must complete within the preceding 24 calendar months to keep operating privileges current, covering updated regulations and safety topics.

The ability to see the unmanned aircraft and its surrounding airspace continuously with unaided vision, without binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices, except corrective lenses.

A crew member who assists the remote pilot by maintaining sight of the aircraft and scanning for other traffic or hazards, communicating relevant information to the pilot.

The person directly responsible for and the final authority over the operation of the unmanned aircraft, ensuring the flight is conducted safely and within regulations.

The individual who actually operates the flight controls of the unmanned aircraft, who may differ from the remote pilot in command but must follow that pilot's direction.

Controlled airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports, typically shaped like an inverted wedding cake, where operations require explicit air traffic control clearance.

Controlled airspace around airports with moderate traffic, usually consisting of a surface area and an outer shelf, where two-way radio and transponder equipment are typically required for manned aircraft.

Controlled airspace around airports with an operating control tower, typically a cylinder extending from the surface to a specified altitude, requiring communication with the tower for manned operations.

Uncontrolled airspace where air traffic control does not have authority or responsibility. Most low-altitude UAS operations occur here, though other restrictions may still apply.

Permission obtained from the controlling ATC facility before operating in certain controlled airspace, required for small UAS operations in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E areas.

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, an automated system that lets remote pilots request and receive near-real-time airspace authorizations and confirm flight notifications in controlled airspace.

A temporary limitation on flight in a defined area, issued for events such as wildfires, security, or disaster response, that all aircraft including UAS must comply with.

A time-critical notice distributed to pilots containing information about conditions, hazards, or changes to facilities and procedures that could affect a flight.

The highest altitude at which a small UAS may operate under Part 107, generally 400 feet above ground level or within 400 feet of a structure, whichever applies.

Height measured from the terrain directly below the aircraft, as opposed to height above mean sea level, and the reference used for most UAS altitude limits.

A routine aviation weather report issued at scheduled times that describes observed conditions at an airport, including wind, visibility, clouds, temperature, and altimeter setting.

A forecast of expected weather conditions at an airport for a specified period, used to anticipate wind, visibility, and cloud changes before and during flight.

A review of current and forecast weather information obtained from an approved source before flight, used to decide whether conditions permit a safe operation.

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. High density altitude reduces lift and propeller efficiency, degrading climb and performance, especially on hot days or at elevation.

A change in wind speed or direction over a short distance or time, which can cause sudden altitude changes or loss of control, particularly at low altitude near obstacles.

The process of confirming the aircraft's total weight and center of gravity fall within limits, ensuring stable handling and adequate performance.

Preflight calculation of whether the aircraft can safely complete the intended flight given its weight, altitude, temperature, wind, and battery capacity.

A preprogrammed set of actions the aircraft performs if the command and control link is interrupted, such as hovering, returning to home, or landing, chosen to minimize risk.

Predetermined actions a crew takes in response to failures or hazards, such as loss of control link, battery failure, or an intruding aircraft, intended to protect people and property.

The effective use of all available resources, including crew members, equipment, and information, through clear communication, task assignment, and shared situational awareness.

A crew's ongoing understanding of the aircraft's position, environment, traffic, and system status, allowing early recognition of developing hazards.

A systematic technique of dividing the sky into sectors and briefly focusing on each to detect other aircraft, avoiding the tendency to stare at a single point.

A structured approach to choosing the safest course of action by assessing risks, identifying hazards, and applying judgment before and during flight.

The process of identifying hazards, judging the likelihood and severity of harm, and deciding whether controls or a change of plan are needed before flight.

A systematic check of the aircraft, control station, batteries, propellers, and software before flight to confirm the system is airworthy and ready for the intended operation.

The equipment used by the remote pilot to command and monitor the unmanned aircraft, including the transmitter, display, and any connected devices running flight software.

Lights on the aircraft that make it visible to other pilots, required for night operations unless a waiver applies, and helpful for maintaining sight of the aircraft.

Flight conducted during the hours of darkness as defined by regulation, requiring the aircraft to have anti-collision lighting and the remote pilot to be trained and able to see the aircraft.