Mixed Deck — All FAA Topics Flashcards

How is a private airport depicted on a sectional chart?

Answer: As a magenta circle with an "R" inside.

A private airport is shown as a circle with an "R" in the middle, depicted in magenta. The "R" signifies that it is a restricted or private airport, and prior permission is required for use.

What is the purpose of a Certificate of Waiver (CoW) under Part 107?

Answer: To allow operations that deviate from specific Part 107 regulations

A Certificate of Waiver allows a remote pilot to conduct operations that would otherwise violate specific Part 107 regulations, provided equivalent safety can be maintained.

How do thermal updrafts and convective activity during midday hours affect sUAS flight stability?

Answer: Thermal updrafts create localized vertical air movement and turbulence that can cause unpredictable attitude changes

Surface heating creates localized columns of rising warm air (thermals) surrounded by cooler descending air, generating pockets of turbulence and vertical air movement that can destabilize an sUAS.

How can remote pilots mitigate the effects of fatigue during flight operations?

Answer: By scheduling regular rest breaks and ensuring adequate sleep before operations

Remote pilots can effectively mitigate the effects of fatigue by scheduling regular rest breaks during operations and ensuring they get adequate sleep before any flight activity. Proper rest allows the body and mind to recover, maintaining alertness, concentration, and good judgment. Avoiding prolonged periods of continuous operation and prioritizing sleep are key to safe piloting.

In the event of a near-miss with a manned aircraft, what action should a Remote Pilot take?

Answer: Report the incident to the FAA as soon as possible

In the event of a near-miss with a manned aircraft, the Remote Pilot should report the incident to the FAA as soon as possible. While specific reporting criteria exist for serious injury or significant property damage, any incident involving a near-miss with manned aircraft is a serious safety concern that warrants immediate attention. Prompt reporting allows the FAA to investigate, identify potential risks, and implement measures to prevent future occurrences, thereby enhancing overall airspace safety.

How does operating in hot, humid summer conditions affect sUAS endurance compared to cool, dry conditions?

Answer: Hot, humid conditions reduce endurance because lower air density requires higher RPMs for the same lift

High temperature and humidity reduce air density (increase density altitude), requiring motors to spin faster and consume more power per minute, shortening total flight time.

Within how many calendar days must a remote pilot report a Part 107 accident involving serious injury or property damage over $500?

Answer: 10 calendar days

Part 107 requires the remote PIC to report to the FAA within 10 calendar days if an accident results in serious injury or property damage exceeding $500 (excluding the sUAS itself).

For night operations, the anti-collision lights on a small unmanned aircraft must be visible for at least how many statute miles?

Answer: 3 statute miles

According to 14 CFR Part 107, a small unmanned aircraft must have anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles. The lights should have a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

Which agency issues the Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107?

Answer: FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues the Remote Pilot Certificate authorizing sUAS operations under Part 107.

Under Part 107, transporting hazardous materials with a sUAS is:

Answer: Prohibited unless an FAA waiver is obtained

The carriage of hazardous materials by sUAS is prohibited under Part 107 unless the FAA has specifically granted a waiver for that operation.

Where must the FAA registration number be displayed on a sUAS?

Answer: On an exterior surface of the sUAS

The registration number must be marked on an exterior surface of the sUAS so it is readily accessible and legible without disassembly.

What is the primary purpose of a Visual Observer (VO) in sUAS operations?

Answer: To ensure the sUAS remains within the pilot's visual line of sight

The primary purpose of a Visual Observer (VO) in sUAS operations is to assist the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) in maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS) with the sUAS. The VO scans the airspace for potential hazards, such as other aircraft or obstacles, and communicates these to the RPIC. This teamwork enhances safety by providing an extra set of eyes and ensuring constant awareness of the drone's position and surrounding environment.

What must a remote pilot do when operating near an airport that does NOT have LAANC coverage?

Answer: Submit a request through FAA DroneZone for airspace authorization

When LAANC is unavailable, remote pilots must request airspace authorization through the FAA DroneZone website before operating near an airport.

How does increasing altitude above sea level affect the relationship between true airspeed and indicated airspeed?

Answer: True airspeed is greater than indicated airspeed at higher altitudes

At higher altitudes with less dense air, the aircraft must move faster (true airspeed) to achieve the same dynamic pressure reading (indicated airspeed) as at sea level.

Which class of airspace can a remote pilot operate in WITHOUT prior FAA authorization under Part 107?

Answer: Class G airspace

Class G is uncontrolled airspace where no prior FAA authorization is required for Part 107 sUAS operations.

When operating multiple batteries for your sUAS, what is an essential practice to ensure their longevity and performance?

Answer: Regularly check for signs of damage or wear and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for charging and storage

Proper battery management is essential for the safety, longevity, and performance of sUAS batteries. Regularly checking for signs of damage or wear, such as swelling or punctures, and strictly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines for charging, discharging, and storage, prevents potential hazards like fires or reduced flight times. This practice ensures reliable power and extends the lifespan of expensive battery packs.

In the airport data block on a sectional chart, what does the letter "L" next to the runway length indicate?

Answer: The airport has lighting available.

The "L" in the airport data block indicates that the airport has lighting facilities. An asterisk (*) next to the "L" signifies that the lighting operates on a limited schedule or requires pilot activation.

As an sUAS enters a steeper banked turn, what happens to the load factor and power requirement?

Answer: Load factor increases and power requirement increases

In a banked turn, the vertical component of lift must still support the aircraft's full weight, so total rotor thrust must increase — raising both load factor and power draw.

What is the recommended procedure for entering an airport traffic pattern?

Answer: Enter at a 45-degree angle to the downwind leg, at traffic pattern altitude.

The standard recommended entry procedure is to enter the pattern on a 45-degree angle to the downwind leg, heading toward a point abeam the midpoint of the runway. This allows the pilot to see and be seen by other aircraft in the pattern.

When is a remote pilot required to yield the right of way under Part 107?

Answer: At all times to all manned aircraft

Part 107 requires remote pilots to yield the right of way to ALL manned aircraft at all times, regardless of airspace class or altitude.