UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS 

TRAINING SYLLABUS
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS TRAINING

Rev.1 7-1-15

Course Objective

The objective of this training manual is to provide guidelines for Unmanned 

Aerial System (UAS) flight operations and to provide necessary safeguards for 

persons or property on the surface while operating at altitudes and lateral 

clearances outlined in Western Helicopter’s UAS Exemption and provide the 

basic knowledge possessed by all certificated Airmen.

This entire program will be driven by application. The instruction described in this 

document are knowledge based and proficiency based therefore have no time 

requirements other than the flight requirements outlined in Western Helicopter’s 

UAS exemption. Progress must be made by students in order to move forward. 

The ultimate goal of this program is to train highly competent, capable and 

creative UAS Operators who can work effectively in this rapidly changing and 

evolving field.

Within this manual are requirements, guidelines, and instructions necessary for 

participating personnel to carry out their duties and responsibilities safely and 

provide an in depth understanding of the dynamics with the FAA National 

Airspace System. All training and flight operations must be conducted in 

accordance with the attached FAA accepted Exemption including any special 

provisions attached thereto.

The contents of this training manual shall not be construed to be contrary to any 

Federal Air Regulation or any other applicable government regulations. 

Prerequisites

The student must be able to

• read, speak, and understand the English language

• Meet the physical standards for a third class medical certificate, and 

possess a valid student pilot certificate. 

• Must be 16 years old train, and 17 years old to gain certification
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Minimum requirements

The time necessary to complete training coincide with the FAA Private Pilot 

required Aeronautical Knowledge criteria outlined 14 C.F.R. § 61.105. This 

training manual is written to provide approximately 30 hours of ground 

instruction, 200 flight cycles, and 25 hours of flight as outlined in Western 

Helicopter’s UAS exemption.

Required Materials for the UAS Certification Course:

• The Pilot’s Manual Ground School (#ASA-PM-2A)

• 3D Robotics Iris + Quadcopter

• Sectional for local area

• Airport/Facility Directory for local area

• Flight computer (E6-B or CX-2 Pathfinder)
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GROUND TRAINING
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Stage 1

Introduction to Flight

Ground School Phase 1

Course objective

1. School requirements, procedures, regulations

2. Grading criteria

3. Forces acting on an aircraft

4. Stability and control

5. Types of UAS (airframe, systems, flight instruments)

6. Basic flight maneuvers

7. Flight information

8. Flight physiology

9. Regulations

Completion Standards

Stage 1 is complete when the student achieves the objective of each lesson, 

and can list or describe the correct process or reference for accomplishing 

elements, exercises and activities. Student shall score at least 80% on the Stage 1 

Exam, and all deficient areas shall be reconciled to 100%.
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Stage 1 / Module 1

Ground Training

Objective

The student to be introduced to the Private Pilot Certification program, learn the 

flight school requirements, procedures, regulations, and grading criteria. Student 

will also become familiar with stability, control, and the forces acting on an 

aircraft.

Content

1. Review of course and objectives

2. School requirements, procedures, regulations

3. Grading criteria, expectations of student

4. Review objective of Stage 1

5. The forces acting on an aircraft

6. Weight

7. Lift

a. Bernoulli’s Principle

b. Lift Formula

8. Airfoil shape

9. Drag

a. Total drag

b. Parasite drag

c. Skin-friction drag

d. Form drag

e. Induced drag

10.Angle-of-attack

11.Lift/drag ratio

12. Thrust

13.Propeller torque effect

14.Gyroscopic effect

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed

all review questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 1 / Module 2

Ground Training

Objective

The student will have an understanding of the UAS airframe, motors, 

terminology, and system components.

Content

1. Airframe

2. UAS Control

a. Transmitter

b. Receiver

c. Channels

d. Frequency Range

e. Telemetry

i. Accelerometer

ii. Barometric Pressure Sensor

3. Electronic Speed Controller

4. Motors, Propellers 

5. Flight Controllers and GPS 

6. Gyroscope

7. Electricity

8. Batteries

a. LiPo

b. NiMh

c. Nicad

d. Lithium Ion

9. Calculating Flight Time

10. Multi Rotor / Single rotor UAS

11. Fixed Wing UAS

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed

all review questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 1 / Module 3

Ground Training

Objective

The student will have learned how to construct and properly maintain a small 

UAS

1. Tools

a. Proper application

2. Airframe Assembly

a. Modular design

3. Power system instillation

a. Electronic Speed Controller

b. Motors

4. Radio component instillation

5. Propeller Instillation

6. Battery instillation

7. Aircraft / GPS programming

8. Flight Testing

a. Flight control test

9. Maintenance

a. Balancing Propellers

b. Motor inspection

c. Motor mount inspection

Completion Standard

This section is complete when the student has successfully constructed and

maintained a small UAS
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Stage 1 / Module 4

Ground Training

Objective

The student will have an understanding of the basic function of common flight 

instruments and how they are the same / differ from instruments used in UAS 

flight.

Content

Flight instruments

1. Pressure Instruments

2. Static pressure

3. Dynamic pressure

4. Total pressure

5. Pitot-static system

6. Airspeed indicator

7. Altimeter

8. Vertical speed indicator

9. Gyroscopic Instruments

10. Turn coordinator/turn indicator

11. Attitude indicator

12. Heading indicator

13. Magnetic compass

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed

all review questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 1 / Module 5 

Ground Training

Objective

The student will understand the factors that affect the physiology of flight.

Content

1. Flight physiology

a. Physical fitness

b. Mental fitness

c. Medical checks

d. Medication

e. Corrective lenses

f. Food poisoning

g. Alcohol

h. Smoking

i. Fatigue and sleep deprivation

j. Blood donation

2. Low Temperatures

3. Respiration

a. Increased altitude

b. Hypoxia

c. Carbon monoxide poisoning

d. Hyperventilation

e. Decompression sickness

4. Vision

a. Structure of the eye

b. Adaptation of eyes to darkness

c. Scanning for aircraft

5. Discuss and obtain medical and student pilot certificate

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading. Stage 1 Exam must be passed with a 

minimum score of 80%, and reconciled to 100%.
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STAGE 1 / MODULE 6 AND STAGE CHECK 

Ground Training

Objective

The Student will understand the various parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations 

(FAR) and how they apply to UAS operations, and private pilot certification.

1. 14 CFR Part 1

2. 14 CFR Part 61

3. 14 CFR Part 91

4. NTSB 830

5. NPRM Part 107

6. Section 333 Exemption

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading. Stage 1 Exam must be passed with a 

minimum score of 80%, and reconciled to 100%.
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Stage 2

The Flight Environment

Course Objective

The objective of Stage 2 is for the student to become proficient in, and to have 

an understanding of the following:

1. Aircraft performance factors

2. Operational weather concerns

3. Obtaining a weather briefing

4. Making the go-no go decision

5. Charts and airspace

6. Airports and airport operations

7. Visual navigation fundamentals

8. Using the flight computer

9. Weight and balance

Completion Standards

Stage 2 is complete when the student achieves the objective of each lesson, 

and can list or describe the correct process or reference for accomplishing 

elements, exercises and activities. Student shall score at least 80% on the Stage 2 

Written Exam, and all deficient areas shall be reconciled to 100%.
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Stage 2 / Module 1

Ground Training

Objective

The student will have an understanding of the factors which affect aircraft 

performance.

Content

1. Review objective of Stage 2

2. Aircraft performance factors

a. Airworthiness

b. Registration certificate

c. Approved flight manual

d. Maintenance

3. Airframe Limitations

a. Weight limitations

b. Electrical limitations

c. Speed limitations

d. Temperature limitations

e. Wind limitations

4. Weight Limitations

a. Motor Thrust to weight calculation

b. Balancing small UAS

5. Operating UAS in areas with known turbulence

a. Types of turbulence

b. Load factor limitations

6. Air Density

a. Factors affecting air density

b. Standard atmosphere

c. Pressure altitude

d. Temperature

e. Density altitude

f. Performance 

7. Wind Drift

8. Ground Reference Maneuvers

9. Site selection

a. Airport Proximity
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b. Class of Airspace

10. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

11. Reverse orientation / Control input reversal

12. Altitude

13. Aircraft speed

14. Emergency operations

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 2 / Module 2

Ground Training

Objective

The student will have an understanding of the operational weather factors, and 

a practical understanding of obtaining a weather briefing, and making the gono go decision.

Content

Operational weather factors

1. Icing

a. Structural icing

b. Clear ice

c. Rime ice

d. Mixed ice

e. Frost

f. Structural icing and cloud type

2. Cold weather operations

3. Visibility

a. Inversions and reduced visibility

b. Condensation

c. Fog

i. Radiation fog

ii. Advection fog

iii. Upslope fog

iv. Frontal fog

v. Steam fog

4. Turbulence

a. Clear air turbulence

b. Classification of turbulence

5. Wind shear

6. Thunderstorms

7. Microbursts

8. Obtaining a weather briefing

9. Making the go-no go decision
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Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 2 / Module 3

Ground Training 

Objective

The student will have an understanding of aviation charts and the airspace 

system.

Content

Charts

1. Sectional charts

2. VFR Terminal Area charts

Airspace

3. Class A

4. Class B

5. Class C

6. Class D

7. Class E

8. Class G

9. Special use airspace

10.Other airspace

Completion Standards:

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 2 / Module 4

Ground Training

Objective

The student will become familiar with airports and airport operations and how 

they affect small UAS operation

Content

1. Airports

a. Taxiway and runway markings

b. Airport lighting

2. Airport operations

a. ATIS

b. Taxiing

c. Standard traffic pattern

d. Legs of a traffic pattern

e. Wind effect in the traffic pattern

f. Departing the traffic pattern

g. Entering the traffic pattern

3. Radio communications

4. Airport Radar Services

a. TRSA radar service

b. Basic radar service

c. Traffic sequencing for pilots

d. Full radar services

Completion Standards:

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 2 / Module 5 and Stage Check

Ground Training

Objective

The student will become proficient in the fundamentals of visual navigation. 

Student will be taught how to use navigation techniques to further their 

understanding of the National Airspace System

Content

1. Visual navigation fundamentals

2. Pilotage

3. Dead reckoning

4. Radio navigation

5. Course

6. Heading

7. Wind velocity/direction

8. Ground track/Ground speed

9. Drift/Wind correction angle

10.Latitude/Longitude

11.Nautical mile

12.Knot

13.Minimum safe altitude

14.Standard/Local time

15.UTC/Zulu time

16.Daylight time

17.Dateline

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.
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Stage 3 

Weather

Course Objective

The objective of Stage 3 is for the student to become proficient in, and to have 

an understanding of the following

1. Heating effects in the atmosphere

2. Wind

3. Clouds and thunderstorms

4. Air masses and frontal weather

5. Weather reports and forecasts

Completion Standards

Stage 3 is complete when the student achieves the objective of each lesson, 

and can list or describe the correct process or reference for accomplishing 

elements, exercises and activities. Student shall score at least 80% on the Stage 3

Exam, and all deficient areas shall be reconciled to 100%.
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS TRAINING

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Stage 3 / Module 1 

Ground Training

Objective

The student will have an understanding of wind and the heating effects in the 

atmosphere

Content

1. The atmosphere

a. Air density

b. Subdivision of the atmosphere

c. Gases in air

d. Standard atmosphere

2. Heat exchange processes

a. The sun

b. Terrestrial re-radiation

c. General circulation

d. Local heating and cooling

e. Local air movements

f. Temperature inversions

3. Wind

a. Coriolis effect

b. Geostrophic wind

c. Gradient wind

d. Surface wind

e. Wind in the tropics

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.

Stage 3 / Module 2
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Ground Training

Objective

The student will have an understanding of air masses, frontal weather, clouds, 

and thunderstorms

Content

1. Clouds

a. Naming of clouds

b. Moisture in the atmosphere

c. Adiabatic processes

d. Formation of clouds

i. the Foehn (or Chinook) wind effect

ii. Clouds formed by turbulence and mixing

iii. Clouds formed by widespread ascent

e. Precipitation from clouds

2. Thunderstorms

a. Three necessary conditions

i. Instability

ii. Moisture

iii. Lifting force

b. Life cycle

i. Cumulus stage

ii. Mature stage

iii. Dissipating stage

3. Severe thunderstorms

4. Embedded thunderstorms

5. Danger of thunderstorms

a. Icing

b. Hailstones

c. Lightning strikes

d. Turbulence

e. Downbursts and microbursts

f. Tornadoes and water spouts

6. Air masses

a. Origin and path

b. Divergence or convergence
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7. Frontal weather

a. Warm front

b. Cold front

c. Occluded front

d. Stationary front

e. Development and decay of fronts

8. Depressions — areas of low pressure

9. Anticyclones — areas of high pressure

10. Night flying 

a. Restrictions

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.

Stage 3 / Module 3 
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Ground Training

Objective

The student will have a practical understanding of weather reports and 

forecasts.

Content

1. Weather reports

a. Weather depiction chart

b. Surface analysis chart

c. Radar summary chart

d. METAR

e. Pilot weather reports (PIREPs)

2. Weather forecasts

a. Low-level significant weather prognostic charts

b. Terminal Aerodrome forecast (TAF)

c. Aviation Area forecast (FA)

d. TWEB Route forecast

e. Weather advisories

f. AIRMETs (WA)

g. SIGMETs (WS)

h. Convective SIGMETs (WST)

i. Center Weather Advisories (CWA)

j. VFR not recommended

k. Convective outlook

3. Winds and temperature aloft forecast (FD)

a. Severe weather outlook charts (AC)

b. Staying informed in the air

Completion Standards

This lesson is complete when the student has successfully completed all review 

questions following the assigned reading.

Stage 3 / Module 4 and Stage Check

Ground Training
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Objective

The student will take and pass final stage check

Content

All information from previous stages 

Completion Standards

Stage 4 Exam must be passed with a minimum passing score of 80%, and 

reconciled to 100%.
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FLIGHT TRAINING

Stage 1

Introduction to Flight
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Flight Training

Course objective

The student will become familiar with the functions and flight characteristics of a 

UAS. 

Western Helicopter’s UAS exemption requires that all UAS Operators have:

1. Logged a minimum of 200 flight cycles and 25 hours of total time as a UAS 

rotorcraft pilot and at least

a. 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a similar UAS type (single rotor or 

multi rotor)

b. A minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot with the make and model of 

UAS to be utilized for operations under the exemption 

c. 3 take offs and landings in the preceding 90 days; 

2. Received training in the safe operation of the UAS to be operated. 

Training will include:

a. Normal and emergency modes of operation

b. Familiarization with the operation manual published by the UAS 

manufacturer.

c. Types of maneuvers to be performed during operations including 

safe operation in relation to persons, property and applicable 

airspace using the actual UAS or computer based simulation 

software

Completion Standards

The flight portion consists of one stage and modules. Student must demonstrate 

proficiency and meet the hour requirement outlined in the Western Helicopters

UAS exemption

Stage1 / Module 1

Flight Training

Objective
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The student will be introduced to and become familiarized with preflight

inspections, checklist operations, starting and securing procedures, and the 

function and use of the radio flight control.

Content

Flight

1. Preflight Checklist Introduction and Use

2. Flight Controls

3. Takeoff

a. GPS

b. Manual

4. Hovering flight

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

5. Orientation control

a. Nose out

b. Nose in

c. Nose right

d. Nose left

6. Straight and level, climbs, descents, turns

7. Approach and manual landing

8. Post flight procedures

Computer Simulation

1. Operate an aircraft in “Chase view” to teach basic fundamentals

2. Become familiar with operating the aircraft in all orientations

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers and motor shutdown unassisted.
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Stage1 / Module 2

Flight Training

Objective

The student will enhance basic flight skills.

Content

Flight

1. Manual takeoff

2. Orientation control

a. Nose out

b. Nose in

c. Nose right

d. Nose left

3. Hovering flight

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

4. Straight and level, climbs, descents, turns

5. Approach and manual landing

6. Post flight procedures

Computer Simulation

1. Operate an aircraft in “Chase view” to teach basic fundamentals

2. Become familiar with operating the aircraft in all orientations

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers and motor shutdown unassisted.
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Stage 1 / Module 3

Flight Training

Objective

The student will be introduced to more advance maneuvers.

Content

Flight

1. Manual takeoff

2. Hovering

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

3. Straight and Level Flight 

4. Figure ‘8’s” 

5. Box and Altitude maneuvers

6. Coordinated Turn Around A Point

Computer Simulation

Same as flight

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers, and motor shutdown unassisted.

Stage 1 / Module 4

Flight Training
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Objective

The student will enhance advanced flight skills.

Content

Flight

1. Manual takeoff

2. Hovering

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

3. Straight and Level Flight 

4. Figure ‘8’s” 

5. Box and Altitude maneuvers

6. Coordinated turns around a point

7. Intelligent Orientation Control

Computer Simulation

Same as flight

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers, and motor shutdown unassisted.

Stage 1 / Module 5

Flight Training
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Objective

The student will become familiar with emergency procedures.

Content

Flight

1. Manual takeoff

2. Hovering

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

3. Straight and Level Flight 

4. Figure ‘8’s” 

5. Box and Altitude maneuvers

6. Intelligent Orientation Control

7. Emergency Procedures* (discussion)

a. Lost Line of Sight 

b. Lost Radio Link 

c. Lost Video Link 

Computer Simulation

Emergency procedures

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers and motor shutdown unassisted.

Stage 1 / Module 6 Solo Flight

Flight Training
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Objective

The student will become proficient at flying UAS without the aid of an instructor

Content

Flight

1. Manual takeoff

2. Orientation control

a. Nose out

b. Nose in

c. Nose right

d. Nose left

3. Hovering flight

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

4. Straight and level, climbs, descents, turns

5. Approach and manual landing

Computer Simulation

Basic maneuvers

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers and motor shutdown unassisted.

Stage 1 / Module 7 Solo Flight

Flight Training
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Objective

The student will become proficient at flying UAS without the aid of an instructor

Content

Flight

1. Manual takeoff

2. Orientation control

a. Nose out

b. Nose in

c. Nose right

d. Nose left

3. Hovering flight

a. Tail Wind 

b. Into wind

c. Cross Wind

4. Straight and level, climbs, descents, turns

5. Approach and manual landing

8. Figure ‘8’s” 

9. Box and Altitude maneuvers

Computer Simulation

Basic maneuvers

Completion Standards

The student will have a basic understanding of the aircrafts operation and will 

be able to perform the preflight inspection, motor starting, systems preflight 

checks, listed above maneuvers and motor shutdown unassisted.

STAGE 2 / Module 1 Flight Test

Flight Training
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Objective

The Student will be able to demonstrate the skills required to complete the 

Western Helicopters small UAS practical test standards

Content

Flight

1. Knowledge prerequisites

2. Communication with Visual Observer

3. Proper use of checklist

4. Situational awareness of the flying environment

5. Emergency procedures

6. Proper use of retractable landing gear (if applicable)

7. Takeoff and landing

8. Gear up landing

9. Hover maneuvers

10. Tail in controlled maneuver

11. Nose in controlled maneuver

12. Controlled Turn around a point

13. Controlled climbs and descents

14. Tracking a subject

Completion Standards

The student will have satisfactorily completed the above listed maneuvers, and 

procedures.