DOT/FAA/AM-17/15 

Office of Aerospace Medicine 

Washington, DC 20591 

A Historical Review of 

Training Requirements for 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, 

Small Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems, and Manned 

Operations (1997-2014) 

Kevin M. Gildea1 

Kevin W. Williams1 

Carrie A. Roberts2 

1Civil Aerospace Medical Institute 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

2Cherokee CRC 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

August 2017 

Final Report 
 

 

___________ 

NOTICE 

This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of 

the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of 

information exchange. The United States Government 

assumes no liability for the contents thereof. 

This publication and all Office of Aerospace Medicine 

technical reports are available in full-text from the
 

Civil Aerospace Medical Institute’s publications website:
 

http://www.faa.gov/go/oamtechreports
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Technical Report Documentation Page 

1. Report No. 

DOT/FAA/AM-17/15 

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No. 

4. Title and Subtitle 

A Historical Review of Training Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Manned Operations 

(1997-2014) 

5. Report Date 

August 2017 

6. Performing Organization Code 

7. Author(s) 

Gildea KM, 1 Williams KW, 

1 Roberts CA2 

8. Performing Organization Report No. 

9. Performing Organization Name and Address 

1

FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute 

P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

2

Cherokee CRC 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) 

11. Contract or Grant No. 

12. Sponsoring Agency name and Address 

Office of Aerospace Medicine 

Federal Aviation Administration 

800 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Washington, DC 20591 

13. Type of Report and Period Covered 

14. Sponsoring Agency Code 

15. Supplemental Notes 

Work was accomplished under approved task AM-B-HRR-521 

16. Abstract 

There are several mature Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and Small Unmanned Aircraft System 

(sUAS) training programs available for analysis. Many of these programs were developed by the various 

branches with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in conjunction with UAS manufacturers. The 

structures of the existing training programs guided the creation of a general framework with the 

understanding that training programs might differ depending on variables such as the type, size, and mission 

of a particular UAS. Many common elements are found across existing DoD training programs and the 

Practical Test Standards (PTS), oral test, and knowledge test requirements for manned aircraft defined by the 

FAA under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61. This document reviewed and capitalized on 

the knowledge gained by Unmanned Aircraft (UA) pilots through many thousands of hours of operations as 

reflected in published training procedures. This review follows a structure based on that provided within the 

FAA PTS documentation, with additions where the specific content of UAS training programs dictates. Each 

section will discuss the requirements of the various UAS programs and point to general similarities between 

the manned and UAS training requirements. Knowledge requirements are discussed that are found in the 

PTS for manned systems and are not discussed in current UAS training documentation but may be 

applicable to UAS operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). 

17. Key Words 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Small Unmanned 

Aircraft System (sUAS), UAS/sUAS training programs, 

Practical Test Standards (PTS), Knowledge 

requirements, UAS NAS operations 

18. Distribution Statement 

Document is available to the public through the Internet: 

http://www.faa.gov/go/oamtechreports/ 

19. Security Classif. (of this report) 

Unclassified 

20. Security Classif. (of this page) 

Unclassified 

21. No. of Pages 

69 

22. Price 

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized 

i 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

Research reported in this paper was conducted under the Flight Deck Program 

Directive/Level of Effort Agreement between the FAA NextGen Human Factors Research 

Division (ANG-C1) and the Aerospace Human Factors Division (AAM-500) of the Civil 

Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) sponsored by the Office of Aerospace Medicine and 

supported through the FAA NextGen Human Factors Division. 

ii 
Contents
 

Acknowledgment .......................................................................................................... ii
 

Executive Summary..................................................................................................... iv
 

Introduction ....................................................................................................................1
 

Method ...........................................................................................................................2
 

Findings..........................................................................................................................4
 

Findings in the Context of Existing Practical Test Standards..................................21
 

Private ..................................................................................................................22
 

Commercial..........................................................................................................28
 

Instrument ............................................................................................................33
 

Summary......................................................................................................................36
 

References....................................................................................................................37
 

Appendix A............................................................................................................... A-1
 

Appendix B ................................................................................................................B-1
 

iii 
 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 

There are several mature Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and Small Unmanned 

Aircraft System (sUAS) training programs available for analysis. Many of these programs 

were developed by the various branches with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in 

conjunction with UAS manufacturers. Additionally, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) have 

directed the development of broad guidelines for UAS/sUAS training programs. The 

guidance from the JCS was used to create a general framework with the understanding that 

training programs might depart either in micro or macro ways depending on variables such 

as the type, size, and mission of a particular UAS. 

Many common elements are found across the existing DoD training programs. 

Additionally, these training programs share many commonalities with the extant Practical 

Test Standards (PTS), oral test, and knowledge test requirements for manned aircraft 

defined by the FAA under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61. The 

guidance from the JCS and many of the existing UAS training programs followed manned 

aircraft standards to varying degrees. Organizations that operate sUAS/UAS have updated, 

or modified, these standards as operations have evolved. This document seeks to review 

and capitalize on the knowledge gained by these Unmanned Aircraft (UA) pilots through 

many thousands of hours of operations as reflected in updates to their published training 

procedures. 

This document review follows a structure based on that provided within the FAA PTS 

documentation, with additions where the specific content of UAS training programs 

dictates. Each section will discuss the requirements of the various UAS programs and point 

to general similarities between the manned and UAS training requirements. Knowledge 

requirements are discussed that are found in the PTS for manned systems and are not 

discussed in current UAS training documentation but may be applicable to UAS operations 

in the NAS. 

iv 
 

 

 

 

 

 

A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR
 

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS, SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
 

SYSTEMS, AND MANNED OPERATIONS (1997-2014)
 

INTRODUCTION 

Historically, UA pilots were required to possess a manned aircraft certification for most 

operations. FAA document N8900.227, “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operational 

Approval,” defined the types of operations in which a manned pilot certificate was required 

and the level of certification that was required. Paragraph 16(C)(2)(b) of that document 

stated that the pilot-in-command (PIC) needed to hold, at a minimum, an FAA private pilot 

certificate or FAA-recognized equivalent for all operations listed below: 

•	 Flight in Class A, B, C, D, E, and G (400 feet above ground level (AGL)) 

airspace. 

•	 IFR (must have instrument rating) operations. 

•	 Night operations. 

•	 At joint use or public airfields. 

•	 Requiring a chase aircraft. 

•	 At any time the FAA has determined the need, based on the UAS characteristics, 

mission profile, or other operational parameters. 

In addition, operations in which a manned pilot certification was not required were 

constrained by the following conditions: 

•	 The PIC had to successfully complete, at a minimum, FAA private pilot ground 

instruction and pass the FAA Private Pilot written examination or FAArecognized equivalents. 

•	 Operations during daylight hours only. 

•	 The operation conducted in a sparsely populated location. 

•	 Operations approved and conducted solely within visual line-of-sight in Class G 

airspace. 

•	 Visual line-of-sight operations conducted no further than 1⁄2 NM laterally from 

the UAS pilot and at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL at all times. 

•	 Operations conducted no closer than 5 NM from any FAA-designated airport or 

heliport other than the airport from which the aircraft was operating. 

•	 The operation conducted from a privately owned airfield, military installation, or 

off-airport location. 

(Paragraph 16(C)(2)(c)) 

1 
 

 

 

 

Despite the many similarities between manned and unmanned aircraft, there were 

portions of manned aircraft pilot training curricula that were not found in the UAS training 

protocols. In addition, there are aspects of flying UAs that do not apply to manned aircraft 

flight. Because of these dissimilarities, it is expected that eventually, there will be UAspecific pilot certifications that will not require any manned aircraft pilot certification. This 

has already occurred for many current military UA pilot training programs and small UAS 

operations under Part 107. 

There are numerous training protocols in existence for the current fleets of UAS. Many 

of these training programs are proprietary or classified. However, we were able to obtain a 

set of publically available protocols on UAS training that span the range from small (e.g. 

Raven, Scan Eagle) to larger UAS (e.g. Hunter, MQ-1/9). The purpose of this report is to 

highlight the key areas that are contained within these training protocols, providing 

comparison and contrast to the current set of manned Practical Test Standards (PTS). We 

also reviewed the manned and unmanned standards from the Civil Aviation Safety 

Authority (CASA) of Australia because of the strong similarities to the U.S. manned 

standards and the maturity and completeness of the CASA unmanned standards. 

METHOD 

The gathering of current unmanned training protocols was accomplished through 

reviewing published online materials and contacting personnel from the U.S. military and 

industry with ties to unmanned training. In addition to unmanned training protocols, we 

also collected manned aircraft training material and requirements. Table 1 is a listing of 

the protocols collected for review. In addition to these, an independent Subject Matter 

Expert (SME), with experience in defining training requirements for currently fielded UAs, 

provided a detailed listing of their suggested unmanned ground school topics for 

comparison. We included the SME suggestions as a point of reference, or crosscheck, to 

the published requirements located during our separate review of the training protocols. 

Published UA training protocols are informative for the following reasons: (1) Many 

of these platforms have been in operation for years and have accumulated, in some 

instances, many thousands of hours of operational experience (e.g., MQ-1, Hunter). (2) 

The training for these pilots has been adapted based on this experience and feedback from 

operational personnel. 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Reviewed Training Protocols 

Title Abbreviation Authoring 

Organization 

Year 

14 CFR Part 61 – Certification: Pilots, flight Part 61: (Recreational) 

instructors, and ground instructors Part 61: (Private) 

Part 61: (Instrument) 

Part 61: (Commercial) 

Part 61: (ATP) 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

2014 

Airline Transport Pilot and aircraft type 

rating practical test standards for airplane 

(FAA-S-8081-5F with Changes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 

6, & 7) 

Commercial pilot practical test standards PTS Commercial 

PTS ATP Federal Aviation 

Administration 

2008 

Federal Aviation 2011 

for airplane (SEL, MEL, SES, MES) (FAA-S- Administration 

8081-12C with changes 1, 2, 3, and 4) 

Group 1 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) USN/USMC: sUAS United States 2012 

training and readiness (T&R) manual Navy 

(United States Navy NAVMC 3500.07) 

Instrument rating practical test standards PTS Instrument Federal Aviation 2010 

for airplane, helicopter, and powered lift Administration 

(FAA-S-8081-4E with Changes 1, 2, 3, 4, & 

5) 

Joint unmanned aircraft systems JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational) Joint Staff 2011 

minimum training standards (CJCSI JCS: BUQ-II (Private) 

3255.01) JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument) 

MQ-1 aircrew training (Air Force USAF: (MQ-1) UAS United States 2010 

Instruction 11-2MQ-1, Volume 1) Air Force 

MQ-9 crew training (Air Force Instruction USAF: (MQ-9) UAS United States 2010 

11-2MQ-9, Volume 1) Air Force 

Private pilot practical test standards for PTS Private Federal Aviation 2011 

airplane (SEL, MEL, SES, MES) (FAA-S- Administration 

8081-14B with changes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6) 

Recreational pilot practical test standards PTS Recreational (RPA) Federal Aviation 2006 

for airplane, rotorcraft/helicopter, and Administration 

rotorcraft/gyroplane (FAA-S-8081-3A) 

Small unmanned aircraft system aircrew USA: sUAS United States 2006 

training manual (United States Army Army 

Training Circular No. TC 1-611) 

Small unmanned aircraft systems training USAF: sUAS United States 2012 

(Air Force Instruction 11-502, Volume 1) Air Force 

Unmanned aerial vehicle aircrew training USA: UAS (Hunter) United States 1997 

manual (United States Army Training Army 

Circular No. TC 34-212) 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title Abbreviation Authoring 

Organization 

Year 

Unmanned aircraft and rockets: CASA Unmanned Civil Aviation 2002 

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Safety Authority 

operations, design specification, Australia 

maintenance and training of human 

resources CASA AC-101-1(0) 

After collecting the training protocols, we began a detailed comparison of the protocols 

to each other and to current manned training PTSs for Private, Commercial, and ATP 

certifications, as well as the Instrument rating PTS. A checklist was created to easily view 

differences across the reviewed protocols. (See Appendix A to review the requirements 

checklist tabulated by each training protocol. See Appendix B to review the requirements 

by training protocol then evaluated by manned and unmanned system categories). Current 

training requirements were grouped into several categories: 

•	 Current UAS/sUAS (only): Present in current Unmanned training with no readily 

apparent analog in the manned community 

•	 Current UAS/sUAS and Manned: Present in current Unmanned training with an 

analog in the manned community 

•	 Manned only (Excluded from UAS/sUAS training): Not present in Unmanned 

training but present in the manned community 

FINDINGS 

We found that the training protocols had many of the same general categories and 

specific requirements. The general categories typically followed those outlined in Part 61 

for Knowledge and Flight Proficiency requirements for the private, commercial, 

instrument, and ATP ratings. The nexus between UAS, sUAS, and manned training and 

testing allowed construction of a single set of high-level categories labeled as follows. 

•	 Policy and responsibilities 

•	 Preflight preparation 

•	 Communications 

•	 Weather information 

•	 Flight authorization, approval, and clearance authority 

•	 Preflight procedures 

•	 Airport Operations (launch/landing area) 

•	 General flight operations 

•	 Takeoff and departure 

•	 Maneuvers 

•	 Emergency Operations 

4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Slow flight and stalls 

• Navigation 

• Landings and approaches to landing (Recovery) 

• Postflight procedures 

• Visual flight rules (VFR) 

• Instrument flight rules (IFR) 

• Normal operating procedures 

• Safety/Operational risk management 

• Reporting procedures 

The categorization of training requirements resulted in a number of training 

requirements within each of the three categories. The following sections discuss each of 

those categories in turn. Appendix A contains the full list of requirements compared across 

protocols. Those requirements were divided into categories based on inclusion in reviewed 

training protocols. The following three sections discuss, by category, the relationships 

between current manned and UA training requirements. 

A. Current UAS/sUAS: Present in current Unmanned training with no analog in 

the manned community 

Training present in current Unmanned training with no analog in the manned 

community included the necessity of training the UA pilots on topics that are outside of the 

scope of manned operational requirements and can reasonably be expected to remain so, 

such as Certificates of Authorization (COAs) and interactions with visual observers. 

Certain UAs also require a ground crew to launch and/or recover the aircraft. The 

interactions with this crew are not something that have a direct analog in manned 

operations and may vary significantly between UAs. 

The currently reviewed protocols did not discuss requirements regarding visual 

observer(s), formation flight, cooperative teaming, or swarming within sUAS operations. 

Visual Observer training requirements have not been established for unmanned operations 

in the NAS. Formation Flight/ Cooperative Teaming and Swarming operations are also a 

limited subset of unmanned operations, and training may take many forms as these 

operations develop and evolve. Manned training and testing requirements do not include 

practice of formation flight, and the only restriction that is placed on formation flights is 

that they must be undertaken only with the agreement of each pilot in command involved 

(14 CFR § Part 91.111 (b)). The use of chase planes is also an area that is still under 

discussion within the unmanned and regulatory communities. 

Table 2 lists the identified training requirement topics that apply to UAS and/or sUAS 

training, but not to manned aircraft, under the protocols evaluated. 

5 
Table 2. sUAS/UAS Pilot Training Requirements, Absent from Manned Operations

Training Requirement A: UAS/sUAS (only) UAS and/Or sUAS

PREFLIGHT PREPARATION

Certificates of Authorization (COA)

UAS, sUAS

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Operational Data for Mission Planning1

[mission specific: e.g., proper topographical maps for surveillance area, order

of events, direction of pesticide application] 

UAS, sUAS

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private),

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Frequency Coordination

[CNPC/command and control frequencies]

UAS, sUAS Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter),

USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQIII (Instrument)

Visual Observers

[safety O, Supervising O, line of sight O] UAS

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Control Station (CS) System Checks [checklist/procedures for CS] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: UAS, sUAS

sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), 

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Communications See also nav system/radar service

Data Links (C2-command & control non-payload comm. CNPC) and Lost Link

Procedures See also Emergency Lost Link

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS UAS, sUAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS:

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson:

SME

AIRPORT OPERATIONS (launch/landing area)

Launch/Recovery Areas (e.g., Rail, slingshot, and hand-thrown launches; net

and arresting cable recoveries)

UAS, sUAS

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

GENERAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Formation Flight/ Cooperative Teaming/ Swarming/ Chase planes

UAS

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Unmanned

6 
 

Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Operations 2 

[includes night vision device NVD] 

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS 

sUAS 

UAS Hand-off Procedures 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

UAS, sUAS 

LANDINGS AND APPROACHES TO LANDING 

Automatic Approach & Landing3 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: 

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument) 

UAS, sUAS 

NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES 

Video/Data Capture 

[surveillance/camera] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: 

SME 

UAS, sUAS 

1 Mission planning is not included in manned PTS but is employed in certain manned operations.
 2 14 CFR Part §61.31 mandated NVG/NVD training; not included in manned PTS.
 3 Automated approach/landing is not included in manned PTS, but covered in other regulations.
 

The emergency lost link procedures do not have an analog in the manned community. 

A UAS preprogrammed with an IFR flight plan could continue on its course in the event 

of a lost link. The major caveat is that the unmanned systems will follow the 

preprogrammed course precisely, unlike a manned system where course changes may 

occur at the pilot’s discretion. Just as Air Traffic Control (ATC) would anticipate a manned 

aircraft with lost communications to operate by the filed and cleared flight plan, the ATC 

controllers may be expecting the UAS to continue the flight according to the filed flight 

plan. 

In addition, there is a potential that the UA would deviate from the flight plan because 

of failed or damaged systems on board. In a manned aircraft, the pilot would squawk 7700 

using the transponder, alerting ATC of the need for priority treatment and to expect unfiled 

maneuvers from the aircraft. Similarly, a UA in such a state might deviate from the filed 

flight plan to avoid populated areas or to divert to an alternate airfield. 

NVG/NVD operations in manned aircraft are currently trained outside of the 

requirements for a certificate. Specifically, the current regulations state that no person may 

act as pilot in command using NVG/NVD unless ground and flight instruction has been 

received by an authorized flight instructor and a logbook or training record endorsement is 

received (CFR 14 Part §61.31). 

7 
B. Current UAS/sUAS and Manned: Present in current Unmanned training and in 

the manned community 

 

 

 

There are also areas of UA training that have analogs in manned training. For example, 

training for both manned and unmanned pilots includes preflight checks of the aircraft. 

Although UA pilot training includes Control Station (CS) checks, these CS checks should 

arguably be included in the category of preflight checks of required aircraft components. 

Table 3 lists those identified training topics that apply to both UA and manned operations. 

Table 3. UAS/sUAS and Manned Operations Training Requirements 

Training Requirement – B. UAS/sUAS & Manned 

POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Minimum training/currency Standards [frequency/recency/simulator/cockpit/#hrs/proficiency 

flight/check] 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA:sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 

61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, 

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) and Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) [published standards and 

regulations] 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, Part 61 (Recreational), Part 61 

(Private), Part 61 (Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Records - Maintenance and disposition of [total flight time/ flight logs-training records/ engine 

time] 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Commercial), Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Maintenance of Aircraft/Equipment [performing/requesting mx] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA - BOTH, PTS 

Recreational (RPA), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

PREFLIGHT PREPARATION 

Pilot Certificates and Documents 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA:sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME 

Aircraft Certification, Airworthiness and Documents 

[registration, operating limitation documents, weight and balance information, and any other 

documents required by regulation, CS documentation] 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protocols: Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS 

Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME 

Airworthiness Requirements [airframe, subsystem failure checklist, Compliance with all 

Airworthiness Directives, Minimum Equipment List items, etc.] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: 

BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME 

Maintenance Logs [track unit device training] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), 

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS 

ATP 

Flight Planning [Departure, Arrival, and Computerized Planning] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 

61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), 

PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: 

SME 

Crew Briefing See also CRM in Safety/Operational Risk Mgmt. 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), 

Part 61 (Instrument), Part 61 (Commercial), Part 61 ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: 

SME 

Navigational Chart/Map Reading 

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Map/Chart Preparation for Use During Flight 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Commercial, 

Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Publications 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, 

CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS 

Commercial 

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/Flight Information Publications Procedures 

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQII (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS ATP 

9 
 

 

 

 

Mission Route Selection & Analysis See also Operational Data for Mission Planning &Flight Planning 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: 

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Instrument 

National Airspace System 

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: 

BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), 

PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Altitude Restrictions 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Instrument, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Airspace Coordination and Restrictions 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, 

CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument) 

Fuel/Battery Charge Requirements 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), 

Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Performance and Limitations 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS 

Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME 

Operation of Aircraft Systems 

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), 

Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, 

Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Global Positioning System (GPS) Considerations and Availability (If Applicable) 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), 

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Instrument, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: 

SME 

Communications See also nav system/radar service 

Communications Planning and Management/ Radio Comms./ Knowledge of Comm. Systems 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA 

Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational 

(RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

10 
Weather Information See also Adverse Weather

Weather Information - Meteorology/meteor hazards/Volcanic Activity

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA 

Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS 

Recreational (RPA), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

Interpretation and use of weather products

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQII (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: 

(Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS 

Commercial, Part 61: ATP

FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION, APPROVAL, AND CLEARANCE AUTHORITY

ATC Clearances and Instructions

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Instrument), PTS 

Instrument, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES

Preflight Inspection/Equipment Examination

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS 

Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Powerplant Start

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), 

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), 

Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Taxiing

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: 

BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Runway Incursion Avoidance

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson:

SME

Pre-takeoff Checks (Pre-Launch)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS:

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument,

PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

AIRPORT OPERATIONS (launch/landing area)

ATC Light Signals

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, 

PTS Commercial

11 
Traffic Patterns

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational),

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS

Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Runway and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and Lighting 

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational

(RPA), PTS Private, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Nontowered/Uncontrolled Field Procedures

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, PTS Private, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Night Runway Operations

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC:

sUAS, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS ATP

GENERAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Operational/Situation awareness

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS

Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

General Flight Rules

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument)

Aviation Principles (Aerodynamics/Flight Principles)

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61:

(Recreational), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial)

Time & Course Control [Time and course control timing segments of flight and maintaining 

preplanned and assigned courses]

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Basic Manual Navigation

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC:

sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61:

(Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA)

Manual Flight Control Skills [assumed in Manned]

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument)

See and Avoid, Collision Avoidance Operations (TCAS), Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems

(TAWS) (S & A Sensors, ground based S & A, detect & avoid, Proximity of Aircraft, separation)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61:

(Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Right-of-Way Rules [General Operating and Flight Rules Regulations 14CFR Part 91: Right-of-Way]

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS

Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

12 
Aircraft Speed

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: 

(Commercial), PTS ATP

Communications, Navigation & Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems and 

Procedures

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-II (Private), 

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: ATP

Aircraft Lighting (if equipped)

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Wake Turbulence and Wind Shear

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA),

Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, UAS

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Night Operations

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC:

sUAS, CASA Manned, Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Commercial)

Takeoff with Ice or Frost

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Unmanned, Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested

Ground Lesson: SME

TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE

Takeoff and Departure - General [Noise abatement/Turns after Takeoff] See Airport Ops for 

launch/landing

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61:

(Private), Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: 

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, 

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

MANEUVERS

Performance Maneuvers – General

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: 

(Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

13 
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

Emergency Operations – General

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS:

BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument),

PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, USA Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

Emergency Procedures [EP, declare emergency, lost link, unusual attitude, abnormal flight]

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter),

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Instrument, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME

Unusual Attitude Recovery1 See also Emergency Procedures

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private),

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS ATP

Emergency Descent

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational),

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Emergency Approach and Landing

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational),

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS:

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument,

PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Emergency Equipment (e.g., fire extinguisher)

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private,

PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Powerplant Failure—Multiengine Airplane [if applicable]

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61:

(Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Powerplant Failure—Single-engine Airplane [or simulated]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS ATP 

SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS2

Slow Flight and Stalls – General

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private),

PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Maneuvering During Slow Flight

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private,

PTS Commercial

14 
Power-Off Stalls

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, 

PTS Commercial

Power-On Stalls

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, 

PTS Commercial

Accelerated Stalls

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS

Commercial

NAVIGATION

Navigation – General

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61:

(Recreational), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial)

Pilotage and Dead Reckoning [correlate w/ map]

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private),

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61:

(Commercial), PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Navigation Systems and Radar Services/Integrated Navigation Systems 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument),

PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, Part 

61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Diversion

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

LANDINGS AND APPROACHES TO LANDING 

Landings and Approaches to Landing - General [Recovery]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61:

(Private), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

Normal and Crosswind Approaches and Landings

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS:

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial,

PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Short-Field Approach and Landing

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Low Approaches or Closed Patterns [box pattern]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS:

BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS

ATP

15 
Approach and Landing with Powerplant Failure

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, 

PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Go-Around/Rejected Landing/Touch & Go Landings

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), 

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS 

Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)

Protocols: PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES

Postflight Procedures – General

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: 

(Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS 

Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Post-Flight [post flight inspection/examination/checklists]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), 

PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Parking and Securing

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

VISUAL FLIGHT RULES (VFR)

Flight Operations under VFR

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: 

(Private), PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

VFR Cloud Clearance and Visibility Minimums (FAA & ICAO Airspace Class) See also Weather & NAS

Protocols: CASA Both, PTS Private, PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR)

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) - General

[Adverse Weather/Inadvertent Weather entry]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 

61: (Instrument), PTS ATP

Navigation in IMC/Instrument procedures

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQIII (Instrument), Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

16 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES 

Checklists 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: 

sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS 

Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

SAFETY/OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

Human Factors/Rest and Scheduling/Alertness Management Strategies 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), 

PTS Private, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Aeronautical decision making(ADM)/judgment/ORM Principles 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: 

(Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS 

Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

Crew/Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA 

Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, 

Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME 

REPORTING PROCEDURES 

Mishap/System reporting (includes incidents) 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA 

Manned, Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial) 

1

Many UAS are programmed to prevent unusual attitudes. Unusual attitudes for many systems would be 

unrecoverable. 

2 Stalls are not possible for many UAS unless there is a failure that would likely be unrecoverable. For many 

systems you cannot command the aircraft to operate outside of its performance envelope. 

The review of training protocols resulted in a significant amount of overlap between 

manned and unmanned training requirements identified by the services with the US DoD 

and the Australian CAA. 

C. Not present in UAS training but present in the manned community with no 

apparent analogue in the UA environment 

Two training requirements found in the manned community do not currently have an 

analog in the UAS protocols we reviewed (Table 4). 

17 
Table 4. Excluded from UAS

MANEUVERS

Eights on Pylons, Chandelles, Lazy Eights

Manned

Protocols: PTS Commercial

Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III UAS, Manned

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME

D. Additions from Manned: Not present in UAS training but present in the manned 

community with a possibility that such training might be included in some UA 

training protocols 

There were a number of training requirements identified in manned training protocols 

that may have relevance to UAS training (Table 5). These requirements were not found in 

any of the reviewed UA training protocols although they may exist outside of the reviewed 

documentation. 

Table 5. Manned Requirements, Potential Additions from Manned

Training Requirement – D. Additions from Manned

TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE

Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Short-Field Takeoff

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

MANEUVERS

Ground Reference Maneuvers

Protocols: Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Commercial)

Steep Turns

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Steep Spiral

Protocols: PTS Commercial

SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS

Spins

Protocols: Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

NAVIGATION

Lost Procedures

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

18 
LANDINGS AND APPROACHES TO LANDING - GENERAL [Recovery]

Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)

Protocols: PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

There were also a number of training requirements that were specific to UAS protocols 

that were not found in manned training (Table 2).

Requirements applicable to all reviewed training protocols are found in Table 7. 

Table 6. Training Requirements Applicable to All Training Protocols 

Training Requirement

POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Minimum training/currency Standards [frequency/recency/simulator/cockpit/#hrs/proficiency/flight/check]

FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) and Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) [published] standards and regulations]

Records - Maintenance and disposition of [total flight time/ flight logs-training records/ engine time]

Maintenance of Aircraft/Equipment [performing/requesting mx]

PREFLIGHT PREPARATION

Pilot Certificates and Documents

Flight Planning (including Departure, Arrival, and Computerized Planning)

Crew Briefing See also CRM in Safety/Operational Risk Mgmt.

Navigational Chart/Map Reading

Map/Chart Preparation for Use During Flight

Publications

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/Flight Information Publications Procedures

Mission Route Selection & Analysis See also Operational Data for Mission Planning & Flight Planning

National Airspace System

Altitude Restrictions

Airspace Coordination and Restrictions

Fuel/Battery Charge Requirements

Performance and Limitations

Operation of Aircraft Systems

Global Positioning System (GPS) Considerations and Availability (If Applicable)

Communications See also nav system/radar service

Data Links (C2-command & control non-payload comm. CNPC) and Lost Link Procedures See also Emergency 

Lost Link

Communications Planning and Management/ Radio Comms./ Knowledge of Comm. Systems

19 
Weather Information See also Adverse Weather

Weather Information - Meteorology/meteor hazards/Volcanic Activity

Interpretation and use of weather products

FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION, APPROVAL, AND CLEARANCE AUTHORITY

ATC Clearances and Instructions

PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES

Preflight Inspection/Equipment Examination

Powerplant Start

Pre-takeoff Checks [Pre-Launch]

AIRPORT OPERATIONS [launch/landing area]

Traffic Patterns

Nontowered/Uncontrolled Field Procedures

Night Runway Operations

GENERAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Operational/Situational awareness

General Flight Rules

Time & Course Control [Time and course control timing segments of flight and maintaining preplanned and

assigned courses]

Basic Manual Navigation

Aircraft Speed

Communications, Navigation & Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems and Procedures

Wake Turbulence and Wind Shear

Night Operations

TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE

Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

Emergency Procedures [EP, declare emergency, lost link, unusual attitude, abnormal flight]

Emergency Descent

Emergency Approach and Landing

Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS

Slow Flight and Stalls - General

NAVIGATION

Pilotage and Dead Reckoning [correlate w/ map]

LANDINGS AND APPROACHES TO LANDING 

Landings and Approaches to Landing - General [Recovery]

Normal and Crosswind Approaches and Landings

Low Approaches or Closed Patterns [box pattern]

20 
POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES

Postflight Procedures - General

Post-Flight [post flight inspection/examination/checklists]

Parking and Securing

VISUAL FLIGHT RULES (VFR)

Flight Operations under VFR

NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

Checklists

SAFETY/OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Human Factors/Rest and Scheduling/Alertness Management Strategies

Aeronautical decision making(ADM)/judgment/ORM Principles

Crew/Cockpit Resource Management (CRM)

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Mishap/System reporting (includes incidents)

There are numerous unmanned training programs unavailable for inclusion in this 

review. It is likely those unavailable or restricted programs cover more extensive and indepth topics than the published programs currently included. Additionally, the rapid 

developments in unmanned training and operations may have resulted in the surveyed 

programs adding materials since the date of their last open source publication. 

Findings in the Context of Existing Practical Test Standards

The following section places the findings of this effort in the context of existing 

manned practical test standards (PTS). Specifically, the historical UAS training program 

requirements are embedded in the Private, Commercial, and Instrument PTSs. 

21 
 

Private 

Recommended Private UAS Aeronautical Knowledge, 

Flight Proficiency, and PTS Requirements 

[Bold, bracketed text] indicates items in UAS training not found in the manned PTSs and 

strikethroughs indicate requirements from the manned PTSs not found in the reviewed 

UAS training protocols. 

Private pilot aeronautical knowledge. 

(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must receive 

and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course 

on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the 

aircraft category and class rating sought. 

(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas. 

(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to 

private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations; 

(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety 

Board; 

(3) Use of the applicable portions of the "Aeronautical Information 

Manual" and FAA advisory circulars; 

(4) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead 

reckoning, and navigation systems; [where applicable] 

(5) Radio communication procedures; [including frequency coordination 

and CNPC management] 

(6) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, 

windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather 

reports and forecasts; 

(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance 

[with the assistance of visual observers where applicable], and recognition and 

avoidance of wake turbulence; 

(8) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance; 

(9) Weight and balance computations; 

(10) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems; 

(11) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the 

airplane and glider category ratings; 

(12) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and 

(13) Preflight action that includes-­

22 
 

 

 

(i) How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of 

intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and 

forecasts, and fuel requirements; and 

(ii) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be 

completed or delays are encountered. 

Private pilot flight proficiency. 

(a) General. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate must receive and 

log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of 

this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought. 

(b) Areas of operation. 

(1) For an airplane category rating with a single-engine class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and seaplane base operations; 

(iv) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(v) Performance maneuvers; 

(vi) Ground reference maneuvers; 

(vii) Navigation; 

(viii) Slow flight and stalls; [where applicable] 

(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(x) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(xi) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; 

and 

(xii) Postflight procedures. 

(2) For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and seaplane base operations; 

(iv) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(v) Performance maneuvers; 

(vi) Ground reference maneuvers; 

(vii) Navigation; 

(viii) Slow flight and stalls;[where applicable] 

(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(x) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(xi) Multiengine operations; 

23 
 

 

(xii) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; 

and 

(xiii) Postflight procedures. 

(3) For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and heliport operations; 

(iv) Hovering maneuvers; 

(v) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(vi) Performance maneuvers; 

(vii) Navigation; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(viii) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(ix) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; 

and 

(x) Postflight procedures. 

(4) For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], operations; 

(iv) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(v) Performance maneuvers; 

(vi) Ground reference maneuvers; 

(vii) Navigation; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(viii) Flight at slow airspeeds; 

(ix) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(x) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; 

and 

(xi) Postflight procedures. 

(5) For a powered-lift category rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and heliport operations; 

(iv) Hovering maneuvers; 

(v) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(vi) Performance maneuvers; 

24 
(vii) Ground reference maneuvers; 

(viii) Navigation; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(ix) Slow flight and stalls; [where applicable] 

(x) Basic instrument maneuvers; 

(xi) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(xii) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; 

and 

(xiii) Postflight procedures. 

[Without additional data, retaining the aeronautical experience 

requirements as instantiated for manned certification might be the most 

propitious starting point for certification within the UAS community. 

Experience may indicate that these values can be changed in the future.] 

*Glider/airship/balloon/powered parachute/weight-shift-control not shown. 

Private pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) 

I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION 

A. Certificates and Documents (ASEL and ASES) [including COAs) 

B. Airworthiness Requirements (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Weather Information (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Cross-Country Flight Planning (ASEL and ASES) 

E. National Airspace System (ASEL and ASES) 

F. Performance and Limitations (ASEL and ASES) 

G. Operation of Systems (ASEL and ASES) 

H. Water and Seaplane Characteristics (ASES) 

I. Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES) 

J. Aeromedical Factors (ASEL and ASES) 

II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

A. Preflight Inspection (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Cockpit [Control Station] Management (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Engine Starting (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Taxiing (ASEL) [where applicable] 

E. Taxiing and Sailing (ASES) [where applicable] 

F. Runway Incursion Avoidance (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

G. Before Takeoff Check (ASEL and ASES) 

III. AIRPORT AND SEAPLANE BASE OPERATIONS 

A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Traffic Patterns (ASEL and ASES) 

25 
C. Airport/Seaplane Base, Runway, and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and 

Lighting (ASEL and ASES) 

IV. TAKEOFFS or LAUNCH, LANDINGS or RECOVERY, AND GO-AROUNDS 

A. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff/Launch and Climb (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Normal and Crosswind Approach and Landing/Recovery (ASEL and 

ASES) 

C. Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) [where applicable] 

D. Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) [where applicable] 

E. Short-Field (Confined Area—ASES) Takeoff and Maximum Performance 

Climb (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

F. Short-Field Approach (Confined Area—ASES) and Landing (ASEL and 

ASES) [where applicable] 

G. Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES) 

H. Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES) 

I. Rough Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES) 

J. Rough Water Approach and Landing (ASES) 

K. Forward Slip to a Landing (ASEL and ASES) 

L. Go-Around/Rejected Landing (ASEL and ASES) 

V. PERFORMANCE MANEUVER 

A. Steep Turns (ASEL and ASES) 

VI. GROUND REFERENCE MANEUVER 

A. Rectangular Course (ASEL and ASES) 

B. S-turns (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Turns Around a Point (ASEL and ASES) 

VII. NAVIGATION 

A. Pilotage and Dead Reckoning (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

B. Navigation Systems and Radar Services (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Diversion (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Lost Procedures (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

VIII. SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS 

A. Maneuvering During Slow Flight (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Power-Off Stalls (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

C. Power-On Stalls (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

D. Spin Awareness (ASEL and ASES) 

IX. BASIC INSTRUMENT MANEUVERS 

A. Straight-and-level Flight (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Constant Airspeed Climbs (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Constant Airspeed Descents (ASEL and ASES) 

26 
D. Turns to Headings (ASEL and ASES) 

E. Recovery From Unusual Flight Attitudes (ASEL and ASES) [where 

applicable] 

F. Radio Communications, Navigation Systems/Facilities and Radar 

Services (ASEL and ASES) 

X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 

A. Emergency Descents (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated) (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Systems and Equipment Malfunctions (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear (ASEL and ASES) 

E. Lost link procedures 

XI. NIGHT OPERATION 

A. Night Preparation (ASEL and ASES) 

XII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

A. After Landing, Parking, and Securing (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Anchoring (ASES) 

C. Docking and Mooring (ASES) 

D. Ramping/Beaching (ASES) 

27 
 

 

Commercial 

Recommended Commercial UAS Aeronautical Knowledge, 

Flight Proficiency, and PTS Requirements 

[Bold, bracketed text] indicates suggested additions and strikethroughs indicate 

suggested deletions. 

Commercial aeronautical knowledge. 

(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive 

and log ground training from an authorized instructor, or complete a home-study course, 

on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the 

aircraft category and class rating sought. 

(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas. 

(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to 

commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations; 

(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety 

Board; 

(3) Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight; 

(4) Meteorology to include recognition of critical weather situations, 

windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather reports 

and forecasts; 

(5) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft; 

(6) Weight and balance computations; 

(7) Use of performance charts; 

(8) Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations; 

(9) Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and 

dead reckoning; [where applicable] 

(10) Use of air navigation facilities;
 

Sec. 61.125 

(11) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; 

(12) Principles and functions of aircraft systems; 

(13) Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the 

aircraft; 

(14) Night and high-altitude operations; 

(15) Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System; and 

(16) Procedures for flight and ground training for lighter-than-air ratings. 

Commercial flight proficiency. 

28 
 

 

 

 

(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive 

and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation 

of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought. 

(b) Areas of operation. 

(1) For an airplane category rating with a single-engine class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and seaplane base operations; 

(iv) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(v) Performance maneuvers; 

(vi) Ground reference maneuvers; 

(vii) Navigation; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(viii) Slow flight and stalls; [where applicable] 

(ix) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(x) High-altitude operations; and 

(xi) Postflight procedures. 

(2) For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and seaplane base operations; 

(iv) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(v) Performance maneuvers; 

(vi) Navigation; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(vii) Slow flight and stalls; [where applicable] 

(viii) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(ix) Multiengine operations; 

(x) High-altitude operations; and 

(xi) Postflight procedures. 

(3) For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and heliport operations; 

(iv) Hovering maneuvers; 

(v) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(vi) Performance maneuvers; 

(vii) Navigation; 

29 
 

 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

(viii) Emergency operations; [including lost link] 

(ix) Special operations; and 

(x) Postflight procedures. 

(4) For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], operations; 

(iv) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(v) Performance maneuvers;
 

[(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;]
 

[(vii)] Navigation;
 

(+) UAS handoff procedures; 

[(viii)] Flight at slow airspeeds;
 

[(ix)] Emergency operations; [including lost link] and 

[(x)] Postflight procedures. 

(5) For a powered-lift category rating: 

(i) Preflight preparation; 

(ii) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(iii) Airport, [launch/recovery area], and heliport operations; 

(iv) Hovering maneuvers; 

(v) Takeoffs/Launch, landings/Recovery, and go-arounds; 

(vi) Performance maneuvers; 

(vii) Ground reference maneuvers; 

(+) UAS handoff procedures;
 

[(viii)] Slow flight and stalls; [where applicable]
 

[(ix)] Emergency operations; [including lost link]
 

[(x)] High-altitude operations;
 

[(xi)] Special operations; and 

[(xii)] Postflight procedures.
 

[Without additional data, retaining the aeronautical experience 

requirements as instantiated for manned certification might be the most 

propitious starting point for certification within the UAS community. 

Experience may indicate that these values can be changed in the future.] 

*Glider/airship/balloon/powered parachute/weight-shift-control not shown. 

30 
Commercial Practical Test Standards (PTS). 

I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION 

A. Certificates and Documents (ASEL and ASES) [including COAs) 

B. Airworthiness Requirements (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Weather Information (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Cross-Country Flight Planning (ASEL and ASES) 

E. National Airspace System (ASEL and ASES) 

F. Performance and Limitations (ASEL and ASES) 

G. Operation of Systems (ASEL and ASES) 

H. Water and Seaplane Characteristics (ASES) 

I. Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES) 

J. Aeromedical Factors (ASEL and ASES) 

II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

A. Preflight Inspection (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Cockpit [Control Station] Management (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Engine Starting (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Taxiing (ASEL) [where applicable] 

E. Taxiing and Sailing (ASES) [where applicable] 

F. Runway Incursion Avoidance (ASEL and AES) [where applicable] 

G. Before Takeoff Check (ASEL and ASES) 

III. AIRPORT AND SEAPLANE BASE OPERATIONS 

A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Traffic Patterns (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Airport/Seaplane Base, Runway, and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and 

Lighting (ASEL and ASES) 

IV. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS 

A. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Normal and Crosswind Approach and Landing (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) [where applicable] 

D. Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) [where applicable] 

E. Short-Field (Confined Area—ASES) Takeoff and Maximum Performance 

Climb (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

F. Short-Field Approach (Confined Area—ASES) and Landing (ASEL and 

ASES) [where applicable] 

G. Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES) 

H. Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES) 

I. Rough Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES) 

J. Rough Water Approach and Landing (ASES) 

31 
 

K. Power-Off 180° Accuracy Approach and Landing (ASEL and ASES) 

L. Go-Around/Rejected Landing (ASEL and ASES) 

V. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS 

A. Steep Turns (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Steep Spiral (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Chandelles (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Lazy Eights (ASEL and ASES) 

VI. GROUND REFERENCE MANEUVER 

A. Eights on Pylons (ASEL and ASES) 

VII. NAVIGATION 

A. Pilotage and Dead Reckoning (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

B. Navigation Systems and Radar Services (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Diversion (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Lost Procedures (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

VIII. SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS 

A. Maneuvering During Slow Flight (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Power-Off Stalls (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

C. Power-On Stalls (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

D. Accelerated Stalls (ASEL and ASES) [where applicable] 

E. Spin Awareness (ASEL and ASES) 

IX. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 

A. Emergency Descents (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated) (ASEL and ASES) 

C. Systems and Equipment Malfunctions (ASEL and ASES) 

D. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear (ASEL and ASES) 

E. Lost link procedures 

X. HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATIONS 

A. Supplemental Oxygen (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Pressurization (ASEL and ASES) 

XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

A. After Landing, Parking, and Securing (ASEL and ASES) 

B. Anchoring (ASES) 

C. Docking and Mooring (ASES) 

D. Ramping/Beaching (ASES) 

32 
 

 

Instrument 

Recommended Instrument UAS Aeronautical Knowledge, 

Flight Proficiency, and PTS Requirements 

[Bold, bracketed text] indicates suggested additions and strikethroughs indicate 

suggested deletions. 

Instrument rating aeronautical knowledge. A person who applies for an 

instrument rating must have received and logged ground training from an authorized 

instructor or accomplished a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge 

areas that apply to the instrument rating sought: 

(1) Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that apply to flight operations 

under IFR; 

(2) Appropriate information that applies to flight operations under IFR in the 

“Aeronautical Information Manual;” 

(3) Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations; 

(4) IFR navigation and approaches by use of navigation systems; 

(5) Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts; 

(6) Procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts and the elements 

of forecasting weather trends based on that information and personal observation of 

weather conditions; 

(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under instrument flight rules and 

conditions; 

(8) Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance; 

(9) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and 

(10) Crew resource management, including crew communication and coordination. 

Instrument rating flight proficiency. A person who applies for an instrument 

rating must receive and log training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, or in a 

flight simulator or flight training device, in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, 

that includes the following areas of operation: 

(1) Preflight preparation; 

(2) Preflight procedures; [including Control Station checks] 

(3) Air traffic control clearances and procedures; 

(4) Flight by reference to instruments; [no video feed] 

(5) Navigation systems; 

(6) Instrument approach procedures; 

(7) Emergency operations; [including lost link] and 

(8) Postflight procedures. 

33 
 

 

(d) Aeronautical experience for the instrument-airplane rating. A person who 

applies for an instrument-airplane rating must have logged: [Without additional data, 

retaining the aeronautical experience requirements as instantiated for manned 

certification might be the most propitious starting point for certification within the UAS 

community. Experience may indicate that these values can be changed in the future.] 

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, 50 hours of cross-country 

flight time as pilot in command, of which 10 hours must have been in an airplane; and 

(2) Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation 

listed in paragraph (c) of this section, of which 15 hours must have been received from an 

authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating, and the instrument time 

includes: 

(i) Three hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in an 

airplane that is appropriate to the instrument-airplane rating within 2 calendar months 

before the date of the practical test; and 

(ii) Instrument flight training on cross country flight procedures, including one 

cross country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor, that is performed under 

instrument flight rules, when a flight plan has been filed with an air traffic control facility, 

and that involves— 

(A) A flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air 

traffic control facility; 

(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and 

(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems. 

Instrument Practical Test Standards (PTS). 

I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION 

A. Pilot Qualifications 

B. Weather Information 

C. Cross-Country Flight Planning 

II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

A. Aircraft Systems Related to IFR Operations 

B. Aircraft Flight Instruments/CS Displays and Navigation Equipment 

C. Instrument Cockpit [Control Station] Check 

III. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES AND PROCEDURES 

A. Air Traffic Control Clearances 

B. Compliance With Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures and 

Clearances 

C. Holding Procedures 

IV. FLIGHT BY REFERENCE TO INSTRUMENTS 

A. Basic Instrument Flight Maneuvers (IA, IH, PL, AA, HA, PLA, PC) 

34 
 

 

B. Recovery From Unusual Flight Attitudes [where applicable] 

V. NAVIGATION SYSTEMS 

A. Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs 

VI. INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES 

A. Nonprecision Approach (NPA) 

B. Precision Approach (PA) 

C. Missed Approach 

D. Circling Approach 

E. Landing From a Straight-In or Circling Approach 

VII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 

A. Loss of Communications 

B. One Engine Inoperative During Straight-and-Level Flight and Turns 

(Multiengine Airplane) 

C. One Engine Inoperative—Instrument Approach (Multiengine Airplane) 

D. Approach With Loss of Primary Flight Instrument Indicators 

E. Lost link procedures 

VIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

A. Checking Instruments and Equipment 

35 
 

 

SUMMARY
 

The high degree of overlap between manned and unmanned training protocols was 

evident throughout the analysis. The commonalities are also reflected in the recently 

released Part 107 rule for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). As UAS operations 

begin to supplant some manned operations (e.g. agriculture, law enforcement) it is likely 

that the high degree of commonality will continue based on the similarity between the 

manned and unmanned missions. 

Differences in interfaces, levels of autonomy, and missions will probably cause 

increasing divergence between manned and unmanned protocols in some instances. 

However, the fundamental training such as airspace, meteorology, and flight planning 

should result in a common baseline from which all pilots in the NAS start their training. 

As UAS operations and systems continue to evolve, the training will undoubtedly 

require reanalysis and modification. There are numerous unmanned training programs 

unavailable for inclusion in this review. It is likely those unavailable or restricted programs 

cover more extensive and in-depth topics than the published programs currently include. 

Additionally, the rapid developments in unmanned training and operations may have 

resulted in the surveyed programs adding materials since the date of their last open source 

publication. 

36 
REFERENCES 

Civil Aviation Safety Authority Australia. (2002). Unmanned aircraft and rockets: 

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, design specification, maintenance and 

training of human resources. CASA AC-101-1(0). Retrieved from 

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:PWA::pc=PARTS101 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2008). Airline Transport Pilot and aircraft type rating 

practical test standards for airplane. (FAA-S-8081-5F with Changes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 

7). Retrieved from 

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/atp_pts.pdf 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2011). Commercial pilot practical test standards for 

airplane (SEL, MEL, SES, MES). (FAA-S-8081-12C with changes 1, 2, 3, and 4). 

Retrieved from 

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/FAA-S-8081­

12C.pdf 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2010). Instrument rating practical test standards for 

airplane, helicopter, and powered lift. (FAA-S-8081-4E with Changes 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5). 

Retrieved from 

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/instrument_rating_ 

pts_change5.pdf 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2011). Private pilot practical test standards for airplane 

(SEL, MEL, SES, MES). (FAA-S-8081-14B with changes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6). 

Retrieved from 

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/FAA-S-8081­

14B.pdf 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2006). Recreational pilot practical test standards for 

airplane, rotorcraft/helicopter, and rotorcraft/gyroplane. (FAA-S-8081-3A). Retrieved 

from https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/FAA-S-8081­

3a.pdf 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2014). 14 CFR Part 61 – Certification: Pilots, flight 

instructors, and ground instructors. Retrieved from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgibin/retrieveECFR?gp&r=PART&n=14y2.0.1.1.2 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2016). 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems. Retrieved from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?SID=638e975bb8cf15594cf5a36054a05b1c&mc=true&node=pt14.2.107&rgn=di 

v5 

Joint Staff. (2011). Joint unmanned aircraft systems minimum training standards. (CJCSI 

3255.01). 

37 
 

United States Air Force. (2010a). MQ-1 aircrew training. (Air Force Instruction 11-2MQ1, Volume 1). 

United States Air Force. (2010b). MQ-9 crew training. (Air Force Instruction 11-2MQ-9, 

Volume 1). 

United States Air Force. (2012). Small unmanned aircraft systems training. (Air Force 

Instruction 11-502, Volume 1). 

United States Army. (2006). Small unmanned aircraft system aircrew training manual. 

(United States Army Training Circular No. TC 1-611). 

United States Army. (1997). Unmanned aerial vehicle aircrew training manual. (United 

States Army Training Circular No. TC 34-212). 

United States Navy. (2012). Group 1 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training and 

readiness (T&R) manual. (United States Navy NAVMC 3500.107). Retrieved from 

http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/NAVMC%203500_107.pdf 

38 
 

 

APPENDIX A 

Table A1. Requirements Checklist 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

POLICY AND 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Minimum training/currency 

Standards 

[frequency/recency/simulator/co 

ckpit/#hrs/proficiency 

flight/check] X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) and 

Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) 

[published] standards and 

regulations] X X X X X X X 

Waiver Authority [authority to 

grant the waiver and under what 

conditions] X X X X X X X X X 

Records - Maintenance and 

disposition of [total flight time/ 

flight logs-training records/ 

engine time] X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Maintenance of 

Aircraft/Equipment 

[performing/requesting mx] X X X X X X X 

A-1
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

PREFLIGHT PREPARATION 

Pilot Certificates and Documents X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Aircraft Certification, 

Airworthiness and Documents 

[registration, operating limitation 

documents, weight and balance 

information, and any other 

documents required by 

regulation, CS documentation] X X X X X X X X X X 

Certificates of Authorization 

(COA) X X X X 

Operational Data for Mission 

Planning X X X X X X X X X 

Airworthiness Requirements 

[airframe, subsystem failure 

checklist, Compliance with all 

Airworthiness Directives, 

Minimum Equipment List items, 

etc.] X X X X X X X X X X 

Maintenance Logs [track unit 

device training] X X X X X X X X X X 

Flight Planning (including 

Departure, Arrival, and 

Computerized Planning) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

A-2
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Crew Briefing [CRM located in 

Safety/Operational Risk Mgmt 

below] X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Navigational Chart/Map Reading X X X X X X X X X X X 

Map/Chart Preparation for Use 

During Flight X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Publications X X X X X X X X X X 

International Civil Aviation 

Organization (ICAO)/Flight 

Information Publications 

Procedures X X X X X X X 

Mission Route Selection & 

Analysis See also Operational 

Data for Mission Planning & 

Flight Planning X X X X X X X X 

National Airspace System X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Altitude Restrictions 

X X X X X X X X X X 

Airspace Coordination and 

Restrictions X X X X X X X X X 

Frequency Coordination 

X X X X X X X X 

Fuel/Battery Charge 

Requirements X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

A-3
 
 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Performance and Limitations 

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Operation of Aircraft Systems X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Global Positioning System (GPS) 

Considerations and Availability 

(If Applicable) X X X X X X X X 

Visual Observers 

[safety O, Supervising O, line of 

sight O] X X 

Control Station (CS) System 

Checks [checklist/procedures for 

CS] X X X X X X X X X 

Communications See also 

nav system/radar service 

Data Links (C2-command & 

control non-payload comm. 

CNPC) and Lost Link Procedures 

See also Emergency Lost Link X X X X X X X X X X 

Communications Planning and 

Management/ Radio Comms./ 

Knowledge of Comm. Systems X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Weather Information See 

also Adverse Weather 

A-4
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Weather Information - 

Meteorology/meteor 

hazards/Volcanic Activity X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Interpretation and use of 

weather products X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION, 

APPROVAL, AND 

CLEARANCE AUTHORITY 

Flight Authorization [Local SOPS 

Found - not shown] 

Approval Authority [Non-

regulatory Organization Approval 

(e.g., local commander] 

Approval Requirements [Military 

specific (e.g., time in service, rank 

Found - not shown] 

ATC Clearances and Instructions X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

Preflight Inspection/Equipment 

Examination X X X X X X X X X X X Powerplant Start [engine start] X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Taxiing X X X X X X X X X 

A-5
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Runway Incursion Avoidance X X X X X 

Pre-takeoff Checks (Pre-Launch) X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

AIRPORT OPERATIONS 

(launch/landing area) 

ATC Light Signals X X X X X 

Traffic Patterns X X X X X X X X X X X 

Runway and Taxiway Signs, 

Markings, and Lighting X X X X X X X X X X 

Nontowered/Uncontrolled Field 

Procedures X X X Launch/Recovery Areas X X X X X X 

Night Runway Operations X X X X X X X 

GENERAL FLIGHT 

OPERATIONS 

Operational/Situational 

awareness X X X X X X X X X X X General Flight Rules X X X X X X X 

Aviation Principles 

(Aerodynamics/Flight Principles) X X X X X X 

A-6
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Time & Course Control [Time and 

course control timing segments of 

flight and maintaining preplanned 

and assigned courses] X X X X X X X X 

Basic Manual Navigation X X X X X X X X X X 

Manual Flight Control Skills 

[assumed in Manned] X X X 

See and Avoid, Collision 

Avoidance Operations (TCAS), 

Terrain Awareness and Warning 

Systems (TAWS) (S & A Sensors, 

ground based S & A, detect & 

avoid, Proximity of Aircraft, 

separation) X X X X X X X X 

Formation Flight/Cooperative 

Teaming/Swarming/Chase 

planes X X 

Right-of-Way Rules [General 

Operating and Flight Rules 

Regulations 14CFR Part 91: Right-

of-Way] X X X X X X X 

Aircraft Speed X X X X X X X X X X X 

A-7
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Communications, Navigation & 

Surveillance/Air Traffic 

Management (CNS/ATM) 

Systems and Procedures X X X X X X X 

Aircraft Lighting (if equipped) X X X X 

Wake Turbulence and Wind 

Shear X X X X X X X X X X 

Night Operations X X X X X X X X X 

Night Vision Goggles (NVG) 

Operations [includes night vision 

device NVD] X Takeoff with Ice or Frost 

X X X X X X 

UAS Hand-off Procedures X X X X 

TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE 

Takeoff and Departure - General 

[Noise abatement/Turns after 

Takeoff] See Airport Ops for 

launch/landing X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Normal and Crosswind Takeoff 

and Climb X X X X X X X X X X 

Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb X X 

A-8
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Short-Field Takeoff X X 

MANEUVERS 

Performance Maneuvers - 

General X X X X X X X X X X X 

Ground Reference Maneuvers X X X X 

Eights on Pylons X 

Steep Turns X X X 

Steep Spiral X 

Chandelles X 

Lazy Eights X 

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 

Emergency Operations - General X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Emergency Procedures [EP, 

declare emergency, lost link, 

unusual attitude, abnormal flight] X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Unusual Attitude Recovery See 

also Emergency Procedures X X X X X X X X Emergency Descent X X X X X X X X X 

A-9
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Emergency Approach and 

Landing X X X X X X X X 

Systems and Equipment 

Malfunctions X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Emergency Equipment and 

Survival Gear X X X X X X X 

Powerplant Failure—Multiengine 

Airplane [if applicable] X X X X X X X 

Powerplant Failure—Single-

engine Airplane [or simulated] X X X X 

SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS 

Slow Flight and Stalls - General X X X X X X X X X 

Maneuvering During Slow Flight X X X X X 

Power-Off Stalls X X X X X 

Power-On Stalls X X X X X 

Accelerated Stalls X X X X 

Spins X X X X 

NAVIGATION 

Navigation - General X X X X X X 

A-10
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Pilotage and Dead Reckoning 

[correlate w/ map] X X X X X X X X X X X 

Navigation Systems and Radar 

Services/Integrated Navigation 

Systems X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Diversion X X X X 

Lost Procedures X X 

LANDINGS AND 

APPROACHES TO LANDING 

Landings and Approaches to 

Landing - General [Recovery] X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Normal and Crosswind 

Approaches and Landings X X X X X X X X X X X 

Automatic Approach & Landing X X X X X X 

Soft-Field Approach and Landing X X 

Short-Field Approach and 

Landing X X X 

Low Approaches or Closed 

Patterns [box pattern] X X X X X X X X X X 

Approach and Landing with 

Powerplant Failure X X X X X X X 

A-11
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Go-Around/Rejected 

Landing/Touch & Go Landings X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Landing from a Circling Approach X X 

Landing from a No Flap or a 

Nonstandard Flap Approach X 

Land and Hold Short Operations 

(LAHSO) X X 

POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES 

Postflight Procedures - General 

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Post-Flight [post flight 

inspection/examination/checklist 

s] X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Parking and Securing X X X X X X X X 

VISUAL FLIGHT RULES 

(VFR) 

Flight Operations under VFR X X X X X X X X X X X 

VFR Cloud Clearance and 

Visibility Minimums (FAA & ICAO 

Airspace Class) See also Weather 

& NAS X X X X 

A-12
 
 

 

 

 

 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT 

RULES (IFR) 

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) -

General 

[Adverse Weather/Inadvertent 

Weather entry] X X X X X 

Navigation in IMC/Instrument 

procedures X X X X X X X X X 

NORMAL OPERATING 

PROCEDURES 

Checklists X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Video/Data Capture 

[surveillance/camera] X X X X X X X 

SAFETY/OPERATIONAL 

RISK MANAGEMENT 

Safety/Operational Risk 

Management - General 

See also Human Factors, ADM & 

ORM, CRM X X 

Human Factors/Rest and 

Scheduling/Alertness 

Management Strategies X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

A-13
 
 

Training Requirement 

USAF: sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS

(Predator)

USAF: (MQ-9) UAS

(Reaper) 

USA: sUAS (Raven, Scan Eagle,

TACMAV)

USA: UAS

(Hunter)

USN/USMC: sUAS 

CASA Manned & Unmanned 

AC 101-1(0): 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational)

[I]

JCS: BUQ-II (private)

[I + II] 

JCS: BUQ-III (instrument)

[I + II + II]

Part 61: (Recreational)

PTS Recreational (RPA)

Part 61: (Private)

PTS Private

Part 61:65 (Instrument) 

PTS Instrument

Part 61: (Commercial)

PTS Commercial

Part 61: (ATP)

PTS ATP

UAS: Suggested

Ground Lesson (SME) 

Aeronautical decision 

making(ADM)/judgment/ORM 

Principles X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Crew/Cockpit Resource 

Management (CRM) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

REPORTING PROCEDURES 

Mishap/System reporting 

(includes incidents) X X X X X X X 

A-14
 
APPENDIX B

Table 6. Evaluated Manned and Unmanned Training Requirements with Corresponding Protocols 

UAS, sUAS, Training Requirement Manned or All

POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Minimum training/currency Standards

[frequency/recency/simulator/cockpit/#hrs/proficiency flight/check]

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA:sUAS, USA: 

UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: 

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS 

Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS 

Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME 

FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs) and Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) [published] 

standards and regulations]

ALL 3

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, Part 61 

(Recreational), Part 61 (Private), Part 61 (Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

ALL 3

Records - Maintenance and disposition of [total flight time/ flight logs-training 

records/ engine time]

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: 

UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: 

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: 

(Private), Part 61: (Instrument), Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Maintenance of Aircraft/Equipment [performing/requesting mx]

ALL 3

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, 

CASA - BOTH, PTS Recreational (RPA), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

PREFLIGHT PREPARATION 

ALL 3

Pilot Certificates and Documents

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA:sUAS, USA: 

UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: 

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Commercial), PTS 

Commercial, Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

ALL 3

B-1
Aircraft Certification, Airworthiness and Documents

[registration, operating limitation documents, weight and balance information,

and any other documents required by regulation, CS documentation] 

Protocols: Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS 

Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP,

PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Certificates of Authorization (COA)

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson:SME

Operational Data for Mission Planning

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS:

BUQ-III (Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Airworthiness Requirements [airframe, subsystem failure checklist, Compliance 

with all Airworthiness Directives, Minimum Equipment List items, etc.]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS

Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Maintenance Logs [track unit device training] 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS

Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Flight Planning (including Departure, Arrival, and Computerized Planning)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational

(RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 

61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: 

SME

Crew Briefing See also CRM in Safety/Operational Risk Mgmt

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: 

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61 (Instrument), Part 61 

(Commercial), Part 61 ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Navigational Chart/Map Reading

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, Part 

61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

UAS, Manned

UAS, sUAS

UAS, sUAS

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

B-2
Map/Chart Preparation for Use During Flight

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: 

BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: 

(Private), Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested 

Ground Lesson: SME

Publications

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS,

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Commercial

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/Flight Information

Publications Procedures

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS ATP

Mission Route Selection & Analysis See also Operational Data for Mission 

Planning & Flight Planning

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter),

USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Instrument

National Airspace System

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS

Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested

Ground Lesson: SME

Altitude Restrictions

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Instrument,

PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Airspace Coordination and Restrictions

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS,

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private),

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument)

Frequency Coordination

[CNPC/command and control frequencies]

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter),

USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument)

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

UAS, sUAS

B-3
Fuel/Battery Charge Requirements

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQII (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), 

PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Performance and Limitations

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: 

UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: 

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS 

Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: 

(Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

Operation of Aircraft Systems

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQII (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational 

(RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS 

Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Global Positioning System (GPS) Considerations and Availability (If Applicable)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Instrument, 

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Visual Observers 1

[safety O, Supervising O, line of sight O]

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Control Station (CS) System Checks [checklist/procedures for CS]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, 

CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Communications See also nav system/radar service

Data Links (C2-command & control non-payload comm. CNPC) and Lost Link 

Procedures See also Emergency Lost Link

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: 

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

UAS

UAS, sUAS

UAS, sUAS

B-4
Communications Planning and Management/ Radio Comms./ Knowledge of 

Comm. Systems

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), 

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, 

Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

Weather Information See also Adverse Weather

Weather Information - Meteorology/meteor hazards/Volcanic Activity 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Instrument, Part 

61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Interpretation and use of weather products

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: 

(Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: 

ATP

FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION, APPROVAL, AND CLEARANCE AUTHORITY

Flight Authorization [Local SOPS Found - not shown]

Approval Authority [Non-regulatory Organization Approval (e.g., local 

commander] 

Approval Requirements [Military specific (e.g., time in service, rank Found - not 

shown]

ATC Clearances and Instructions

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned,

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part

61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES

Preflight Inspection/Equipment Examination

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS 

Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground

Lesson: SME

Powerplant Start [engine start]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS 

Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Taxiing

ALL 3

 

ALL 3

ALL 3

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

ALL 3

 

ALL 3

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

B-5
Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQII (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Runway Incursion Avoidance

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Pre-takeoff Checks (Pre-Launch)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

AIRPORT OPERATIONS (launch/landing area) 

ATC Light Signals

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Traffic Patterns

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational 

(RPA), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: 

SME

Runway and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and Lighting 

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS 

Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Nontowered/Uncontrolled Field Procedures

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, PTS Private, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Launch/Recovery Areas (e.g., Rail, slingshot, and hand-thrown launches; net 

and arresting cable recoveries)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Night Runway Operations

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS ATP

GENERAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Operational/Situational awareness

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, 

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS 

Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, sUAS

ALL 3

ALL 3

B-6
General Flight Rules

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Both,

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument)

Aviation Principles (Aerodynamics/Flight Principles) 2

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial)

Time & Course Control [Time and course control timing segments of flight and

maintaining preplanned and assigned courses]

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private),

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Basic Manual Navigation

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS:

BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA)

Manual Flight Control Skills [assumed in Manned]

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument)

See and Avoid, Collision Avoidance Operations; Traffic Collision Avoidance

System (TCAS), Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) (S & A

Sensors, ground based S & A, detect & avoid, Proximity of Aircraft, separation)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Both, JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private),

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Formation Flight/Cooperative Teaming/Swarming/Chase planes

Protocols: USA:UAS (Hunter), CASA Unmanned

Right-of-Way Rules [General Operating and Flight Rules Regulations 14CFR Part

91: Right-of-Way] 

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS

Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Aircraft Speed

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational

(RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS ATP

Communications, Navigation & Surveillance/Air Traffic Management

(CNS/ATM) Systems and Procedures

Protocols: USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS:

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: ATP

Aircraft Lighting (if equipped)

Protocols: CASA Unmanned, PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

UAS

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

B-7
Wake Turbulence and Wind Shear

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, Part 61: (Recreational), PTS 

Recreational (RPA), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Commercial), Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Night Operations

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 

61: (Commercial)

Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Operations [includes night vision device NVD]

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS

Takeoff with Ice or Frost

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA Unmanned, Part 61: 

ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

UAS Hand-off Procedures

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, UAS 

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

TAKEOFF AND DEPARTURE

Takeoff and Departure - General [Noise abatement/Turns after Takeoff] See 

Airport Ops for launch/landing 

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA 

Both, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), 

Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, 

PTS ATP

Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Short-Field Takeoff

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

MANEUVERS

Performance Maneuvers – General

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61:

(Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

Ground Reference Maneuvers

Protocols: Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61:

(Commercial)

Eights on Pylons

ALL 3

ALL 3

sUAS

UAS, Manned

UAS, sUAS

 

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

Manned

Manned

 

UAS, Manned

Manned

Manned

B-8
Protocols: PTS Commercial

Steep Turns

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Steep Spiral

Protocols: PTS Commercial

Chandelles

Protocols: PTS Commercial

Lazy Eights

Protocols: PTS Commercial

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

Emergency Operations – General

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS:

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61:

(Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61:

(Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, USA Suggested Ground Lesson:

SME

Emergency Procedures [EP, declare emergency, lost link, unusual attitude,

abnormal flight]

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA:

UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational),

JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS

Instrument, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Unusual Attitude Recovery See also Emergency Procedures

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS:

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS ATP

Emergency Descent

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS

Commercial, PTS ATP

Emergency Approach and Landing

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS

Commercial

Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

Protocols: USAF: sUAS, USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA:

UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Manned

Manned

Manned

Manned

 

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

B-9
Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

Powerplant Failure—Multiengine Airplane [if applicable]

Protocols: 

USA: UAS (Hunter), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61:

(Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Powerplant Failure—Single-engine Airplane [or simulated]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), Part 61: (Recreational), PTS

ATP

SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS

Slow Flight and Stalls – General

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational (RPA),

Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS ATP,

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Maneuvering During Slow Flight

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Power-Off Stalls

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Power-On Stalls

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Accelerated Stalls

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Commercial

Spins

Protocols: Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private) PTS Private, PTS Commercial

NAVIGATION

Navigation – General

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial)

Pilotage and Dead Reckoning [correlate w/ map]

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS:

BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61:

(Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested

Ground Lesson: SME

Navigation Systems and Radar Services/Integrated Navigation Systems 

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

Manned

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

B-10
Protocols: USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQIII (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS 

Instrument, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Diversion

Protocols: JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS

Commercial

Lost Procedures

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

LANDINGS AND APPROACHES TO LANDING

Landings and Approaches to Landing - General [Recovery]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA 

Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Instrument, Part 61: 

(Commercial), Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

Normal and Crosswind Approaches and Landings

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

Automatic Approach & Landing

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument)

Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Short-Field Approach and Landing

Protocols: USA: UAS (Hunter), PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Low Approaches or Closed Patterns [box pattern]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-II 

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS 

Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Approach and Landing with Powerplant Failure

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), PTS

Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Go-Around/Rejected Landing/Touch & Go Landings

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I 

(Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, Part 61: 

(Commercial), PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

UAS, Manned

Manned

 

ALL 3

ALL 3

UAS, sUAS

Manned

UAS, Manned

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

B-11
Landing from a No Flap or a Nonstandard Flap Approach

Protocols: PTS ATP

Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)

Protocols: PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES

Postflight Procedures – General

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61:

(Instrument), PTS Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61:

ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Post-Flight [post flight inspection/examination/checklists]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQII (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP

Parking and Securing

Protocols: USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private),

JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested

Ground Lesson: SME

VISUAL FLIGHT RULES (VFR)

Flight Operations under VFR

Protocols: 

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: 

BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: 

(Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

VFR Cloud Clearance and Visibility Minimums (FAA & ICAO Airspace Class) See 

also Weather & NAS

Protocols: CASA Both, PTS Private, PTS Commercial, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR)

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) - General

[Adverse Weather/Inadvertent Weather entry]

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-III 

(Instrument), Part 61: (Instrument), PTS ATP

Navigation in IMC/Instrument procedures

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), CASA 

Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part 61: (Instrument), PTS Instrument, 

Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP

Manned

UAS, Manned

 

ALL 3

ALL 3

ALL 3

 

ALL 3

UAS, Manned

 

UAS, Manned

UAS, Manned

B-12
NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

Checklists

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS 

(Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: ALL 3

BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, PTS Instrument, PTS Commercial, PTS ATP, 

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Video/Data Capture [surveillance/camera]

Protocols: UAS, sUAS

USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), 

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

SAFETY/OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

Safety/Operational Risk Management - General

See also Human Factors, ADM & ORM, CRM Manned

Protocols: PTS Private, PTS Commercial

Human Factors/Rest and Scheduling/Alertness Management Strategies

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: sUAS, USN/USMC: sUAS, 

CASA Manned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III ALL 3

(Instrument), PTS Recreational (RPA), PTS Private, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, 

UAS Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Aeronautical decision making(ADM)/judgment/ORM Principles

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USA:sUAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), USN/USMC: sUAS,

JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II (Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), Part ALL 3

61: (Recreational), Part 61: (Private), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS

Instrument, Part 61: (Commercial), PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS

Suggested Ground Lesson: SME

Crew/Cockpit Resource Management (CRM)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter),

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Unmanned, JCS: BUQ-I (Recreational), JCS: BUQ-II ALL 3

(Private), JCS: BUQ-III (Instrument), PTS Private, Part 61: (Instrument), PTS

Instrument, PTS Commercial, Part 61: ATP, PTS ATP, UAS Suggested Ground 

Lesson: SME

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Mishap/System reporting (includes incidents)

Protocols: USAF: (MQ-1) UAS, USAF: (MQ-9) UAS, USA: UAS (Hunter), ALL 3

USN/USMC: sUAS, CASA Manned, Part 61: (Recreational), PTS Recreational

(RPA), Part 61: (Private), Part 61: (Commercial)

1

Visual observers could be utilized for sUAS, but were not found in sUAS reviewed Protocols 2

Aviation principles will likely be required for sUAS training, but were not found in sUAS reviewed Protocols 

B-13