Regulations
This U.S. agency is responsible for regulating most civilian drone operations.
What is the FAA?
This is the maximum altitude an UAS operations under part 107 without a waiver.
What is 400 feet AGL?
This is what RA indicates in a weather report.
What is rain?
In sUAS operations, payload most commonly refers to this.
What is the equipment or cargo carried by the aircraft?
This unit is used in emergency channels when flying a drone.
What is Mega Hertz (MHz)?
Under FAA rules recreational flyers must keep their drones within this visual range.
What is Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)?
This airspace class surrounds major airports and requires authorization from ATC for drone operations.
What is Class B?
This weather phenomenon makes up a squall line.
What is a thunderstorm?
This factor most directly sUAS flight time.
What is a heavier payload?
This preflight step ensures the drone’s compass is accurate before takeoff.
What is calibration?
Remote ID rules require most drones to broadcast this type of information.
What is identity and location?
This is the primary purpose of a NOTAM for drone pilots.
What is to inform pilots of hazards and restrictions?
This weather phenomenon occurs when temperatures drop to below 32 degrees fahrenheit, and when there is a noticeable amount of moisture in the air.
What is icing?
This is the term for the maximum weight a SUAS can safely carry.
What is payload limit?
Under Part 107, drone pilots must perform this required preflight action that includes checking weather, airspace, battery levels, and the aircraft’s condition before takeoff.
What is a preflight inspection?
Part 107 commercial drone pilots must pass this type of exam to become certified.
What is the Aeronautical Knowledge Test?
Under part 107, this is the maximum allowable ground speed for a small UAS.
What is 87 knots (100 mph)?
Under Part 107, this minimum visibility requirement must be met for all small UAS operations, measured from the control station.
What is 3 statute miles?
This happens to a SUAS when its center of gravity is too far forward.
What is a loss of control?
This FAA concept envisions approved service providers managing real‑time airspace data and routing for drones, a system known by this three‑letter acronym.
What is Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM)?
This is the maximum weight for an unregistered sUAS.
What is 0.55 lbs?
This type of airspace is generally uncontrolled and requires no special permission.
What is Class G airspace?
This atmospheric condition caused by high temperature, high humidity, and low pressure reduces propeller efficiency and rotor thrust, effectively making the drone “feel” heavier.
What is high density altitude?
This environmental factor most commonly reduces SUAS lift.
What is thin air at high altitudes?
This type of operation, often requiring a waiver or special approval, allows a drone to fly beyond the pilot’s direct visual observation using technology such as detect‑and‑avoid systems.
What is Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)