Mission Planning Basics
What does AOI stand for in RPAS mission planning?
Area of Interest (AOI)
What does E2 Class E airspace designate?
Designates controlled airspace that begins at the surface to support instrument approaches at an airport.
What does LAANC stand for?
Low Altitude Authorizations Notification Capability
According to Part 107, how long before sunrise and after sunset does civil twilight last?
30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset
What is the difference between Mean Sea Level (MSL) and Above Ground Level (AGL)?
MSL is referenced to a fixed global baseline, while AGL is referenced to the ground directly beneath the aircraft.
What is the main difference between Area of Interest (AOI) and Area of Operation (AOO)?
AOI: A 10‑acre construction site you need to map.
AOO: The 25‑acre airspace around it where the drone will take off, climb, turn, and complete its flight lines.
Which Class E airspace type is an extension to a Class D or Class E Surface Area?
These extensions provide controlled airspace to protect instrument approach paths that extend beyond the main surface area around an airport.
What is the maximum altitude LAANC provides access to for remote pilots?
400ft
What lighting requirement must be met for UAS operations during civil twilight?
Anti‑Collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles
Name one factor considered when calculating Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA).
Answers Will Vary
Height of obstacles or terrain in the area.
Why is meticulous planning of AOI and AOO important for aerial missions?
Careful planning of the AOI and AOO ensures the drone collects the right data while staying within safe, legal, and practical flight boundaries.
Why do remote pilots need airspace authorization to operate in Class E2?
This is controlled airspace that begins at the surface, just like Class D or Class C around an airport.
What frequency is authorized for use by helicopters for air-air communications near heliports?
123.025
What is required for a UAS to operate at night?
Anti-Collision Lights
Why is understanding elevation data important for RPAS operations?
It helps the remote pilot know how high they truly are above the ground and how close they are to terrain, obstacles, and controlled airspace.
What is the purpose of a Launch and Recovery Site (LRS)?
The purpose of an LRS is to provide a safe, controlled area for launching and recovering the aircraft.
Name one reason a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) might be issued.
Answers will Vary
Example: to restrict air traffic during wildfire‑fighting operations
How can a control tower frequency be identified on a VFR Sectional Chart?
A blue airport symbol with the tower frequency printed in blue text next to it.
What does METAR stand for and what does it provide?
Meteorological Aerodrome Report, and it provides routine, real‑time weather observations for airports.
What is a common storage method for high-definition images on small RPAS?
microSD card
List one type of customer input that shapes mission objectives in RPAS planning.
Customer‑defined data requirements
What tool can remote pilots use to check for active TFRs?
Best Answer: NOTAMS
Will Accept: FAA’s B4UFLY app
What does CTAF stand for and why is it important?
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
What is the main difference between METAR and TAF?
A METAR gives current weather conditions
TAF provides a forecast of expected conditions.
List two factors that affect the required number of batteries for a mission.
Flight time per battery
Total mission duration