Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

"Unoccupied" Aircraft Systems

Portland Community College has chosen to use the term "Unoccupied" when referring to Aircraft Systems that are flown by a pilot via a ground control system, or autonomously through the use of an on-board computer, communication links and any additional equipment that is necessary for the system to operate safely. Industry standards and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations use the term "Unmanned" to refer to such systems, however the College recognizes that this term is not gender inclusive and therefore has adopted the use of "Unoccupied" to better reflect its values around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, United States airspace classification, operating requirements, flight restrictions affecting small unoccupied aircraft operation, and state and local laws regarding unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS).

2. Demonstrate appropriate communication with air traffic control for safe and efficient UAS operations. 

3. Describe how a UAS works within the classification systems of the FAA system.

4. Identify weather sources and explain the effects of weather on small unoccupied aircraft performance.

5. Demonstrate decisions and judgments consistent with aeronautical regulations.

6. Analyze selected UAS legal cases.  

7. Be prepared to take the 14 CFR Part 107 Certificate Practice Exam.

Following completion of course, acquire FAA 14 CFR Part 107 Pilot Certification (License)

Course Activities & Design:

• Lecture/Discussion

• Demonstrations

• Videos/Multimedia

• Practice tests

Text:  Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22

Text:  Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot and Private Pilot    FAA-CT-8080-2H

The above texts are available as free downloads at faa.gov.

FAA UAS Website

Outcome Assessment Strategies:

• Successful completion of all course exams & quizzes

• Participate in and contribute to in-class discussions

Course Content:

Theme

• UAS applications are constantly being created and introduced in industrial and technical fields expanding career opportunities.

Concepts

• Pilot in Command decision making

• Airspace

• Weather

• Safety

• Communication

Issues

• Changing FAA regulations

• Finite airspace

• Public perception of UAS

• Ethics

• UAS restrictions

• Aviation Compliance

• Airspace Permits

Skill

• Transfer new knowledge to successful performance on FAA 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot’s License