ASTM F2636

Unmanned aircraft present unique challenges for applicants and examiners. Unlike manned aircraft, in which, regardless of the size and complexity of the aircraft, there are still basic similarities in concepts and operations, unmanned aircraft are varied in both flight capability and pilot interaction. Many aspects of unmanned aircraft operations are automated, and the pilots may not have the same information available to them (that is, pitch and bank) that pilots flying manned aircraft have available to them. This will create a situation in which some unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will not be capable of meeting all the requirements of this practice or will not require the same skill sets that manned aircraft require.

The examiner will have to decide which tasks the applicant's UAS will be capable of completing and test those tasks. As required, the examiner will note any limitations as a result of the UAS being incapable of performing a task on the applicant's certificate per 14 CFR 61.45(b)(2). If the applicant desires to have a certificate with no restrictions or limitations, he/she will need to use a UAS that is capable of completing all the tasks in this practice.

Information considered directive in nature is described in this practice by the use of “shall” and “must” indicating the actions are mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms such as “should” and “may” indicating the actions are desirable or permissive but not mandatory. A list of acronyms is in Section 3.

This practice includes the areas of operation and tasks that will demonstrate the pilot's ability to fly the unmanned aircraft safely and proficiently.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice defines the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of unmanned aircraft pilots to be able to fly unmanned aircraft—single-engine land (SEL) in the national airspace system safely and for hire.

1.2 The commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) pilot practical test standards (PTS)-unmanned aircraft include the areas of operation and tasks that will demonstrate the pilot's ability to fly the unmanned aircraft safely and proficiently.

1.3 This practice does not apply to pilots who will fly mini/small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for hire within visual range of the pilot, mini/small UAVs being those UAVs listed as lightly regulated.

1.4 This practice provides a PTS intended to meet the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) requirements for issuing commercial UAS pilot authorizations.

1.5 The values given in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

14 CFR Part 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
14 CFR Part 61 Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
14 CFR Part 71 Designation of Class A, B, C. D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes; and Reporting Points
14 CFR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Services
AC 00-6A Aviation Weather for Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel
AC 120-51 Crew Resource Management Training
AC 60-28 English Language Skill Standards Required by 14 CFR Parts 61, 63 and 65
AC 61-23/FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
AC 61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors
AC 61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness Training
AC 61-84B Role of Preflight Preparation
AC 90-48 Pilots Role in Collision Avoidance
AC 90-66A Recommended Standards Traffic Patterns for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers
AC 91-13C Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft
AC 91-55 Reduction of Electrical System Failures following Aircraft Engine Starting
FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
FAA-H-8083-25 Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook

Index Terms

commercial UAS pilot; single-engine land; UAV; unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft pilot; unmanned aircraft practical test standard; ICS Number Code 49.020

Citing ASTM Standards

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