Remote Drone Pilot DP02 Standards
DronePilotsForUS
Remote Drone Pilot (DP-02)
Course Description & Standards
Course Description
The Remote Drone Pilot (DP-02) course is a comprehensive, standards-based program designed
to prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. This course provides
students with the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and decision-making abilities
required to safely and legally operate small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in the National
Airspace System.
Students will study and apply concepts including:
- FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107)
- Airspace classification and sectional charts
- Weather interpretation (METARs and TAFs)
- Aircraft loading and performance
- Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
- Airport operations and safety procedures
In addition to academic instruction, students will participate in structured hands-on flight
activities designed to reinforce safe drone operation and professional responsibility.
This course prepares students not only to pass the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test (minimum 70%)
but also to operate as responsible and professional remote pilots.
Course Purpose
- Prepare students for FAA Part 107 certification
- Develop safe and responsible drone operators
- Build real-world aviation knowledge and skills
- Introduce students to career pathways in the drone industry
- Reinforce professionalism, accountability, and decision-making
Course Outcomes
- Explain and apply FAA Part 107 regulations
- Interpret sectional charts and identify airspace classifications
- Analyze weather reports and determine flight safety
- Evaluate aircraft performance and operational limitations
- Apply Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) in real-world scenarios
- Demonstrate safe drone operation and preflight procedures
- Successfully complete FAA-style assessments at or above a 70% passing level
Course Alignment
80% FAA Part 107 Knowledge | 20% Flight Skills
Remote Drone Pilot Core Course Standards
| Standard ID | Standard Description | RBT Level | % of Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201.00 | Students will explain FAA Part 107 regulations and operational requirements governing small UAS operations. | B2 | 15% |
| 202.00 | Students will apply airspace classifications using sectional charts and UAS facility maps to determine legal flight operations. | C3 | 20% |
| 203.00 | Students will interpret aviation weather data and apply it to safe sUAS operations. | C3 | 20% |
| 204.00 | Students will explain how loading and environmental factors affect sUAS performance. | B2 | 5% |
| 205.00 | Students will interpret airport operations and apply right-of-way rules for safe integration into airspace. | B2 | 5% |
| 206.00 | Students will apply aeronautical decision-making (ADM) principles to assess risk and ensure safe operations. | C3 | 5% |
| 207.00 | Students will perform preflight inspection procedures and evaluate aircraft readiness for safe operation. | C3 | 10% |
| 208.00 | Students will demonstrate manual flight control of a drone using coordinated control inputs. | C3 | 15% |
| 209.00 | Students will apply safe flight practices while maintaining situational awareness and visual line of sight (VLOS). | C3 | 5% |
| 210.00 | Students will apply mission planning principles to professional drone operations. | C3 | 5% |
Detailed Course Standards
| Standard ID | Standard Description | RBT Level |
|---|---|---|
| 201.00 | Students will explain FAA Part 107 regulations and operational requirements governing small UAS operations. | B2 |
| 201.01 | Students will identify eligibility requirements and certification steps for obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate. | A1 |
| 201.02 | Students will interpret operational limitations, including altitude, speed, visibility, and daylight restrictions. | B2 |
| 201.03 | Students will explain Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) responsibilities and legal accountability. | B2 |
| 201.04 | Students will recognize situations requiring waivers or FAA authorization. | B2 |
| 201.05 | Students will apply rules related to airport operations. | C3 |
| 201.06 | Students will identify when waivers are required under Part 107. | A1 |
| 202.00 | Students will apply airspace classifications using sectional charts and UAS facility maps to determine legal flight operations. | C3 |
| 202.01 | Students will identify airspace classes (B, C, D, E, G) and their characteristics. | A1 |
| 202.02 | Students will interpret sectional chart symbols and legends. | B2 |
| 202.03 | Students will differentiate between controlled and uncontrolled airspace. | B2 |
| 202.04 | Students will apply airspace knowledge to determine authorization requirements. | C3 |
| 202.05 | Students will evaluate flight scenarios to determine safe and legal operating locations. | C3 |
| 203.00 | Students will interpret aviation weather data and apply it to safe sUAS operations. | C3 |
| 203.01 | Students will identify basic weather concepts, including wind, pressure, and stability. | A1 |
| 203.02 | Students will decode METAR and TAF reports. | B2 |
| 203.03 | Students will explain how weather conditions affect drone performance. | B2 |
| 203.04 | Students will apply weather data to make go/no-go flight decisions. | C3 |
| 204.00 | Students will explain how loading and environmental factors affect sUAS performance. | B2 |
| 204.01 | Students will identify factors affecting performance, such as weight and balance. | A1 |
| 204.02 | Students will explain the impact of density altitude on flight performance. | B2 |
| 204.03 | Students will interpret environmental effects such as wind and temperature on operations. | B2 |
| 204.04 | Students will evaluate the impact of density altitude on drone operations. | B2 |
| 204.05 | Students will apply performance concepts to real-world flight conditions. | C3 |
| 204.06 | Students will define the four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. | A1 |
| 204.07 | Students will explain how aerodynamic forces affect drone control and stability. | B2 |
| 204.08 | Students will apply aerodynamic principles to flight operations. | C3 |
| 204.09 | Students will identify operational limitations affecting safe drone performance. | A1 |
| 204.10 | Students will evaluate emergency situations and appropriate pilot responses. | B2 |
| 205.00 | Students will interpret airport operations and apply right-of-way rules for safe integration into airspace. | B2 |
| 205.01 | Students will identify airport layouts and traffic patterns. | A1 |
| 205.02 | Students will explain right-of-way rules between aircraft and drones. | B2 |
| 205.03 | Students will recognize basic radio communication procedures and terminology. | B2 |
| 205.04 | Students will explain communication and operational procedures at airports. | B2 |
| 205.05 | Students will identify airport markings and lighting systems. | A1 |
| 205.06 | Students will evaluate airport hazards and operational risks. | B2 |
| 206.00 | Students will apply aeronautical decision-making (ADM) principles to assess risk and ensure safe operations. | C3 |
| 206.01 | Students will identify hazards related to the environment, equipment, and human factors. | A1 |
| 206.02 | Students will explain risk management models used in aviation. | B2 |
| 206.03 | Students will apply ADM principles to real-world flight scenarios. | C3 |
| 207.00 | Students will perform preflight inspection procedures and evaluate aircraft readiness for safe operation. | C3 |
| 207.01 | Students will identify required preflight inspection components. | A1 |
| 207.02 | Students will explain maintenance requirements and system checks. | B2 |
| 207.03 | Students will apply preflight procedures to determine flight readiness. | C3 |
| 208.00 | Students will demonstrate manual flight control of a drone using coordinated control inputs. | C3 |
| 208.01 | Students will identify basic control inputs (throttle, yaw, pitch, roll). | A1 |
| 208.02 | Students will demonstrate stable hover and controlled takeoff and landing. | C3 |
| 208.03 | Students will execute basic flight patterns (square, circle, orientation control). | C3 |
| 209.00 | Students will apply safe flight practices while maintaining situational awareness and visual line of sight (VLOS). | C3 |
| 209.01 | Students will identify FAA safety requirements, including VLOS. | A1 |
| 209.02 | Students will demonstrate safe flight operations in controlled environments. | C3 |
| 209.03 | Students will apply emergency procedures to maintain safe flight operations. | C3 |
| 209.04 | Students will evaluate human factors that impact safe flight decisions. | B2 |
| 209.05 | Students will identify hazardous attitudes and apply mitigation strategies. | B2 |
| 210.00 | Students will apply mission planning principles to professional drone operations. | C3 |
| 210.01 | Students will identify FAA safety requirements, including VLOS. | A1 |
| 210.02 | Students will demonstrate safe flight operations in controlled environments. | C3 |
| 210.03 | Students will conduct site surveys to identify hazards and constraints. | C3 |
| 210.04 | Students will apply risk management strategies to drone operations. | C3 |
Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy Key
- A1 – Remember / Recall
- B2 – Understand Concepts
- C3 – Apply Procedures