The Complete Remote Pilot

This textbook is for anyone interested in pursuing and obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate, which is required in order to operate drones for commercial use. With a friendly and readable style, the authors cover all of the details involved in becoming a competent, responsible, and safe remote pilot, opening up tremendous opportunities for flying increasingly affordable and sophisticated small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS).

An FAA Knowledge Exam is a requirement for earning a Remote Pilot Certificate. The Complete Remote Pilot is designed to not only prepare you for the exam but to teach you about how drones fly, their components and systems, and the aeronautical knowledge required to fly in the same airspace as crewed aircraft. This book covers specifics on drone terminology, regulations, airspace and navigation, airport and off-airport operations, radio communication procedures, weather, aerodynamics and aircraft performance, emergency procedures, human factors, maintenance, and preflight inspection procedures.

This second edition incorporates regulation changes in 14 CFR Parts 89 and 107 for sUAS equipment; operating at night and over people; remote pilot knowledge, training, and certification; and remote identification of uncrewed aircraft. The required aeronautical knowledge is augmented with specific tips and techniques, checklists, and mnemonic devices, as well as review questions for each chapter similar to the type found on the FAA test, a comprehensive glossary, and index. You will gain the practical knowledge needed to pass the FAA Knowledge Exam and understand how to operate safely as a remote pilot in the U.S. National Airspace System.

Bob Gardner began his flying career in Alaska in the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the next 50+ years, he earned his ATP and Instructor certificates, flew commercially, and operated as a designated examiner, Director of ASA Ground Schools, author, journalist, and airshow lecturer.

Dr. David Ison is a professor in the graduate school at Northcentral University. He has been involved in aviation for more than 35 years, including 6,000 flight hours as a flight instructor and ATP and 15 years in higher education. He has a wide array of experience with fixed-wing and multicopter drones.