CAAS UAPL theory test guide

Introduction to UAS:

• Define unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and unmanned aircraft (UA).
• Describe different UA categories (aeroplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, airship) and their operating principles.
• Understand the various applications of UAS and the suitability of each category for different tasks.

UAS components and systems:

• Identify major UAS systems: power, propulsion, flight control, command and control (C2), and ground control.
• Explain the function of different components within each system.
• Understand the operation of the C2 link, including radio-line-of-sight, interference, and loss-link causes.
• Recognize signs of failed or damaged components (e.g., bloated battery, propeller damage).

Aerodynamics:

• Identify and explain the four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
• Describe how an aerofoil generates lift, the concept of angle of attack (AOA), and ground effect.
• Understand aerodynamic stalls and spins, including their causes, symptoms, and recovery procedures.
• Explain aerodynamic stability, including the roles of centre of gravity and centre of pressure.

Control of motion:

• List the three axes of motion: pitch (lateral axis), roll (longitudinal axis), and yaw (vertical axis).
• Describe the function of main control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudder).
• Explain the purpose of trimming an aircraft.

Air navigation act (ANA) & regulations (ANR-101):

• Understand the key provisions relevant to UAS operations, including permits, dangerous activities, and penalties.
• Know who requires UA registration, an operator permit, activity permits, a UAPL, and UA basic training.

Airspace:

• Identify different airspace restrictions in Singapore using OneMap (e.g., areas near aerodromes, danger areas, protected areas).

Permits & pilot competency:

• Describe the permit application process.
• State the requirements for issuing and maintaining a UAPL, including classes, categories, and ratings.
• Understand the responsibilities of a UAPL holder.

Navigation:

• Understand basic navigation systems like UTM map projection and latitude/longitude.
• Describe the concept and principles of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo.
• Explain methods for improving position accuracy (e.g., RTK).
• Describe other guidance systems like infrared, vision-based, ultrasound, and LIDAR.

Meteorology:

• Understand how atmospheric properties (pressure, temperature, density, humidity) affect UA performance.
• Define altimetry terms: height, altitude, AMSL, and AGL.
• Describe cloud types (cumulus, cumulonimbus) and wind types (headwind, tailwind, crosswind) and their impact on UA operations.
• Know how to obtain reliable weather information (e.g., METAR).

Aviation physiology & psychology:

• Understand the ICAO SHELL model.
• Identify and mitigate visual phenomena like autokinesis and spatial disorientation.
• Know the prohibition on psychoactive substances and the effects of medication and intoxication.
• Recognize the causes and effects of fatigue and stress, and apply management techniques.

Risk and hazard management:

• Identify operational risks and hazards using models like PAVE and checklists like IMSAFE.
• Apply the general steps for performing a risk assessment.

Decision making and communication:

• Understand the importance of situational awareness.
• Use aeronautical decision-making models like DECIDE.
• Recognize and avoid hazardous attitudes (e.g., anti-authority, impulsivity, macho).
• Understand crew resource management (CRM).

UAS operations:

• Describe the phases of flight (pre-flight, in-flight, post-flight) and the required checks.
• Explain the importance of and procedures for common emergencies (e.g., loss of C2 link, low power, fly-away).
• Understand the importance of maintenance, following OEM guidelines, and keeping a maintenance log.