What the STS theory examination tests

Understand the planned flight and its surrounding space

The flight geography is the space intended for the normal flight. The contingency volume surrounds it so that contingency procedures can deal with a deviation. Together they form the operational volume. The ground risk buffer is a separate area on the surface around that operational space. Mixing up these terms leads to planning and procedure errors.

Connect the aircraft and crew to the scenario

Study C5 for STS-01 and C6 for STS-02, the required aircraft functions and the relevant limitations. Understand the remote pilot’s responsibilities and the role of airspace observers. A procedure must specify who acts, what triggers the action and how people communicate.

Include human performance, weather and air risk

Knowing a distance limit alone is not enough. The syllabus also addresses the person making the decision, the conditions affecting the aircraft and the risk of encountering other aircraft. Use examples that connect these subjects instead of treating the syllabus as an unrelated list of numbers.

Try the free volume lesson and use the topic checklist to track your coverage.