A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Human Factors and Airmanship Questions and Answers

Question 1

A remote pilot has flown the same survey mission over a rural field more than 20 times. For their next flight, they decide not to perform a physical walk of the site to check for new obstacles, assuming nothing will have changed. This behaviour is a classic example of which hazardous attitude?

Accepted Answer

Complacency

Answer

Complacency is a hazardous attitude that arises from familiarity and repetition. The pilot falsely assumes that because previous flights were safe and uneventful, future flights will be as well, leading them to skip crucial safety checks like a site walk, which could fail to identify new hazards.

Question 2

During an A2 operation, the wind speed begins to gust close to the UAS manufacturer's stated operational limits. Although the primary photographic task is not yet complete, the remote pilot prioritises safety and decides to land immediately. This action is a prime example of:

Accepted Answer

Good airmanship

Answer

Good airmanship is the consistent use of good judgment and well-developed skills to accomplish flight objectives. In this scenario, recognising the deteriorating weather, respecting the aircraft's limits, and prioritising safety over completing the task demonstrates excellent airmanship and decision-making.

Question 3

The 'IMSAFE' checklist is a self-assessment tool recommended by the CAA for pilots to determine their fitness to fly. A remote pilot who is suffering from a severe head cold and sinus congestion would be considered unfit to fly primarily under which category?

Accepted Answer

Illness

Answer

The 'I' in the IMSAFE checklist stands for Illness. A head cold, particularly with sinus congestion, can impair judgment, concentration, and even balance, making it unsafe to operate a UAS. Any form of sickness is a primary reason to ground oneself.

Question 4

A remote pilot is being pressured by a client to fly closer to a building than they are comfortable with, in order to get a specific shot. The pilot feels conflicted between satisfying the client and maintaining a safe distance. This is a classic example of what type of human factor?

Accepted Answer

External Pressure

Answer

External pressure is pressure to complete a flight or a specific manoeuvre that comes from an outside source, such as a client, employer, or peers. It can lead pilots to make decisions that compromise safety. A key part of good airmanship is resisting such pressures.

Question 5

A remote pilot is working with a visual observer to monitor a large area. Which of the following is the most critical element of their communication protocol to ensure flight safety and shared situational awareness?

Accepted Answer

Establishing clear, pre-briefed, and unambiguous terminology for commands and observations.

Answer

While standard phraseology can be useful, the absolute priority for a small crew is that communication is clear, easily understood, and unambiguous. A pre-flight briefing should establish what terms will be used for key events (e.g., 'obstacle right', 'land now', 'person approaching') to ensure there is no confusion during the operation.

A2 CofC Drone Practice Test

A2 CofC Drone Practice Test

A2 CofC - Drone Certificate of Competency Human Factors and Airmanship Questions and Answers