FAA 107 Night Operations & Waiver Requirements 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What color must the anti-collision light on a sUAS be for night operations under Part 107?
- Red only
- White only
- Green only
- Any color is acceptable as long as it is visible for 3 SM (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Any color is acceptable as long as it is visible for 3 SM
Part 107 does not specify a color for anti-collision lights; any color is acceptable as long as the light is visible for at least 3 statute miles.
Question 2: A visual observer (VO) assisting a remote pilot in command during night operations must be able to:
- Operate the drone's controls if the RPIC becomes incapacitated
- Maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS at all times (Correct answer)
- Monitor radio frequencies and relay ATC communications
- Verify GPS accuracy throughout the flight
Correct answer: Maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS at all times
The VO's primary role is to maintain visual line of sight with the sUAS and communicate relevant information to the RPIC.
Question 3: Under Part 107, how many visual observers may assist a single remote pilot in command during one flight?
- Only one VO is permitted per flight
- No limit, as long as each VO can see the aircraft (Correct answer)
- A maximum of two VOs per flight
- Up to four VOs in Class G airspace only
Correct answer: No limit, as long as each VO can see the aircraft
Part 107 does not limit the number of visual observers; as many as needed may assist the RPIC during a single operation.
Question 4: A remote pilot wants to fly at night over a populated area. Beyond anti-collision lighting, what additional factor must be evaluated?
- Whether a NOC (Night Operations Certificate) has been obtained
- Whether operations over people rules are satisfied or a waiver is held (Correct answer)
- Whether operations are restricted to 100 feet AGL in populated areas
- Whether a secondary pilot is stationed on the ground
Correct answer: Whether operations over people rules are satisfied or a waiver is held
Flying over people at night still requires compliance with Part 107 Subpart D (operations over people) or a waiver covering that provision.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'see-and-avoid' challenges at night for sUAS pilots?
- Night vision improves with altitude, reducing the need for anti-collision lights above 200 feet
- The human eye adapts fully to darkness within 5 minutes, eliminating most hazards
- Peripheral vision is more effective than central vision in low-light, but overall detection is harder (Correct answer)
- Anti-collision lights eliminate all see-and-avoid challenges when properly functioning
Correct answer: Peripheral vision is more effective than central vision in low-light, but overall detection is harder
Human peripheral vision (rod cells) works better in low light than central foveal vision, but overall visual performance is still significantly reduced at night.
Question 6: A Part 107 waiver allows BVLOS operations. The remote pilot experiences a communication link loss. The sUAS continues to operate autonomously. What must the waiver specifically address?
- Fail-safe behaviors triggered by link loss, such as return-to-home or hover (Correct answer)
- The pilot's obligation to file a PIREP within 1 hour of link loss
- A requirement to immediately alert TSA of any link-loss event
- Mandatory shutdown of all operations for the remainder of the day
Correct answer: Fail-safe behaviors triggered by link loss, such as return-to-home or hover
BVLOS waivers must include provisions for contingency scenarios like communication link loss, detailing how the aircraft will behave safely.
Question 7: Which of the following is a valid reason the FAA may deny a Part 107 waiver application?
- The applicant holds only a Part 61 pilot certificate
- The application does not demonstrate that the proposed operation can be conducted safely (Correct answer)
- The sUAS weighs more than 15 pounds
- The operation is planned for Class G airspace
Correct answer: The application does not demonstrate that the proposed operation can be conducted safely
The FAA will deny a waiver if the application fails to show that the proposed operation can be performed at an acceptable level of safety.
FAA 107 Night Operations & Waiver Requirements 4
What color must the anti-collision light on a sUAS be for night operations under Part 107?