FAA 107 Remote Pilot Decision-Making 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A remote pilot notices their sUAS is drifting unexpectedly in calm conditions. What is the BEST first action?
- Continue the mission and log the anomaly afterward
- Immediately land the aircraft and inspect it before resuming (Correct answer)
- Increase throttle to compensate for the drift
- Switch to manual mode and continue the flight
Correct answer: Immediately land the aircraft and inspect it before resuming
Unexpected drift in calm conditions indicates a possible malfunction; the safest decision is to land immediately and inspect the sUAS.
Question 2: Under the IMSAFE checklist used in aeronautical decision-making, what does the 'S' stand for?
- Stress (Correct answer)
- Situational awareness
- Safety equipment
- Signal quality
Correct answer: Stress
In the IMSAFE checklist, 'S' stands for Stress, which can impair a pilot's judgment and reaction time.
Question 3: A remote pilot is flying a commercial mapping mission when ATC issues a TFR over the area. What must the pilot do?
- Complete the current flight leg then exit
- Immediately terminate the flight and exit the TFR (Correct answer)
- Contact ATC to request an extension
- Reduce altitude below 100 feet and continue
Correct answer: Immediately terminate the flight and exit the TFR
A TFR restricts all unauthorized flight; the remote pilot must immediately land or exit the restricted area.
Question 4: Which cognitive trap most commonly leads remote pilots to fly in deteriorating weather?
- Scud running
- Get-there-itis (Correct answer)
- Spatial disorientation
- Confirmation bias
Correct answer: Get-there-itis
Get-there-itis is the hazardous attitude of pressing on to complete a mission despite worsening conditions.
Question 5: During a flight, a bystander enters the safety perimeter without authorization. What should the remote pilot do?
- Maintain altitude and continue until the bystander leaves
- Immediately maneuver the sUAS away from the bystander and land if necessary (Correct answer)
- Warn the bystander verbally and keep flying
- Increase speed to finish the mission quickly
Correct answer: Immediately maneuver the sUAS away from the bystander and land if necessary
The remote pilot in command must ensure the safety of people in the area and must maneuver away or land if a bystander enters the hazard zone.
Question 6: A remote pilot feels fatigued but the client insists on completing a contracted flight. What is the correct response?
- Fly at a reduced speed to compensate for slower reaction time
- Decline to fly; fatigue is a disqualifying condition under the IMSAFE model (Correct answer)
- Complete only the highest-priority portion of the mission
- Have a visual observer take over primary duties
Correct answer: Decline to fly; fatigue is a disqualifying condition under the IMSAFE model
Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time; a remote pilot must refuse to fly when fatigued regardless of client pressure.
Question 7: What is the purpose of conducting a 'What-if?' analysis before a drone flight?
- To satisfy FAA documentation requirements
- To mentally rehearse responses to potential emergencies before they occur (Correct answer)
- To calculate the exact battery consumption for the mission
- To determine the optimal camera settings for the lighting conditions
Correct answer: To mentally rehearse responses to potential emergencies before they occur
A 'What-if?' analysis prepares the remote pilot to respond quickly and correctly if an emergency or unexpected situation arises.
FAA 107 Remote Pilot Decision-Making 2
A remote pilot notices their sUAS is drifting unexpectedly in calm conditions.
What is the BEST first action?