UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Flight Operations and Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A remote pilot in command (PIC) is operating a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) for a commercial photography assignment. During the flight, the drone loses connection and crashes, causing $750 worth of damage to a parked car. According to 14 CFR Part 107, what is the remote PIC required to do?
- Report the accident to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) within 7 days.
- Report the accident to the FAA within 10 days. (Correct answer)
- Submit a report to the local police department within 24 hours.
- No report is required as there were no injuries.
Correct answer: Report the accident to the FAA within 10 days.
According to 14 CFR § 107.9, a remote pilot must report an accident to the FAA within 10 days if it results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage (other than to the sUAS) exceeding $500 in repair costs or fair market value. Since the damage to the car was $750, an FAA report is mandatory.
Question 2: Which of the following is a mandatory pre-flight action that the Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) must complete before every flight?
- File a flight plan with the local Flight Service Station.
- Check the NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) for the operational area.
- Ensure the sUAS is in a condition for safe operation through a pre-flight inspection. (Correct answer)
- Notify the nearest airport of the intended flight path.
Correct answer: Ensure the sUAS is in a condition for safe operation through a pre-flight inspection.
14 CFR Part 107 requires the Remote PIC to conduct a pre-flight inspection to ensure the small unmanned aircraft system is in a condition for safe operation. This includes checking all relevant components and systems before each flight. While checking NOTAMs is a best practice and often necessary for situational awareness, the fundamental requirement is the overall assessment for safe operation.
Question 3: Under what condition is a Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) allowed to operate a small unmanned aircraft from a moving vehicle?
- During daylight hours only.
- When the vehicle is moving slower than 25 mph.
- When operating over a sparsely populated area. (Correct answer)
- For the purposes of transporting property for compensation or hire.
Correct answer: When operating over a sparsely populated area.
14 CFR Part 107.25 permits operation from a moving vehicle, but only when the operation is conducted over a sparsely populated area. The rule does not allow this type of operation for the transportation of property for compensation or hire.
Question 4: What is the minimum flight visibility required for sUAS operations, as observed from the location of the control station?
- 1 statute mile
- 5 statute miles
- 3 statute miles (Correct answer)
- There is no minimum visibility requirement if a visual observer is used.
Correct answer: 3 statute miles
According to 14 CFR Part 107.51, the minimum flight visibility required must be no less than 3 statute miles as observed from the location of the ground control station. This requirement ensures the remote pilot can maintain visual line of sight and see and avoid other aircraft.
Question 5: Who has the final authority and direct responsibility for the operation of a small unmanned aircraft system?
- The person manipulating the flight controls.
- The visual observer.
- The owner of the sUAS.
- The Remote Pilot in Command. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The Remote Pilot in Command.
14 CFR § 107.19 explicitly states that the Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small unmanned aircraft system. This authority cannot be delegated.
Question 6: To operate a small unmanned aircraft at night, the remote pilot must ensure the aircraft is equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least:
- 1 statute mile
- 3 statute miles (Correct answer)
- 5 nautical miles
- 10 statute miles
Correct answer: 3 statute miles
According to 14 CFR § 107.29, for night operations, the small unmanned aircraft must have anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles. The rule also specifies the lights should have a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.
UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Flight Operations and Safety Questions and Answers
A remote pilot in command (PIC) is operating a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) for a commercial photography assignment.
During the flight, the drone loses connection and crashes, causing $750 worth of damage to a parked car.
According to 14 CFR Part 107, what is the remote PIC required to do?