UAS Mission Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When planning a UAS mission over a populated area, which factor most directly determines the required minimum altitude for operations?
- Battery capacity of the drone
- Risk to persons and property on the ground (Correct answer)
- Signal strength of the remote controller
- Wind speed at ground level
Correct answer: Risk to persons and property on the ground
Minimum altitude over populated areas is driven by the risk mitigation needed to protect persons and property on the ground.
Question 2: A remote pilot is planning a survey mission that will require flying beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). Under FAA Part 107, what is required?
- A visual observer must be stationed at the destination
- A waiver from the FAA must be obtained before the flight (Correct answer)
- The drone must have an ADS-B Out transponder only
- BVLOS is permitted if the pilot has a remote pilot certificate
Correct answer: A waiver from the FAA must be obtained before the flight
BVLOS operations require an FAA waiver under 14 CFR Part 107.31 before the flight can be conducted.
Question 3: During pre-mission planning, a pilot identifies a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that temporarily restricts the planned flight area. What is the correct action?
- Proceed if the drone is under 55 lbs
- Reschedule or reroute the mission to avoid the restricted area (Correct answer)
- Contact ATC for immediate clearance via radio
- File a flight plan and proceed as scheduled
Correct answer: Reschedule or reroute the mission to avoid the restricted area
A NOTAM establishing a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) legally prohibits flight in that airspace unless the pilot has specific authorization.
Question 4: Which document should a remote pilot review to determine the noise-sensitive or protected areas near a planned mission site?
- FAA Form 7711-1
- Local zoning maps and ordinances (Correct answer)
- Aircraft flight manual of the UAS
- FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-57B
Correct answer: Local zoning maps and ordinances
Local zoning maps and ordinances identify noise-sensitive zones such as hospitals, schools, and parks that may restrict or complicate UAS operations.
Question 5: A mission requires flying over an active construction site with workers present. Under Part 107, this is considered flying over which category of people?
- Open-air assembly participants
- Non-participating persons (Correct answer)
- Participating persons
- First responders in emergency situations
Correct answer: Non-participating persons
Construction workers who are not part of and have not consented to the UAS operation are classified as non-participating persons under Part 107.
Question 6: When assessing contingency landing zones during mission planning, what is the primary criterion for selecting a suitable emergency landing area?
- Proximity to the launch site
- Minimum risk to people and property if an emergency landing occurs (Correct answer)
- Availability of cellular signal for GPS assistance
- Flat terrain with soft ground for drone preservation
Correct answer: Minimum risk to people and property if an emergency landing occurs
The primary criterion is minimizing risk to uninvolved people and property, not protecting the aircraft.
Question 7: A pilot plans to fly a UAS at 300 feet AGL near a stadium during a major sporting event. Which airspace consideration is most critical?
- Proximity to a Class D airport
- The potential for a TFR to be active over the event (Correct answer)
- Whether the stadium has rooftop obstructions above 300 feet
- The angle of solar glare affecting camera quality
Correct answer: The potential for a TFR to be active over the event
Stadiums during major events typically have TFRs established under 14 CFR 91.145, which prohibit UAS operations in the area.
UAS Mission Planning 2
When planning a UAS mission over a populated area, which factor most directly determines the required minimum altitude for operations?