A friend who does not hold a remote pilot certificate wants to fly your small UAS during a part 107 operation. Under which condition may your friend manipulate the flight controls?
- AOnly if a visual observer is also present during the flight
- BOnly if the small unmanned aircraft weighs 0.55 pounds or less
- CYour friend is under the direct supervision of a remote PIC who can immediately take direct control of the flight
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Your friend is under the direct supervision of a remote PIC who can immediately take direct control of the flight
A person without a remote pilot certificate may manipulate the flight controls only under the direct supervision of a remote PIC who has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight (§107.12(a)(2)).
- A. Incorrect. A visual observer does not replace the requirement for direct supervision by a remote PIC who can immediately take control.
- B. Incorrect. §107.12(a) contains no weight exception for manipulating the flight controls.
- C. Correct. §107.12(a)(2) allows this when the remote PIC can immediately take direct control of the aircraft.
Source
14 CFR Part 107 (eCFR), §107.12(a)(2) (2) That person is under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command and the remote pilot in command has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the small unmanned aircraft.