Two certificated remote pilots work a long pipeline inspection. Midway through the flight, the designated remote PIC wants to hand the remote PIC role to the other pilot. According to AC 107-2A, under what condition may they do this?
- AOnly after landing, because the remote PIC designation cannot change during a flight
- BIf both can maintain VLOS without loss of control and the transfer of control is positively communicated
- CAt any time, and the original remote PIC stays responsible for the rest of the flight
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. If both can maintain VLOS without loss of control and the transfer of control is positively communicated
AC 107-2A paragraph 5.2.1.1 permits transfer of the remote PIC designation between certificated remote pilots only if both can maintain VLOS without loss of control; the transfer is made by positively communicating it, and the new remote PIC is responsible for safe operation.
- A. Incorrect. Wrong. The AC says another remote pilot may take over as remote PIC at some point in the operation, so landing first is not required.
- B. Correct. AC 107-2A allows the transfer only if both are capable of maintaining VLOS without loss of control, and the new remote PIC takes over by positively communicating the transfer.
- C. Incorrect. Wrong. The transfer requires both pilots to be able to maintain VLOS, and the remote PIC assuming control takes over responsibility for safe operation.
AC 107-2A Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), 5.2.1.1 Two or more certificated remote pilots transferring operational control (i.e., the remote PIC designation) to each other may do so only if they are both capable of maintaining Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) of the small unmanned aircraft without loss of control (LOC).
AC 107-2A Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), 5.2.1.1 One remote pilot may be designated the remote PIC at the beginning of the operation, and at some point in the operation another remote pilot may take over as remote PIC by positively communicating the transfer of control.
AC 107-2A Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), 5.2.1.1 The remote PIC assuming control of the small UAS maintains responsibility for the safe operation of the small UAS.