Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

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)).

Question 2

Which knowledge area is covered by the initial aeronautical knowledge test and recurrent training under §107.73, but is not listed for the training taken by part 61 pilots under §107.74?

Accepted Answer

Radio communication procedures. §107.73 lists radio communication procedures among the areas of the initial test and recurrent training. The §107.74 training for part 61 pilots covers regulations, weather effects, loading, emergency procedures, crew resource management, performance, maintenance and preflight inspection, and operation at night, but not radio communication procedures.

Question 3

A real estate agent who hired a remote pilot stands beside the control station to watch the live video. The agent has no task in the flight. Is the agent a direct participant whom the remote PIC must brief under §107.49(b) before the flight?

Accepted Answer

No, because a direct participant is a person whose involvement is necessary for the safe operation of the small UAS. §107.49(b) requires the remote PIC to brief all persons directly participating in the operation. AC 107-2A 5.1 says a person is a direct participant if his or her involvement is necessary for the safe operation of the small UAS. A client who only watches the video has no such role.

Question 4

A manufacturer's small unmanned aircraft can be switched between a Category 2 mode and a mode not eligible for operations over people. Under §107.120(b)(2), what must its remote pilot operating instructions address, at a minimum?

Accepted Answer

How to verify and change the mode or configuration of the system. §107.120(b)(2) requires remote pilot operating instructions that address, at a minimum, a system description, modifications that will not change eligibility, and instructions for how to verify and change the mode or configuration if they are variable.

Question 5

A remote pilot plans a part 107 flight near a wildfire where flight restrictions have been designated by a Notice to Airmen. What does §107.47 require of the remote PIC regarding such areas?

Accepted Answer

Comply with §§91.137 through 91.145 and 99.7. Under §107.47, a person acting as a remote pilot in command must comply with the provisions of §§91.137 through 91.145 and 99.7 on flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by notice to airmen.

Question 6

A remote pilot plans a part 107 flight in a Defense Area. Section 107.47 requires compliance with §99.7. What does §99.7 require of the pilot?

Accepted Answer

Compliance with special security instructions issued by the Administrator in the interest of national security, in addition to the applicable rules of part 99. §99.7 requires each person operating an aircraft in an ADIZ or Defense Area to comply, in addition to the applicable rules of part 99, with special security instructions issued by the Administrator in the interest of national security under agreements with the Department of Defense or a U.S. Federal security or intelligence agency.

Question 7

To protect the label from scratches, a remote pilot places the aircraft's registration number only inside the battery compartment, where it is hidden when the battery is installed. Does this meet part 48 marking rules for a part 107 flight?

Accepted Answer

No, because the unique identifier must be legibly displayed on an external surface of the aircraft. A registered small unmanned aircraft may not be operated unless it displays its unique identifier as §48.205 requires, which includes legible display on an external surface. A number hidden inside the battery compartment does not meet that rule.

Question 8

A remote pilot prepares a request for a certificate of waiver under part 107. According to §107.200, what must the request contain?

Accepted Answer

A complete description of the proposed operation and justification that it can safely be conducted under the waiver. A request for a certificate of waiver must contain a complete description of the proposed operation and justification that establishes that the operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver (§107.200(b)).

Question 9

A small unmanned aircraft's motor begins to fail over a city block, and the remote PIC must deviate from part 107 to get it down at once. One choice is a crowded parking lot; another is an empty grass lot the aircraft can still reach. According to AC 107-2A, how should the emergency action be taken?

Accepted Answer

In a way that minimizes injury or damage to property, such as landing in the empty lot. In an in-flight emergency the remote PIC may deviate from part 107 to the extent necessary to meet it (§107.21). AC 107-2A 5.18 adds that emergency action should be taken in such a way as to minimize injury or damage to property, so the empty lot is the better choice.

Question 10

A remote pilot will fly a roof inspection at 11 a.m. on a clear day. The aircraft's anti-collision light is broken. According to AC 107-2A, does §107.29 require working anti-collision lighting for this flight?

Accepted Answer

No, because §107.29 does not require lit anti-collision lighting during the day, though the pilot may choose to use it. AC 107-2A paragraph 5.7.2.2 states that §107.29 does not require small unmanned aircraft operating during the day to have lit anti-collision lighting, although remote pilots may choose to use lighting in daytime.

Question 11

Under the part 107 definitions, who designates a person to serve as a visual observer for a small UAS operation?

Accepted Answer

The remote pilot in command. §107.3 defines a visual observer as a person designated by the remote pilot in command to help the remote PIC and the person manipulating the flight controls see and avoid other air traffic or objects.

Question 12

A remote PIC is getting ready for a job that is being flown under a certificate of waiver. According to AC 107-2A, which documentation should the remote PIC make sure is available for inspection before the flight?

Accepted Answer

The Remote Pilot Certificate, identification, aircraft registration, and the certificate of waiver. Among the actions required before flight, AC 107-2A paragraph 5.11.1 says the remote PIC must ensure all necessary documentation is available for inspection: the Remote Pilot Certificate, identification, aircraft registration, and CoW, if applicable.

Question 13

To keep it dry, a remote pilot leaves the remote identification broadcast module clipped to the controller at the control station while the small unmanned aircraft, which is not a standard remote identification aircraft, flies a survey. Does this meet part 89?

Accepted Answer

No, the module must broadcast the message elements directly from the unmanned aircraft from takeoff to shutdown. An aircraft that is not standard remote identification may comply by using a broadcast module under §89.115(a). From takeoff to shutdown, the person operating it must ensure that the module broadcasts the §89.315 message elements directly from the unmanned aircraft. A module left at the control station does not do that.

Question 14

According to AC 107-2A, what minimum stand-off distance from people does part 107 impose on small unmanned aircraft operations?

Accepted Answer

None specific; the remote pilot may choose a distance based on factors such as aircraft performance and wind. AC 107-2A ¶8.3.1 states that part 107 does not impose a specific stand-off distance from people. The remote pilot may elect one, considering aircraft performance, wind and other conditions, the operational area, probable failures, and the pilot's own familiarity with the aircraft.

Question 15

A new remote pilot's temporary certificate shows an expiration date about four months away. Six weeks after it was issued, the permanent remote pilot certificate arrives in the mail. What is the status of the temporary certificate?

Accepted Answer

It expired when the permanent certificate was received.. §107.64(b) lists three events that end a temporary remote pilot certificate: the expiration date shown on it, receipt of the permanent certificate, or receipt of a notice that the certificate is denied or revoked. Whichever comes first ends it, so receiving the permanent certificate after six weeks ends the temporary one.

Question 16

A remote PIC arrives at a remote site where no local aviation weather reports are available. According to AC 107-2A, what does this mean for the flight?

Accepted Answer

The remote PIC cannot operate until the required visibility and cloud clearances are determined by other reliable means. AC 107-2A paragraph 5.12.3 says local aviation weather reports are one means of determining visibility and cloud clearance. If none are available, the remote PIC cannot operate until the required visibility and cloud clearances are determined by other reliable means.

Question 17

A small unmanned aircraft has an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21. Its approved Flight Manual has an operating limitation that prohibits operations over human beings. May a remote pilot use it for a Category 4 operation over people?

Accepted Answer

No, because Category 4 eligibility requires operating limitations that do not prohibit operations over human beings. To be eligible for Category 4, the aircraft must have a part 21 airworthiness certificate and must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. Those operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings (§107.140(b)(2)).

Question 18

A company produces a small unmanned aircraft and submits a declaration of compliance for Category 2. How long must it retain the supporting information used to show the aircraft meets §107.120(a)?

Accepted Answer

For two years after it stops producing the small unmanned aircraft system. A person who submits a declaration of compliance and produces the aircraft must retain all supporting information for two years after the cessation of production (§107.165(a)(2)(i)). A person who designs or modifies the aircraft retains it for two years after submitting the declaration (§107.165(a)(2)(ii)).

Question 19

A remote pilot flies a small UA low along a tall tree line that hides the airspace to the west. A low-flying helicopter appears over the trees and passes close to the UA. The pilot says the trees made it impossible to see the helicopter. According to the AIM, which is correct?

Accepted Answer

The remote pilot remains responsible; the pilot needed an unblocked view of the UA and the airspace around it. The pilot of any unmanned aircraft retains the ultimate responsibility to avoid manned traffic. The pilot must keep unblocked visual access to the UA and to the surrounding airspace; a blocked view is no excuse.

Question 20

A remote PIC programs a waypoint mission so the small unmanned aircraft flies the whole survey automatically. Which part 107 requirement applies to the remote PIC during this automated flight?

Accepted Answer

The remote PIC must be able to direct the aircraft to ensure compliance with the applicable rules. §107.19(e) requires the remote pilot in command to have the ability to direct the small unmanned aircraft to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of the chapter. This applies whether the aircraft is flown manually or by an automated mission.

Question 21

An applicant for the remote pilot knowledge test gives a post office box number as the permanent mailing address. What else must the applicant provide?

Accepted Answer

A current residential address. Under §107.67(b)(4), identification must contain the applicant's permanent mailing address. If that address is a post office box number, the applicant must also provide a current residential address.

Question 22

A remote PIC flies from a pickup truck moving along a pipeline over a sparsely populated area. No property is carried. The truck will drive ahead of the aircraft, and the pilot plans to track it only on the camera feed, with no visual observer. According to AC 107-2A, is this acceptable?

Accepted Answer

No, because the remote PIC operating from a moving vehicle is still required to maintain VLOS. Operating from a moving vehicle over a sparsely populated area does not relieve the remote PIC of the other part 107 rules. AC 107-2A 5.14.1 says the remote PIC operating from a moving vehicle is still required to maintain VLOS, so tracking the aircraft only on a camera feed is not acceptable.

Question 23

A remote pilot planning a Category 3 operation must judge whether the operating area is an open-air assembly of people. According to AC 107-2A, which situation is least likely to be considered an open-air assembly?

Accepted Answer

A few people playing a casual game of soccer in an open field with no spectators. Category 3 operations may not be conducted over open-air assemblies (§107.125(b)). AC 107-2A ¶8.3.6.4 says the FAA decides case by case, based on the density of nonparticipants, and gives festivals and parades as likely examples and casual sports without spectators as a less likely one.

Question 24

A fixed-wing small unmanned aircraft cruises at 70 knots airspeed with a direct 20-knot tailwind, giving a groundspeed of 90 knots. Is this within the part 107 operating limitations?

Accepted Answer

No, because the groundspeed exceeds 87 knots. §107.51(a) limits the groundspeed of a small unmanned aircraft to 87 knots (100 miles per hour). A 20-knot tailwind raises the groundspeed to 90 knots, which exceeds the limit even though the airspeed is 70 knots.

Question 25

A remote pilot arrives at a job site inside Class D airspace without an airspace authorization. The pilot plans to telephone the control tower and fly once a controller says it is fine. According to the AIM, how should the authorization be obtained?

Accepted Answer

Through an airspace access process such as LAANC or DroneZone, not by calling ATC. Airspace authorizations for small UAS go through the access processes, such as LAANC and DroneZone. They are not arranged by an informal radio or telephone call to ATC.

Question 26

A small unmanned aircraft is not eligible for any subpart D category. During the flight it passes directly over the visual observer, who is standing in the open and directly participating in the operation. Is this allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because the observer is directly participating in the operation. §107.39 allows operation over a human being if that person is directly participating in the operation (§107.39(a)), is under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle (§107.39(b)), or the operation meets a subpart D category (§107.39(c)).

Question 27

A commercial airplane pilot holds a remote pilot certificate. The pilot's last part 107 training was 25 calendar months ago, and the pilot's flight review under §61.56 is no longer current. Which action would let this pilot again exercise remote pilot in command privileges?

Accepted Answer

Complete recurrent training covering the §107.73 knowledge areas. §107.65 lists three ways to meet recency within 24 calendar months. The §107.74 training in paragraph (c) requires a part 61 certificate plus a current §61.56 flight review. Without a current flight review, this pilot must use paragraph (a) or (b), such as recurrent training covering the §107.73 areas.

Question 28

Unless otherwise provided, how long does an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA) remain in effect after the FAA approves the request to establish it?

Accepted Answer

48 calendar months. A FRIA is in effect for 48 calendar months after the date the FAA approves the request for its establishment (§89.225(a)). Unless renewed, it expires automatically (§89.230(a)).

Question 29

A remote pilot walks along a pipeline holding the controller while flying a standard remote identification unmanned aircraft. Under §89.310, what must the broadcast control station location correspond to?

Accepted Answer

The location of the person manipulating the flight controls. Under §89.310(a), the control station location must be generated and encoded into the message elements and must correspond to the location of the person manipulating the flight controls. As the pilot walks, the broadcast follows the pilot.

Question 30

A first-time applicant for a remote pilot certificate has never held an FAA medical certificate or seen an aviation medical examiner. Which medical-related eligibility requirement does §107.61 set for this applicant?

Accepted Answer

Not know or have reason to know of a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe small UAS operation. Under §107.61(c), an applicant must not know or have reason to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS. The §107.61 eligibility list (age, English, this condition, and aeronautical knowledge) does not include an FAA medical certificate.

Question 31

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

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