RPIC duties; VLOS; registration; Remote ID; night operations; operations over people; accident reporting; waivers; drugs/alcohol

What is the RPIC's main responsibility?

Ensure the small UAS operation is conducted safely and in compliance with Part 107.

Who has final responsibility and authority for a Part 107 drone operation?

The RPIC, or Remote Pilot in Command, holds the final responsibility and authority for ensuring that all aspects of the drone operation comply with FAA regulations.

Can someone else physically operate the controls while the RPIC supervises?

Yes, provided the operation meets Part 107 requirements and the RPIC can immediately take direct control when necessary.

Who is responsible for checking the operating environment and aircraft before a flight?

The RPIC is responsible for conducting pre-flight checks to ensure the operating environment and aircraft are safe and ready for flight.

What does VLOS stand for

Visual Line of Sight, meaning the remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact with the drone during operation to ensure safe maneuvering.

During normal Part 107 operations what must the pilot/crew be able to determind visually

Location, Attitude, Altitude, direction of flight and the crew must be able to observe the airspace for hazards

Can binoculars be used to satisfy the normal VLOS requirement?

No, binoculars cannot be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement, as the remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact.

Does using a Visual Observer automatically allow you to fly beyond visual line of sight?

No, using a Visual Observer does not automatically allow beyond visual line of sight operations; a specific waiver is required to operate beyond VLOS. Can Part 107's VLOS rule be waived?

Can Part 107's VLOS rule be waived?

Yes, certain operations beyond normal VLOS may be conducted under an approved FAA waiver when the applicant demonstrates an alternative means of operating safely

What is the Part 107 Small UAS weight threshold?

Less than 55lb at takeoff including everything onboard or attached

If you're flying a drone under Part 107, does being under 0.55 lb automatically exempt it from registration?

No. Don't confuse the recreational registration exception with Part 107 operations.

What FAA system is associated with drone registration?

FAADroneZone.

What is Remote ID?

Essentially a drone's digital identification/broadcast system, providing identifying and location information during flight.

What are the primary ways an operator can comply with Remote ID requirements?

1. Standard Remote ID drone

2. Drone with a Remote ID broadcast module

3. Operation within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) when applicable

If using a Remote ID broadcast module, what important operational limitation should you remember?

The pilot generally must maintain visual line of sight of the drone.

Can a Part 107 pilot fly at night without a waiver?

Yes, if the applicable Part 107 night-operation requirements are satisfied.

What special equipment is generally required for Part 107 night operations?

Anti-collision lighting

If you're flying at night in controlled airspace under 400 ft, does nighttime authorization replace airspace authorization?

No. Airspace authorization is still required when operating in controlled airspace where authorization is required

Is flying over people automatically prohibited under Part 107?

No. Operations over people can be permitted if the aircraft and operation satisfy the applicable Part 107 category requirements

What are the FAA's four categories of operations over people?

Categories 1, 2, 3, and 4.

What should the RPIC consider when determining whether a flight will constitute an operation over people?

The drone's course, speed and trajectory, including where it could travel if a catastrophic failure occurs.

If your operation over people doesn't meet the requirements of Categories 1, 2, 3 or 4, what may be needed?

An FAA part 107 waiver

When does a Part 107 accident have to be reported to the FAA?

• Serious injury or loss of consciousness, or

• Property damage meeting the FAA reporting threshold, excluding damage to the small UAS itself.

What is the property-damage threshold commonly tested for Part 107 accident reporting?

More than $500 to property other than the drone, unless the property is lost or destroyed.

How soon must a reportable Part 107 accident be reported to the FAA?

Within 10 calendar days.

What is a Part 107 waiver?

FAA approval allowing certain operations outside the normal limitations of a Part 107 regulation, provided the operator demonstrates the operation can still be conducted safely

Do you need a waiver if your entire operation complies with Part 107?

No

Name several operations that can involve Part 107 waivers.

• Certain moving-vehicle operations

• Certain night operations

• BVLOS/VLOS deviations

• Certain operations over people

• Certain operations over moving vehicles

• Operating beyond certain Part 107 speed, altitude, visibility or cloud-clearance limitations

Does authorization to enter controlled airspace mean you have a waiver from every other Part 107 rule?

No. Airspace authorization doesn’t equal blanket part 107 wiaver

What's the "bottle-to-throttle" rule?

You may not serve as a required crewmember within 8 hours after drinking alcohol.

What BAC level is prohibited?

0.04% or greater

f you drank alcohol more than 8 hours ago but you're still impaired, can you fly?

no

Can you operate a drone under Part 107 while using a drug that affects your faculties in a way contrary to safety?

No.

Small UAS weight

less than 55lb

Normal Altitude limit

400ft AGL

Max groundspeed

100mph/ 87kt

Flight visibility

3 SM

Below clouds

500ft

Horizontal from clouds

2,000 ft

You're filming an Andersons event at 9:30 p.m. Your drone has compliant anti-collision lighting, but the location is inside controlled airspace. Can you automatically fly because Part 107 allows night operations?

No. Meeting the night requirements doesn't eliminate the need for applicable controlled-airspace authorization