FAAWhat must a person, who is manipulating the controls of a small unmanned aircraft, do if the standard remote identification fails during a flight?
- ✅A:Land the aircraft as soon as practicable.
- ❌B:Notify the nearest FAA Air Traffic facility.
- ❌C:Activate the aircraft’s navigation lights.
Explanations
- A: This is the correct answer. The FAA requires that if the remote identification of a drone fails during a flight, the operator must land the aircraft as soon as it is safe to do so. This is to ensure the safety of other airspace users and to avoid potential collisions. It also helps to maintain regulatory compliance, which is crucial for the reputation and legal standing of a commercial drone business.
- B: This is incorrect. While notifying the FAA can be part of emergency procedures in certain situations, it is not the immediate action required when remote identification fails. Misunderstanding this could lead to unnecessary delays in response and potential safety risks.
- C: This is incorrect. Activating the aircraft's navigation lights is not a substitute for remote identification. While navigation lights can enhance visibility, they do not provide the same level of information to other airspace users or authorities as remote identification does.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding the correct response to a remote ID failure is crucial for commercial drone operators. Not only does it ensure safety and regulatory compliance, but it also helps maintain the reputation and legal standing of your business. Missteps in such situations can lead to fines, legal issues, and damage to your business's reputation.
Safety & Liability Considerations
The primary concern in a remote ID failure is safety. Without remote ID, your drone becomes a potential hazard to other airspace users. Landing the drone as soon as practicable minimizes the risk of collision, damage, or injury. From a liability perspective, failure to follow FAA regulations can lead to fines and legal issues, which can have significant financial implications for your business.
Consider This Scenario
A commercial drone operator is conducting a routine inspection of a construction site. Mid-flight, the drone's remote identification system fails. The operator, having been trained on emergency procedures, immediately begins the process to land the drone safely. By doing so, they avoid potential safety hazards and maintain compliance with FAA regulations. This example illustrates the importance of proper training and understanding of FAA rules in maintaining safe and compliant operations.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA is testing your understanding of the correct response to a remote ID failure. This is a key aspect of safe drone operation and compliance with FAA regulations.
Business Success Strategy
Invest in regular training on emergency response protocols, including handling remote ID failures. Develop standard operating procedures for such situations and ensure all operators are familiar with them. Regularly check your drone's remote ID system to minimize the risk of failure.
Memory Aid
Remember to safely land the aircraft when flying it fails to comply with regulations.
Enhanced References
FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A, Section 4.3.3 (Emergency Procedures), FAA Remote ID Rule, Section 89.315 (Requirements for Standard Remote Identification Unmanned Aircraft)
Related Concepts
- Remote ID compliance
- Emergency response protocols
- FAA operational rules
ACS Code: UA.I.F.K1
Difficulty: intermediate