StudyWhen must you report a UAS accident to the FAA?
- ❌A:Within 10 days if there is serious injury or property damage exceeding $500
- ✅B:Within 10 days if there is serious injury to any person or loss of consciousness
- ❌C:Only if the UAS is completely destroyed
Explanations
- A: This is incorrect. While property damage is a factor in reporting, the FAA requires reporting when the damage to any property, other than the UAS, if the cost of repair (including materials and labor) or fair market value in the event of total loss, exceeds $500. The time frame is correct, but the property damage threshold is wrong.
- B: This is correct. According to 14 CFR 107.9, a remote pilot must report to the FAA within 10 days of any operation that results in at least serious injury to any person or any loss of consciousness. This is crucial to ensure safety, avoid further injuries, and comply with FAA regulations.
- C: This is incorrect. The complete destruction of the UAS does not necessarily trigger the reporting requirement. The key factors are serious injury or loss of consciousness, or property damage exceeding $500.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding when to report a UAS accident to the FAA is crucial for any commercial drone operation. Failure to report can lead to fines and legal issues, damaging your business reputation and profitability. On the other hand, prompt and accurate reporting demonstrates your commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, enhancing your credibility with clients and stakeholders.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Safety should always be your top priority. Reporting accidents promptly helps the FAA identify potential safety issues and implement necessary changes to regulations or guidance. This not only protects the public but also reduces your liability risks. Remember, an accident that results in serious injury or loss of consciousness, or property damage exceeding $500, must be reported.
Consider This Scenario
A commercial drone operator is conducting a routine inspection of a construction site. The drone collides with a crane, causing damage to the crane and the drone. No one is injured, but the cost to repair the crane exceeds $500. The operator must report this accident to the FAA within 10 days, even though there were no injuries, because the property damage threshold was exceeded.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that you understand the reporting requirements under 14 CFR 107.9. This includes knowing when to report (within 10 days), what triggers a report (serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage exceeding $500), and that the destruction of the UAS alone does not require reporting.
Business Success Strategy
Develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for accident reporting. This should include steps to ensure safety, document the incident, estimate property damage, and report to the FAA within the required timeframe. Having this SOP in place can streamline your response to accidents, minimize downtime, and demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance.
Memory Aid
Remember the "10-day rule" for reporting accidents to the FAA. Think of the number 10 as a reminder of the timeframe (10 days) and the property damage threshold ($500, which is half of 1000). This can help you remember when to report an accident.
Enhanced References
Related Concepts
- Accident vs incident definitions
- FAA reporting procedures
- Safety management systems
ACS Code: UA.I.A.K4
Difficulty: basic