StudyWhat are the visibility requirements for UAS operations?
- ❌A:1 statute mile flight visibility
- ✅B:3 statute miles flight visibility
- ❌C:No specific visibility requirement
Explanations
- A: This is incorrect. The FAA requires a minimum of 3 statute miles flight visibility for UAS operations. Operating with less visibility can increase the risk of collision, damage, and injury, and also lead to regulatory violations.
- B: This is correct. The FAA requires a minimum of 3 statute miles flight visibility for UAS operations. This requirement is designed to ensure safety by reducing the risk of collision and to maintain regulatory compliance.
- C: This is incorrect. The FAA has specific visibility requirements for UAS operations. Ignoring these requirements can compromise safety and lead to regulatory violations.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding and adhering to visibility requirements is crucial for the safety and success of your drone operations. Poor visibility can lead to increased risk of collision, damage, and injury, which can result in costly repairs, insurance claims, and potential legal issues. Moreover, maintaining regulatory compliance is essential to avoid fines and protect your business reputation.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Operating a drone in conditions with less than the required visibility increases the risk of collision with other aircraft, structures, or even people. This can lead to damage or injury, which can result in significant costs for repairs, medical expenses, and potential legal liabilities.
Consider This Scenario
A real estate company hires a drone operator to capture aerial footage of a large property for a promotional video. The operator checks the weather forecast and finds that visibility is expected to be less than 3 statute miles due to fog. The operator informs the client about the FAA visibility requirements and reschedules the flight for a day with better weather conditions. This decision ensures the safety of the operation and maintains regulatory compliance.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that drone operators understand the visibility requirements for UAS operations. These requirements are designed to ensure safety and reduce the risk of collision.
Business Success Strategy
Always check the weather forecast before a drone operation and ensure that visibility meets the FAA requirements. If visibility is less than 3 statute miles, consider rescheduling the operation. Communicate these requirements to your clients to manage their expectations and demonstrate your commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Memory Aid
Remember the phrase "Three to See" to recall that the FAA requires 3 statute miles of visibility for UAS operations.
Enhanced References
FAA Part 107.51(b)(1) - Visibility, FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
Related Concepts
- Weather minimums
- Visibility measurement
- Operating limitations
- Risk management
- Regulatory compliance
ACS Code: UA.II.B.K1
Difficulty: basic