StudyWhat defines the responsibility and authority of the remote PIC?
- ❌A:Shared equally with visual observer
- ❌B:Limited to aircraft control only
- ✅C:Final authority and responsibility for safe operation
Explanations
- A: This is incorrect. While visual observers play a crucial role in maintaining safety and avoiding collision, damage, and injury, the responsibility and authority are not shared equally. The remote PIC retains final authority and responsibility for the operation.
- B: This is incorrect. The responsibility of the remote PIC extends beyond just aircraft control. It includes ensuring the safety of the operation, compliance with FAA regulations, and managing any emergencies that may arise.
- C: This is correct. The remote PIC has the final authority and responsibility for the safe operation of the drone. This includes ensuring regulatory compliance, managing flight operations, and handling emergency situations.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding the role and responsibilities of the remote PIC is crucial for any commercial drone operation. The remote PIC is the decision-maker and bears the ultimate responsibility for the safety and legality of the operation. This includes not only controlling the aircraft but also managing the overall operation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and handling any emergencies that may arise.
Safety & Liability Considerations
The remote PIC plays a critical role in maintaining safety and avoiding collision, damage, and injury. This responsibility extends to all aspects of the operation, from pre-flight planning and risk assessment to in-flight decision-making and emergency management. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities can result in serious safety risks, potential legal liability, and significant financial losses.
Consider This Scenario
In a commercial real estate photography operation, the remote PIC is responsible for planning the flight, ensuring the drone is in good working order, coordinating with any visual observers, and controlling the aircraft during the flight. When an unexpected obstacle appears in the flight path, it's the remote PIC who must make the decision to alter the flight path or abort the mission to ensure safety.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that remote pilots understand their role and responsibilities. This includes recognizing that the remote PIC has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the drone, and that this responsibility extends beyond just controlling the aircraft.
Business Success Strategy
Ensure that all members of your drone operation team understand the role and responsibilities of the remote PIC. This includes understanding that the remote PIC has the final authority and responsibility for the operation, and that this extends to all aspects of the operation, not just controlling the aircraft.
Memory Aid
Remember, the remote PIC is the "captain of the ship." Just like a ship's captain, the remote PIC has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the drone.
Enhanced References
FAA Part 107.19 - Remote pilot in command, FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
Related Concepts
- Pilot in command concept
- Decision-making authority
- Safety responsibility chain
- Role of visual observers
- Emergency management
ACS Code: UA.I.B.K4
Difficulty: basic