Your FREE FAA Part 107 Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

FAA Part 107 Flashcards

14 CFR Part 107

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems rule — the FAA regulation governing commercial drone (sUAS) operations and the Remote Pilot Certificate.

Remote Pilot Certificate

The certificate required to act as remote pilot in command of a small UAS under Part 107. It does not expire, but recency lapses without recurrent training.

Small unmanned aircraft (sUAS)

An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds (including everything onboard at takeoff) together with its associated control elements.

Maximum altitude (14 CFR 107.51)

400 feet AGL — or, within a 400-ft radius of a structure, up to 400 ft above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.

Maximum groundspeed (14 CFR 107.51)

87 knots (100 mph). The limit is groundspeed, not airspeed, so a tailwind can push you over it.

Minimum flight visibility (14 CFR 107.51)

3 statute miles, measured from the control station.

Required cloud clearance (14 CFR 107.51)

At least 500 feet below the cloud and at least 2,000 feet horizontally from the cloud.

Minimum age to take the Part 107 knowledge test

14 years old (14 CFR 107.67). You must be at least 16 to hold the Remote Pilot Certificate itself.

TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA)

A background vetting every Part 107 applicant must pass before the FAA issues the Remote Pilot Certificate.

English-language requirement (107.61)

A remote pilot applicant must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (a medical exception is possible).

Recurrent training requirement

Free online recurrent training completed within the previous 24 calendar months to keep operating under Part 107. There is no recurrent knowledge test.

ALC-677

The free FAASTeam online Part 107 sUAS recurrent training course for pure Part 107 remote pilots.

ALC-451

The free online Part 107 initial course for existing Part 61 certificate holders, who do not take the UAG knowledge test.

Drone registration under Part 107

Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of weight. Registration is $5 per drone and valid for 3 years via the FAADroneZone.

Recreational registration threshold

Drones flown recreationally must be registered if they weigh more than 0.55 lb (250 g).

Registration marking requirement

The registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft and be readily accessible without tools.

Accident reporting (14 CFR 107.9)

Report to the FAA within 10 calendar days if the operation causes serious injury / loss of consciousness, or property damage of at least $500 (not counting the UAS).

Serious injury (Level 3 / accident reporting)

An injury requiring hospitalization, or one that triggers FAA accident reporting along with loss of consciousness.

Alcohol limit (14 CFR 107.27 → 91.17)

No operating within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under its influence, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater.

Waiver (Part 107 Subpart E)

FAA authorization to deviate from certain Part 107 operating rules if the applicant shows the operation can be conducted safely. Apply well in advance (about 90 days).

Waivable vs. non-waivable rules

Operating limits like daylight, VLOS, altitude, one-aircraft-per-pilot, and ops over people are waivable; the 55-lb weight limit and carrying-hazardous-material prohibition are not.

Carriage of hazardous material (107.36)

A small UAS may not carry hazardous material. This prohibition cannot be waived.

External load / property carriage (107.35–107.37)

Carrying an external load or transporting property for compensation is allowed if the load is securely attached and does not adversely affect flight characteristics or controllability.

One aircraft per remote pilot (107.35)

A person may not act as remote PIC or visual observer for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at a time.

Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89)

The requirement that most drones broadcast identification and location information — a 'digital license plate' — added to the ACS in revision 10B.

Standard Remote ID drone

A drone that broadcasts Remote ID directly from the aircraft (ID, location, altitude, control-station location, time mark, and emergency status).

Remote ID broadcast module

An add-on device that broadcasts Remote ID; an aircraft using one must be flown within visual line of sight at all times.

FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)

An approved geographic area where drones may fly without Remote ID broadcast equipment.

Careless or reckless operation (107.23)

No person may operate a small UAS in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another, or allow an object to be dropped that creates a hazard.

Operation from a moving vehicle (107.25)

Operating from a moving vehicle or aircraft is prohibited, except over sparsely populated areas and not when transporting property for compensation.

Daylight operation (107.29)

Operations are allowed in daylight, in civil twilight, and at night — provided the aircraft has anti-collision lighting in twilight and at night and the RPIC completed updated training.

Anti-collision lighting requirement (107.29)

For civil-twilight and night operations the aircraft must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles; it may be dimmed but not extinguished.

Civil twilight

The period (per the Air Almanac) just before sunrise and after sunset; in the contiguous U.S. it is the 30 minutes before official sunrise and after official sunset.

Remote PIC duties (107.19)

The remote pilot in command is directly responsible for, and the final authority over, the operation; must ensure no hazard to people/property and that the aircraft is safe before flight.

Inspection of credentials (107.7)

A remote pilot must present the certificate, identification, and any records on request from the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or law enforcement.

Form 8710-13

The FAA application (completed in IACRA) for a Remote Pilot Certificate after passing the knowledge test.

IACRA / FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system; creating a profile generates the FTN used to schedule the test and file the application.

UAG knowledge test

The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small initial aeronautical knowledge test for first-time Part 107 applicants.

Retake after a failed knowledge test (107.71)

An applicant must wait 14 calendar days before retaking the test; there is no limit on the number of attempts.

Knowledge-test passing score

70% — 42 of 60 questions correct on the 60-question Part 107 (UAG) test.

Class B airspace

Controlled airspace around the busiest airports, shaped like an upside-down wedding cake from the surface up to roughly 10,000 ft MSL. Depicted by solid blue lines. Prior ATC authorization required for Part 107.

Class C airspace

Controlled airspace from the surface to about 4,000 ft AGL, with a 5 NM core and a 5–10 NM shelf from 1,200 ft AGL. Depicted by solid magenta lines. ATC authorization required.

Class D airspace

Controlled airspace around a towered airport, surface up to about 2,500 ft AGL with roughly a 4 NM radius. Depicted by dashed blue lines. ATC authorization required.

Class E airspace

Controlled airspace that is not A, B, C, or D. May begin at the surface, 700 ft AGL, or 1,200 ft AGL. Authorization is required only where Class E reaches the surface near an airport.

Class G airspace

Uncontrolled airspace from the surface up to the base of the overlying controlled airspace. No ATC authorization is required to fly a drone here.

Dashed magenta line

On a sectional chart, the boundary of Class E airspace that begins at the surface (often around an airport).

Magenta (faded) vignette

A shaded magenta band on a sectional showing Class E airspace with a floor of 700 ft AGL.

Blue (faded) vignette

A shaded blue band on a sectional showing Class E airspace with a floor of 1,200 ft AGL.

Solid blue lines on a sectional

The boundary of Class B airspace.

Solid magenta lines on a sectional

The boundary of Class C airspace.

Dashed blue lines on a sectional

The boundary of Class D airspace.

Airspace box notation "41/SFC"

On a sectional, a ceiling/floor box meaning the airspace tops at 4,100 ft MSL and the floor is the surface (SFC).

Airspace box notation "41/12"

A Class C shelf: ceiling 4,100 ft MSL and floor 1,200 ft AGL — drone operations below the shelf floor are in the underlying airspace.

Class B tier box "100/30"

A Class B layer with a ceiling of 10,000 ft MSL and a floor of 3,000 ft MSL — values vary by location, so always read the box.

MSL vs. AGL

MSL (mean sea level) is altitude above sea level; AGL (above ground level) is height above the terrain. The 400-ft Part 107 limit is AGL.

LAANC

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — the system that gives near-real-time ATC authorization to fly in controlled airspace up to charted ceiling altitudes.

UAS Facility Map (UASFM)

FAA grid maps showing the maximum altitude at which LAANC will automatically authorize drone flight in controlled airspace near an airport.

ATC authorization for controlled airspace (107.41)

No person may operate in Class B, C, D, or surface-area Class E airspace without prior authorization from ATC (typically via LAANC or the FAA DroneZone).

TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)

A temporary regulatory restriction of airspace for events such as VIP movement, disasters, sporting events, or wildfires — drones are generally prohibited inside one.

NOTAM

Notice to Air Missions — time-critical aeronautical information (such as a TFR or closed airport) that a remote pilot should check before every flight.

Prohibited area

Special-use airspace where flight is forbidden for security or national-welfare reasons (e.g., P-56 over the White House). Depicted with a blue hatched 'P' boundary.

Restricted area

Special-use airspace containing hazards to flight such as artillery firing or missile testing; entry requires permission from the controlling agency.

Warning area

Special-use airspace extending from 3 NM outward from the U.S. coast that contains activity hazardous to aircraft.

MOA (Military Operations Area)

Airspace that separates military training activity from IFR traffic; depicted with a magenta hatched boundary.

Alert area

Special-use airspace depicting a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity; all pilots share responsibility for collision avoidance.

Controlled firing area (CFA)

Special-use airspace where activities are suspended when a spotter detects approaching aircraft — so CFAs are not charted.

Military Training Route (MTR)

A route used by military aircraft for low-altitude, high-speed training, often below 1,500 ft AGL — a collision hazard for drones.

NSA (National Security Area)

Airspace where pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flight to protect ground facilities; flight can be temporarily prohibited by NOTAM.

TRSA (Terminal Radar Service Area)

Airspace where radar separation service is provided; participation is voluntary, and Part 107 does not require authorization to operate beneath it.

CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)

The radio frequency used to advise of position and intentions at non-towered airports — monitor it to stay aware of manned-aircraft traffic.

Right-of-way / yielding (107.37)

A small unmanned aircraft must always yield the right of way to all other (manned) aircraft.

Operations near airports (107.43)

No operating in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.

Latitude and longitude

The coordinate grid (lines of latitude run east-west, longitude north-south) used to locate a position on a sectional chart.

Airport beacon / runway numbers

Runway numbers are the magnetic heading rounded to the nearest 10° with the last zero dropped — e.g., Runway 9 points to magnetic 090°.

Sectional chart

The 1:500,000-scale aeronautical chart a remote pilot reads to identify airspace, obstacles, and terrain in the operating area.

Maximum elevation figure (MEF)

A bold number in a sectional quadrant giving the highest terrain or obstacle elevation (in hundreds of feet MSL) in that area.

Obstruction lighting / marking

Towers and obstacles 200 ft AGL or higher are generally marked and lit; the sectional shows their height in MSL and AGL.

Antenna / tower symbol

A sectional symbol marking a tall obstruction; the figure not in parentheses is MSL, the figure in parentheses is AGL.

Wires and unmarked obstacles

Power lines and guy wires may be unlit and hard to see — a major collision hazard during low-altitude drone flight.

Special flight rules area (SFRA)

Airspace such as the Washington DC SFRA with extra restrictions; drone flight is heavily restricted or prohibited within it.

DroneZone (FAA)

The FAA portal used to register drones and to request airspace authorizations or waivers that are not available through LAANC.

VFR Flyway / VFR Corridor

Charted routes through or near complex airspace used by manned VFR traffic — areas of higher traffic density to be aware of.

METAR

An Aviation Routine Weather Report — a coded hourly observation of current surface conditions at an airport (wind, visibility, sky, temp/dewpoint, altimeter).

TAF

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast — a coded forecast of expected weather for the area within about 5 statute miles of an airport, typically valid 24–30 hours.

SPECI

A special (unscheduled) weather observation issued when conditions change significantly between routine METARs.

Sky cover: SKC / CLR / FEW

SKC = sky clear; CLR = clear below 12,000 ft (automated); FEW = few clouds (1/8 to 2/8 sky coverage).

Sky cover: SCT

Scattered clouds — 3/8 to 4/8 of the sky covered.

Sky cover: BKN

Broken clouds — 5/8 to 7/8 of the sky covered; this is the first level that counts as a ceiling.

Sky cover: OVC

Overcast — 8/8 of the sky covered. Reported as a ceiling.

Ceiling

The height above ground of the lowest broken or overcast layer (or vertical visibility into an obscuration).

Cloud-height reporting in a METAR

Cloud bases are reported in hundreds of feet AGL — e.g., 'BKN025' means a broken layer at 2,500 ft AGL.

METAR weather: BR

Mist — visibility reduced but generally 5/8 statute mile or more (a lighter form of fog).

METAR weather: FG

Fog — water droplets suspended near the surface reducing visibility to less than 5/8 statute mile.

METAR weather: TSRA

Thunderstorm with rain. Thunderstorms make a drone operation unsafe — do not fly near them.

METAR intensity prefixes (- / + / VC)

A minus sign means light, a plus sign means heavy, and VC means 'in the vicinity' of the station.

Wind group (e.g., 25015G25KT)

Direction in degrees true (250°), then speed (15 kt) with gusts to 25 kt. 'VRB' means variable direction.

Altimeter setting (e.g., A2992)

The current barometric pressure in inches of mercury (29.92) used to set an altimeter to read field elevation.

Density altitude

Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature — the altitude the aircraft 'feels.' High density altitude degrades drone lift and performance.

High density altitude conditions

High elevation, high temperature, and high humidity all raise density altitude (thinner air) and reduce drone performance — 'hot, high, and humid.'

Density-altitude relationship

Density altitude rises as air density falls. With temperature $T$, as $T$ increases, air density decreases and $DA$ increases, hurting performance.

Standard atmosphere

15 °C (59 °F) and 29.92 inHg at sea level, with temperature decreasing about 2 °C per 1,000 ft — the reference for performance figures.

Temperature/dewpoint spread

The closer the temperature and dewpoint, the higher the relative humidity; a small spread signals likely fog, mist, or low clouds.

Atmospheric stability

A stable atmosphere resists vertical motion (smooth air, poor visibility, steady winds); an unstable atmosphere promotes turbulence, good visibility, and showers.

Cold front

A fast-moving boundary where cold air displaces warm air, often producing strong gusty winds, turbulence, and brief heavy thunderstorms.

Warm front

A boundary where warm air rides over retreating cold air, producing widespread low clouds, poor visibility, and steady precipitation.

Thunderstorm stages

Cumulus (building updrafts), mature (most violent — updrafts and downdrafts, heavy rain, hazardous to flight), and dissipating.

Microburst

A small, intense downdraft from a thunderstorm causing severe wind shear; extremely hazardous to a drone near the ground.

Wind shear

A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance; it can cause a drone to lose lift or control unexpectedly.

Radiation fog

Fog that forms on clear, calm nights as the ground cools (cooling the air to its dewpoint); common in valleys near dawn.

Advection fog

Fog formed when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface; common along coasts and can persist in moderate wind.

Standard temperature lapse rate

Temperature normally decreases about 2 °C (3.5 °F) per 1,000 ft of altitude gain in the standard atmosphere.

Preflight weather sources

FAA-approved internet briefings (1-800-WX-BRIEF / aviationweather.gov), METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs — checked before every operation.

Effect of humidity on performance

High humidity adds water vapor (lighter than dry air), lowering air density and reducing the lift and thrust available to the drone.

Effect of high pressure vs. low pressure

High pressure generally brings stable, fair weather; low pressure tends to bring clouds, precipitation, and poorer flying conditions.

Convective SIGMET / SIGMET

Advisories warning of significant hazardous weather (thunderstorms, severe turbulence, icing) affecting all aircraft.

Frost on rotor blades / airframe

Even thin frost disrupts airflow over a surface, reducing lift; remove all frost before flight.

Weight and balance

Ensuring the drone's total weight is within limits and its load is positioned so the center of gravity stays within the manufacturer's range.

Center of gravity (CG)

The point at which the aircraft's weight is balanced. A CG outside limits reduces stability and controllability.

Effect of an aft (rearward) CG

Reduces stability and can make the aircraft difficult to control or recover; a forward CG increases stability but reduces maneuverability.

Stability

An aircraft's tendency to return to its original attitude after a disturbance. Proper loading and CG keep a drone stable.

Effect of added payload on endurance

More weight draws more battery current, so a heavier payload reduces flight time (endurance) and range.

Effect of weight on performance

Greater weight requires more power and lift, reduces climb performance and maneuverability, and raises the speed needed to stay aloft.

Determining performance

Use the manufacturer's data (weight, battery, temperature, altitude) to predict endurance, payload capacity, and safe operating limits before flight.

Maximum gross takeoff weight

The heaviest the drone (with payload, battery, and all equipment) may be at takeoff — never exceed it; the Part 107 ceiling is under 55 lb total.

Battery temperature effects

Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and voltage (less flight time); excessive heat can damage cells and shorten life.

LiPo battery safety

Store at proper charge, never fly a swollen/damaged pack, and avoid over-discharge — failures can cause fire or sudden power loss.

Securing an external load

A load must be securely attached and must not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft (107.35).

Density altitude and performance

High density altitude (hot, high, humid) reduces propeller efficiency and lift, lowering payload capacity and climb performance.

Effect of weight on stall/loss-of-lift speed

A heavier aircraft must move faster (or spin its rotors harder) to generate the lift needed, raising the speed at which it can no longer stay aloft.

Load factor

The ratio of total lift to aircraft weight; aggressive maneuvers increase load factor and the stress on the structure.

Effect of wind on performance

Headwinds and gusts increase power demand and reduce groundspeed/endurance; strong wind can exceed the drone's ability to hold position.

Balancing payload placement

Mount cameras or sensors so the load is centered under the CG; an off-center load makes the drone drift or tilt and wastes battery.

Reading a manufacturer performance chart

Cross-reference weight, temperature, and altitude to estimate hover time, max payload, and wind limits before flying.

ADM (Aeronautical Decision-Making)

A systematic approach to consistently determining the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances during an operation.

The 5 hazardous attitudes

Anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation — recognized so the pilot can apply the matching antidote.

Anti-authority — antidote

'Don't tell me!' Antidote: 'Follow the rules. They are usually right.'

Impulsivity — antidote

'Do something quickly!' Antidote: 'Not so fast. Think first.'

Invulnerability — antidote

'It won't happen to me.' Antidote: 'It could happen to me.'

Macho — antidote

'I can do it.' Antidote: 'Taking chances is foolish.'

Resignation — antidote

'What's the use?' Antidote: 'I'm not helpless. I can make a difference.'

CRM (Crew Resource Management)

Effective use of all available resources — people (visual observers), equipment, and information — to conduct a safe operation.

PAVE checklist

A risk-assessment model: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures — used during preflight planning to identify hazards.

IMSAFE checklist

A personal-fitness self-assessment: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion.

DECIDE model

Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate — a continuous decision-making loop for in-flight risk management.

Visual line of sight (VLOS) — 107.31

The remote PIC or visual observer must be able to see the aircraft at all times with vision unaided (corrective lenses are allowed).

Visual observer (VO) — 107.33

A crewmember who helps the remote PIC see and avoid other aircraft and hazards; the VO and RPIC must maintain effective communication.

Operations over people (107.39)

Flying over people not directly participating is prohibited unless the operation meets one of the Subpart D operational categories (1–4) or has a waiver.

Category 1 (ops over people)

A drone weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or less with no exposed rotating parts that can lacerate skin may fly over people.

Category 2 (ops over people)

Heavier drones that cannot cause injury above a defined impact-energy threshold and have no lacerating parts, with a declaration of compliance.

Category 3 (ops over people)

Drones with a higher injury threshold that may not operate over open-air assemblies and only over people within a restricted/closed-access site.

Category 4 (ops over people)

Drones holding an airworthiness certificate and operated per their approved flight manual / operating limitations.

Operations over moving vehicles (107.145)

Sustained flight over moving vehicles is permitted only if the drone meets a Category 1–4 standard and the people are in a restricted-access area or transiting.

Preflight inspection (107.49)

Before flight the RPIC must assess the operating environment, check the aircraft for airworthiness, verify control links and power, and ensure all crew are briefed.

Airworthiness

The condition of the aircraft (and its control station, links, and software) being safe and ready for flight; the RPIC is responsible for ensuring it before each operation.

Condition for safe operation (107.15)

No person may operate a small UAS unless it is in a condition for safe operation; the RPIC must discontinue flight if a hazard arises.

Lost-link procedure

The pre-programmed action a drone takes when it loses the control signal (e.g., hover, return-to-home, or land) — know it before flying.

Flyaway

An uncommanded departure of the drone from controlled flight; mitigate with geofencing, RTH settings, and avoiding interference.

Return-to-home (RTH)

An automated function that flies the drone back to its launch point; verify the home point and a clear return path before relying on it.

GPS interference / magnetic interference

Flying near large metal structures or power lines can disrupt the compass/GPS, causing erratic behavior — calibrate and keep clear.

Radio communications at non-towered airports

Monitor and self-announce on the CTAF to maintain awareness of manned traffic in the pattern when operating near a non-towered field.

Phonetic alphabet

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta… — used in radio communication to spell letters clearly over the air.

Reading back / situational awareness

Maintaining a continuous mental picture of the aircraft, environment, traffic, and hazards throughout the operation.

Maintenance and inspection (107.15, 107.49)

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance procedures; if no procedure exists, use sound judgment to keep the aircraft in a condition for safe operation.

Recordkeeping for maintenance

Keep records of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, and firmware updates to track the aircraft's airworthiness over time.

Vision and scanning

Use systematic outside scanning; central vision detects detail, peripheral vision detects motion — important for spotting traffic and the drone.

Night vision considerations

It takes about 30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness; use off-center viewing and avoid bright light to preserve night vision for night ops.

Fatigue

A physiological hazard that degrades attention, judgment, and reaction time; assess it with IMSAFE and do not fly when impaired.

Stress

Physical or psychological pressure that narrows attention and degrades decision-making; recognize and mitigate it before operating.

Dehydration and heat stress

Loss of body fluids that reduces alertness and physical performance; stay hydrated, especially during long outdoor operations.

Drugs and alcohol (physiology)

Both impair judgment and coordination; do not fly within 8 hours of alcohol, while impaired, or with a BAC of 0.04% or more.

Hyperventilation

Excessive breathing (often from stress) that lowers carbon dioxide, causing dizziness and tingling; slow the breathing rate to recover.

Emergency action and risk to people

If an emergency requires it, the RPIC may deviate from any Part 107 rule to the extent necessary to meet the emergency (107.21).

Crew briefing

Before flight the RPIC briefs all participants on the operation, their roles, hazards, communication, and emergency procedures (107.49).

Effective communication with a VO

The RPIC and visual observer must maintain effective communication (verbal or with a device) so they can coordinate at all times.

Avoiding manned aircraft

When a manned aircraft approaches, the remote pilot must yield and, if necessary, descend or land the drone immediately.

Geofencing

Manufacturer software that restricts a drone from entering certain airspace or beyond set boundaries; a safeguard, not a substitute for the pilot's judgment.

Battery failsafe / low-battery RTH

An automated response when battery falls below a threshold, commanding the drone to return or land before power is exhausted.

Site survey

Inspecting the operating area for obstacles, people, airspace, and emergency-landing options as part of preflight planning.

Compass / IMU calibration

Calibrating the drone's sensors before flight, away from metal and magnetic interference, to ensure stable, accurate flight control.

Control station

The interface (transmitter/ground station) the RPIC uses to control the aircraft; minimum flight visibility is measured from it.

Yielding vs. see-and-avoid

Because the drone yields to all aircraft, the remote pilot must continuously scan and be ready to maneuver clear of any traffic.

Hazards of operating near wires/towers

Low-altitude flight risks collision with unmarked wires, guy lines, and towers; survey and maintain clearance from all obstacles.

Decision to cancel a flight (go/no-go)

Using ADM and the PAVE/IMSAFE checklists to decide whether the combined risks make the operation unsafe — and calling it off if they do.

Effects of medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can impair performance; the 'M' in IMSAFE — check before flying.

Spatial disorientation (operator)

Confusing the drone's orientation relative to the pilot (especially flying toward yourself); maintain VLOS and orientation references.

Effect of external pressure

The 'E' in PAVE — pressure to complete a job (client, deadline, weather window) that can push a pilot into unsafe decisions.

Risk management

The ongoing process of identifying hazards, assessing their likelihood and severity, and applying controls to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Single-pilot resource management

Applying CRM principles when operating alone — managing tasks, automation, and workload to maintain safe control.

Loss of orientation due to sun glare

Bright sun can wash out the drone and a display; position to keep the aircraft visible and the screen readable.

Pre-takeoff systems check

Confirm GPS lock, battery level, control link, gimbal/camera, and a clear launch area before lifting off.

Documentation onboard / available

Have the Remote Pilot Certificate, registration, and any waivers available for inspection during the operation (107.7).

Operating limitations of the aircraft

Know the manufacturer's wind, temperature, altitude, and range limits and operate within them at all times.

Interference from radio frequency sources

Nearby transmitters, Wi-Fi, and power equipment can disrupt the 2.4/5.8 GHz control link — avoid them and watch for signal loss.

Conducting a hover/control check

After takeoff, hover briefly to verify stable, responsive control before proceeding with the mission.

Crew rest and workload

Manage fatigue and task saturation; a well-rested, focused crew makes better decisions and reacts faster to emergencies.

Sterile-cockpit concept

Limiting non-essential conversation and distractions during critical phases (takeoff, landing, close-to-obstacle work).

Emergency landing site selection

Identify clear areas away from people and property for an immediate landing if the operation must be terminated.

Post-flight inspection

After landing, inspect the aircraft, props, and battery for damage and log any issues to keep the drone airworthy for the next flight.

Privacy and local considerations

Beyond FAA rules, operate with awareness of state/local privacy laws and the safety of bystanders — sound judgment is part of being PIC.

Final authority of the remote PIC (107.19)

The remote pilot in command is the final authority for the operation and must refuse or terminate any flight that cannot be conducted safely.