Crew Member Definitions Version 1

A person without a Part 107 remote pilot certificate may operate an sUAS for commercial operations:

• Under the direct supervision of a Remote PIC

• Only when visual observers participate in the operation

• Alone, if operating during daylight hours

Answer explanation

Unmanned aircraft flown not as model aircraft must be registered individually by the owner, and each registration costs $5. Registrants must supply their name, address, and email address, in addition to the make, model, and serial number (if available) for each UAS they want to fly. Each registration is good for a period of three years.

A person whose sole task is watching the sUAS to report hazards to the rest of the crew is called:

• Visual observer

• Remote PIC

• Person manipulating the controls

Answer explanation

The role of a visual observer (VO) is to alert the rest of the crew about potential hazards during sUAS operations. The use of VOs is optional. However, the remote PIC may use one or more VOs to supplement situational awareness and visual-line-of-sight responsibilities while the remote PIC is conducting other mission-critical duties (such as checking displays).

According to 14 CFR Part 107, the responsibility of inspecting a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) lies with the:

• Registered owner of the sUAS

• Remote pilot-in-command

• Remote pilot certificate holder

Answer explanation

The remote PIC is directly responsible for and is the final authority on the operation of the sUAS conducted under Part 107. Some of the responsibilities of a remote PIC include:

• Conduct an assessment of the operating environment. The assessment must include at least the following:

• Local weather conditions,

• *Local airspace and any flight restrictions,

• *The location of persons and property on the surface, and Other ground hazards.

• Ensure that all persons directly participating in the small UA operation are informed about the following:

• *Operating conditions,

• *Emergency procedures,

• *Contingency procedures,

• *Roles and responsibilities of each person involved in the operation, and

• *Potential hazards.

• Ensure that all control links between your Control Station and the small UA are working properly.

• Ensure there is sufficient power to continue controlled flight operations to a normal landing. One of the ways that this could be done is by following the sUAS manufacturer’s operating manual power consumption tables. Another method would be to include a system on the sUAS that detects power levels and alerts the remote pilot when remaining aircraft power is diminishing to a level that is inadequate for continued flight operation.

• Ensure that any object attached or carried by the small UA is secure and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.

• Ensure that all necessary documentation is available for inspection, including the remote PIC’s remote pilot certificate, aircraft registration (if required), and Certificate of Waiver (CoW) (if applicable).

While you don't have a Part 107 license, you're planning to use a buddy box system with a certified remote PIC to conduct a commercial operation together. How would this work?

• You'd need to be able to hand the controls over to the remote PIC within 3 minutes.

• You'd need to have one control station set up, with a second controller that can be used to assist part of the flight operation.

• You'd need to have two control stations set up, where the remote PIC could take over flight operations immediately with the flip of a switch.

Answer explanation

The ability for the remote PIC to immediately take over the flight controls may be achieved by using a number of different methods:

Even if you don't have a Remote Pilot Certificate, you can operate an sUAS under Part 107 as long as you are being directly supervised by a remote PIC who has met the recurrent testing/training requirement; and the remote PIC has the ability to immediately take direct control of the sUAS.

The ability for the remote PIC to immediately take over the flight controls may be achieved by using a number of different methods.

The "buddy box" method utilizes one cord that connects two different control stations / remote controls / transmitters. One operated by the person manipulating the flight controls (the student), the other operated by the remote PIC, who can immediately override the other control station with the flip of a switch (the master).

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a remote PIC under Part 107?

• Conduct an assessment of the operating environment

• Ensure all participants are informed about operating conditions

• Design the flight control system

• Assess local weather conditions

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Remote PIC before each flight?

• Ensuring all control links between the Control Station and the small UA are working properly

• Ensuring there is sufficient power for controlled flight operations

• Ensuring the site supervisor has approved the flight

• Ensuring all necessary documentation is available for inspection

What should be included in the sUAS to alert the remote pilot when power levels are low?

• A system that detects power levels and alerts the remote pilot

• A backup battery

• A manual power consumption table

• An emergency landing system

Before every sUAS operation, the remote pilot in command should:

• Make sure the aircraft is securely attached and loaded in a way that does not adversely affect performance

• Make sure that the payload doesn't weigh more than 10 pounds.

• Make sure the aircraft nose is positioned away from the pilot

You have your Remote Pilot Certificate and want to fly with another pilot whose certificate has expired. You plan to use a buddy box system. How does this work?

• There is one control system, and you're positioned close enough to the pilot where you can take control within 30 seconds.

• Each pilot has his or her own control system, and you have the ability to override controls.

• Each pilot has his or her own control station. The PIC with the expired certificate is controlling the UA, and you are assisting with your own control station.

Under what condition can you operate an sUAS without a Remote Pilot Certificate?

• If you have a driver's license

• If you are directly supervised by a remote PIC who has met the recurrent testing/training requirement

• If you have a student pilot certificate

• If you are over 18 years old