FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsMedium
A remote pilot checks weather before a flight and finds current visibility of 2 statute miles at the intended operating area. According to 14 CFR Part 107, may the pilot legally conduct the flight?
- AYes, because visibility requirements only apply to manned aircraft
- BNo, because Part 107 requires minimum visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station
- CNo, because Part 107 requires minimum visibility of 5 statute miles at all times
- DYes, as long as the sUAS remains below 200 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, because Part 107 requires minimum visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station
14 CFR 107.51 requires a minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles as observed from the location of the control station. With only 2 statute miles of visibility, the flight would not meet this requirement and cannot be legally conducted.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Part 107 visibility rules apply specifically to sUAS operations, not just manned aircraft.
- C. 5 statute miles is not the Part 107 standard; the correct minimum is 3 statute miles.
- D. Lowering altitude does not exempt the flight from the minimum visibility requirement.
Minimum Flight Visibility
Part 107 requires at least 3 statute miles of visibility from the control station location for sUAS operations.
- Measured from the control station, not the aircraft location
- 3 statute miles is the minimum required visibility
- Applies regardless of altitude flown
Memory trick: 'See 3, or don't flee the ground' — need 3 miles visibility.