FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot checks the current weather before a job and finds sustained winds of 25 knots gusting to 32 knots. The sUAS manufacturer's flight manual lists a maximum operating wind speed of 20 knots. There is no specific wind speed limit stated in 14 CFR Part 107. What should the remote pilot in command do?
- AProceed with the flight since Part 107 has no numerical wind limit
- BCancel or postpone the flight because winds exceed the manufacturer's operating limitations
- CFly only if a visual observer confirms the aircraft appears stable
- DFly at a lower altitude to compensate for the high wind speed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Cancel or postpone the flight because winds exceed the manufacturer's operating limitations
Although Part 107 does not specify a numerical wind limit, 107.49 requires the PIC to assess local weather conditions and 107.23 prohibits careless or reckless operation. Exceeding the manufacturer's stated wind limitations could compromise control and violate the requirement to operate the aircraft in a safe manner, so the PIC should not fly.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Absence of a CFR number doesn't remove the PIC's duty to follow safe operating practices and manufacturer limits.
- C. Visual confirmation of apparent stability doesn't override known limitation exceedance and control risk.
- D. Lower altitude does not address the fundamental control risk from excessive wind and gusts.
Manufacturer Operating Limitations
Part 107 has no fixed wind speed limit, but PICs must assess weather against manufacturer-specified limits as part of preflight risk management (107.49).
- No CFR-specified max wind speed for sUAS
- Manufacturer flight manual sets practical limits
- PIC risk assessment (107.49) requires evaluating current weather
Memory trick: No rule number, but the manual's the law of the land for wind.