FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
While flying a sUAS mapping mission near dense high-rise buildings, the aircraft's GPS signal is lost and the multirotor begins to drift unpredictably as the autopilot switches to attitude-hold mode. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the remote pilot in command?
- AWait for the GPS signal to reacquire automatically before taking any action
- BShut off the aircraft's motors immediately to prevent further drift
- CTake manual control of the aircraft and fly it to a safe landing area
- DActivate return-to-home immediately since it relies on GPS for guidance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Take manual control of the aircraft and fly it to a safe landing area
When GPS is lost, most autopilots switch to attitude-hold or manual mode, which does not include position hold or automated navigation. The remote pilot in command should take manual control immediately and fly the aircraft to a safe area, since return-to-home functions typically require GPS and may not function reliably, and cutting power in flight would cause an uncontrolled fall.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Passive waiting allows uncontrolled drift, risking a collision or fly-away.
- B. Cutting power mid-flight would cause the aircraft to fall uncontrolled, creating a greater hazard.
- D. Return-to-home functions rely on GPS and are unreliable or inoperative during a GPS loss.
GPS Signal Loss Response
When GPS is lost, sUAS often revert to attitude-hold mode without position hold; the PIC must take manual control since GPS-dependent functions like RTH become unreliable.
- Attitude-hold mode requires manual pilot input to control drift
- RTH/failsafe functions typically depend on GPS
- PIC in-flight emergency authority under 107.21 allows deviation as needed
Memory trick: No GPS, no autopilot — grab the sticks yourself.