FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot plans to conduct sUAS operations after evening civil twilight. According to 14 CFR Part 107, what equipment requirement must be met for the aircraft during this night operation?
- AThe aircraft must display red, green, and white navigation lights identical to manned aircraft
- BThe aircraft must have an anti-collision light visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision hazard
- CThe aircraft must have a steady white position light visible for at least 3 statute miles
- DThe aircraft must have a strobe light visible for at least 5 statute miles at all altitudes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The aircraft must have an anti-collision light visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision hazard
14 CFR 107.29 requires that for night operations, the sUAS have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision hazard; a steady light or full navigation light set is not what the rule specifies.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Part 107 does not require the full manned-aircraft navigation light configuration.
- C. The rule requires a flashing anti-collision light, not a steady position light.
- D. 5 statute miles exceeds the actual regulatory requirement of 3 statute miles.
Night Operations Lighting (107.29)
Requirement for anti-collision lighting on sUAS conducting operations during civil twilight or night, allowing other aircraft to see and avoid the drone.
- Anti-collision light visible for 3 statute miles
- Flash rate must be sufficient to avoid collision hazard
- Applies from official sunset to sunrise (per current rule, civil twilight windows included)
- Remote PIC must complete recurrent training covering night operations
Memory trick: 3 miles, flash, avoid the crash