FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsHard
A remote pilot is conducting a sUAS mapping mission in a rural area. The pilot observes an uncrewed free balloon drifting into the planned operational area. What is the remote pilot's responsibility regarding this balloon?
- AThe remote pilot should increase altitude to pass over the balloon, maintaining visual line of sight.
- BThe sUAS must yield to the uncrewed free balloon, as it is considered an airborne vehicle.
- CThe remote pilot should continue the mission, as uncrewed free balloons do not have right-of-way over sUAS.
- DThe remote pilot must immediately land the sUAS, as any encounter with a balloon is prohibited.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The sUAS must yield to the uncrewed free balloon, as it is considered an airborne vehicle.
14 CFR Part 107.37 states that a small unmanned aircraft must yield the right-of-way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch and reentry vehicles. An uncrewed free balloon falls under the definition of an 'airborne vehicle' to which a sUAS must yield.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While separation is key, the primary action is to yield, which may involve maneuvering away, not necessarily just overflying, and maintaining VLOS is always a factor.
- C. This is incorrect. sUAS must yield to airborne vehicles, including uncrewed free balloons.
- D. While caution is paramount, immediate landing is not explicitly mandated. The requirement is to yield the right-of-way.
sUAS Right-of-Way (Airborne Vehicles)
Under 14 CFR 107.37, a small unmanned aircraft must yield the right-of-way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles (like uncrewed free balloons), and launch and reentry vehicles.
- sUAS yields to all aircraft.
- sUAS yields to all airborne vehicles.
- Uncrewed free balloons are airborne vehicles.
- Remote pilot must actively maneuver to ensure separation.
Memory trick: Drone's rule: yield to all that float or fly, high in the sky.