FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsEasy
A remote pilot is conducting a sUAS mapping mission in a rural area. The pilot observes an agricultural aircraft spraying crops at a lower altitude on a converging course. What action should the remote pilot take?
- AMaintain altitude and course, as the sUAS is operating under Part 107.
- BManeuver the sUAS to the right and climb above the agricultural aircraft.
- CYield the right-of-way to the agricultural aircraft.
- DContact air traffic control to report the agricultural aircraft's position.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yield the right-of-way to the agricultural aircraft.
Under 14 CFR Part 107.37(a), a remote pilot in command must yield the right-of-way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launches and reentries. Agricultural aircraft are considered manned aircraft, and therefore the sUAS must yield.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Maintaining altitude and course is incorrect; the sUAS must always yield to manned aircraft.
- B. While maneuvering to avoid a collision is good practice, the primary responsibility is to yield, which may involve descending, climbing, or turning away, but the initial action is to yield the right-of-way.
- D. Contacting ATC is generally not required for sUAS in uncontrolled airspace and does not resolve an immediate right-of-way conflict.
sUAS Yield to Manned Aircraft
A fundamental rule stating that a small unmanned aircraft must always give way to any manned aircraft to prevent collisions.
- sUAS always yields
- Applies to all manned aircraft types
- Safety principle: 'see and avoid'
Memory trick: Drones 'ALWAYS Yield' to 'ALL' manned aircraft.