FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot is planning a sUAS aerial survey flight over a construction site that includes a 300-foot tall crane. The base of the crane is at an elevation of 500 feet MSL. What is the maximum altitude above ground level (AGL) the remote pilot is permitted to operate the sUAS, assuming no waivers or authorizations?
- A400 feet AGL
- B800 feet AGL
- C700 feet AGL
- D500 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 700 feet AGL
14 CFR Part 107.51(b) states that a remote pilot may not operate a small unmanned aircraft higher than 400 feet above ground level, WITH THE EXCEPTION that the sUAS may fly up to 400 feet above and within a 400-foot radius of a structure. The crane is 300 feet tall, so the sUAS can operate up to 400 feet above the top of the crane (300 ft) = 700 feet AGL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the general AGL limit, but the 'structure' exception applies here.
- B. This altitude exceeds the 400-foot above structure limit.
- D. This is the elevation of the base, not relevant to the AGL limit above the structure.
Altitude Limit Exception
Under 14 CFR Part 107.51(b), a sUAS may be operated up to 400 feet above and within a 400-foot radius of a structure, even if it exceeds the general 400 feet AGL limit.
- General AGL limit is 400 feet.
- Exception allows 400 feet above a structure.
- Must remain within 400-foot lateral radius of the structure.
Memory trick: Four hundred is the floor, but over structures, four hundred more.