RPC - Remote Pilot Certificate Emergency Procedures & Accidents Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a flight over a populated area, your sUAS experiences a "flyaway" and becomes unresponsive to control inputs. What is the Remote Pilot in Command's most critical and immediate priority?
- Attempting to re-establish the control link with the aircraft.
- Notifying the client of the potential loss of the aircraft.
- Monitoring the aircraft's location and immediately reporting its flight path to ATC.
- Ensuring the safety of persons and property on the ground by providing warnings if possible. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ensuring the safety of persons and property on the ground by providing warnings if possible.
According to 14 CFR 107.19, the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) must ensure that the sUAS will pose no undue hazard to other people, other aircraft, or other property in the event of a loss of control. The highest priority in any emergency is the safety of non-participating people and property on the ground. While other actions are important, they are secondary to mitigating the immediate risk to life and property.
Question 2: According to 14 CFR Part 107, which of the following scenarios constitutes a "serious injury" that would mandate an accident report to the FAA?
- A minor cut to a crew member's hand that requires a bandage.
- An injury to any person resulting in a loss of consciousness. (Correct answer)
- A sprained ankle suffered by the visual observer while repositioning.
- A broken finger sustained by a non-participating person on the ground.
Correct answer: An injury to any person resulting in a loss of consciousness.
Part 107.9 requires an accident report for any operation that results in serious injury or any loss of consciousness. The FAA defines a "serious injury" as one that would be classified as Level 3 or higher on the Abbreviated Injury Scale, which includes hospitalization, but explicitly states that *any* loss of consciousness triggers the reporting requirement. A broken finger or sprain does not meet the FAA's threshold unless it leads to hospitalization.
Question 3: Under which specific circumstance is a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) permitted to deviate from any rule of 14 CFR Part 107?
- When instructed to do so by the client for a specific shot.
- If the deviation will result in a more efficient operation.
- To respond to an in-flight emergency. (Correct answer)
- When operating in uncontrolled Class G airspace below 400 feet AGL.
Correct answer: To respond to an in-flight emergency.
14 CFR Part 107.21 states that in an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the remote pilot in command may deviate from any rule of Part 107 to the extent necessary to meet that emergency. This provision prioritizes the safe resolution of an unforeseen hazardous situation over strict adherence to regulations.
Question 4: Which of the following events involving a small unmanned aircraft would require the Remote Pilot in Command to file an accident report with the FAA?
- The sUAS sustains $600 worth of damage after a hard landing, with no other damage or injuries.
- The sUAS loses its GPS signal, resulting in a controlled landing 500 feet away from the intended point.
- The sUAS collides with a building, causing $750 in damage to a window. (Correct answer)
- The sUAS collides with a small tree, causing $200 of damage to a branch and minor scratches to the aircraft.
Correct answer: The sUAS collides with a building, causing $750 in damage to a window.
An FAA accident report is required within 10 days for any incident that results in either serious injury to a person or damage to any property (other than the sUAS itself) where the repair cost or fair market value exceeds $500. Damage only to the sUAS, no matter the cost, does not require a report. Damage to the window costing $750 exceeds the $500 threshold, mandating a report.
Question 5: A remote pilot is programming their sUAS for a mission. What is the most commonly recommended and safest pre-programmed procedure for the aircraft to follow in the event of a lost command and control link?
- Immediately shut down motors and deploy a parachute.
- Continue on its last programmed flight path until the battery is depleted.
- Ascend to the maximum allowable altitude to try and re-establish the link.
- Automatically initiate a return-to-home (RTH) procedure to a pre-set location. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Automatically initiate a return-to-home (RTH) procedure to a pre-set location.
A pre-programmed return-to-home (RTH) or return-to-launch (RTL) is the standard and safest lost link procedure. This action brings the aircraft back to a known, safe location at a pre-set altitude, allowing the pilot to regain control or land it safely. Continuing on its path, ascending, or simply falling could create a significant hazard.
Question 6: Immediately after a flight, the RPIC removes the LiPo battery from the sUAS and notices it is significantly puffed, warped, and hot to the touch. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Place the battery in a fire-resistant container and move it to a safe, isolated outdoor location away from flammable materials. (Correct answer)
- Attempt to cool the battery quickly by placing it in a refrigerator or freezer.
- Puncture the battery casing in a well-ventilated area to release the pressure safely.
- Immediately submerge the battery in a bucket of salt water.
Correct answer: Place the battery in a fire-resistant container and move it to a safe, isolated outdoor location away from flammable materials.
A damaged, swollen, or hot LiPo battery poses a significant and immediate fire risk. The correct procedure is to isolate it in a fireproof container (like a LiPo bag) and move it to a safe location, such as on concrete outdoors, where it can be observed from a distance until it is stable and cool. Submerging, rapid cooling, or puncturing are all extremely dangerous actions that can trigger a violent thermal runaway event.
RPC - Remote Pilot Certificate Emergency Procedures & Accidents Questions and Answers 1
During a flight over a populated area, your sUAS experiences a "flyaway" and becomes unresponsive to control inputs.
What is the Remote Pilot in Command's most critical and immediate priority?