Remote PIC Ability to Direct Automated Aircraft

In plain language

When operating an automated drone under Part 107, you must always be able to take control or direct its flight. You can do this by sending commands to climb, descend, land immediately, fly to a new waypoint, orbit, or return home to avoid hazards or give right-of-way to other aircraft.

Requirement as structured

The FAA accepts transmitting commands such as climbing, descending, landing immediately, proceeding to a new waypoint, entering an orbit pattern, or returning to home as acceptable methods for a remote PIC to direct an automated aircraft to ensure compliance, avoid hazards, or yield right-of-way.

Original regulatory text

The remote PIC must retain the ability to direct the small unmanned aircraft to ensure compliance with the requirements of part 107. The remote PIC may transmit a command for the automated aircraft to climb, descend, land now, proceed to a new waypoint, enter an orbit pattern, or return to home. Any of these methods may be used to avoid a hazard or give right-of-way.

Applies when

country

United States

regulation

14 CFR Part 107

regulatory category

General