FAA Part 107 Drone Practice Test

During a UAS operation, what is important to avoid distractions?

1. Communicating with passengers

2. Keeping an organized flight plan

3. Listening to personal music

4. Having a visual observer present

The correct answer is: Having a visual observer present

In the context of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations, avoiding distractions is critical for maintaining focus and ensuring safety. Having a visual observer present is particularly important as it helps enhance situational awareness and allows the pilot to concentrate on operating the drone rather than being distracted by other factors. A visual observer can monitor the surrounding airspace and provide real-time information to the pilot about other aircraft, obstacles, and environmental changes. This collaborative approach minimizes the pilot's workload and reduces the likelihood of missing important visual cues, which is essential for safe UAS operation. The presence of a visual observer enables ongoing communication and allows the pilot to focus on flying, while the observer can keep track of the operational environment. In contrast, communicating with passengers, keeping an organized flight plan, or listening to personal music can all potentially introduce distractions that could impair the pilot's ability to operate the UAS safely. Therefore, having a visual observer is a proactive measure to mitigate distractions and promote a safer flight operation.