FAA Part 107 Drone Practice Test

What hazard is indicated in the area approximately 4 SM southeast of Elizabeth City Regional Airport (ECG)?

1. High density military operations in the vicinity

2. Unmarked balloon on a cable up to 3,008 feet AGL

3. Unmarked balloon on a cable up to 3,008 feet MSL

4. Restricted airspace due to weather conditions

The correct answer is: Unmarked balloon on a cable up to 3,008 feet MSL

The indication of an unmarked balloon on a cable up to 3,008 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) is critical for drone operators to consider when flying near Elizabeth City Regional Airport. This hazard is significant because such balloons, if not properly marked, can pose severe risks to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The altitude indicated, 3,008 feet MSL, means that the balloon sits at that height above sea level, which could intersect flight paths of drones operating in nearby airspace. Awareness of this hazard is essential for maintaining safe separation between drones and potential obstacles, particularly in areas where drone operations may conflict with traditional manned aviation activities. Proper vigilance is crucial for safe flight operations in the vicinity of the airport to avoid collisions or safety incidents related to unmarked aerial hazards. Understanding this type of hazard helps pilots develop a comprehensive situational awareness of their flying environment and reinforces the importance of consulting pre-flight briefings, sectional charts, or notices to airmen (NOTAMs) that provide updated information on possible hazards throughout pertinent airspaces.