Remote Pilot in Command (PIC):
The Remote PIC is the person who holds a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and is directly responsible for the operation of the sUAS and adherence to all applicable regulations under Part 107.
The Remote PIC is responsible for:
Visual Observer (VO):
The VO’s main job is to keep a constant eye on the drone during its flight.
The Visual Observer (VO) plays a vital role in supporting the Remote Pilot in Command (Remote PIC) throughout sUAS operations by maintaining constant visual contact with the aircraft.
The VO’s main job is to keep a constant eye on the drone during its flight, ensuring it stays within the operator’s line of sight and quickly alerting the Remote PIC to any potential issues.
While having a Visual Observer is optional, they help boost situational awareness and assist with Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) duties, especially when the Remote PIC is busy with other crucial tasks like monitoring screens.
The Remote PIC needs to make sure of a few things when it comes to VOs:
VOs should be placed in a spot where they can keep a clear and constant view of the drone to maintain VLOS.
VOs should have the right communication tools to accurately relay the drone’s position and the presence of other aircraft or obstacles to the Remote PIC and the person flying the drone.
Also, a person cannot operate or act as a Remote PIC or Visual Observer for more than one drone at a time.
The Visual Observer’s (VO) role is to:
The Visual Observers Role Is To:
Person Manipulating Controls
Persona Manipulating Controls refers to any person who is physically operating the controls of a small unmanned aircraft system, controlling the aircraft’s movements and executing maneuvers during the flight.
The person manipulating the controls has direct and immediate control over the drone’s flight path and operation. They are controlling the aircraft’s movements and executing maneuvers during the flight. This role can include tasks like takeoff, landing, navigating the drone through different flight maneuvers, and ensuring the drone remains within the visual line of sight (VLOS).
Qualifications & Remote PIC Supervision:
While this person may not necessarily hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, they must operate under the direct supervision of a certified Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) who holds a Part 107 certification.
A person without a Remote Pilot Certification or a certified remote pilot who hasn’t completed Part 107’s recurrent testing can operate the controls of an sUAS under Part 107, as long as they’re directly supervised by a Remote PIC who can quickly take over control of the drone if needed.
The RPIC is responsible for ensuring that the operation is conducted safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations. They may instruct or assist the person manipulating the controls but retain ultimate responsibility for the flight’s safety and regulatory compliance.
Buddy Box System
This involves two control stations, allowing seamless control transfer with a flip of a switch.
The Buddy Box system enables dual control for small unmanned aircraft (sUAS), ensuring quick takeover by the remote pilot in command (PIC) if needed.
This involves two control stations, allowing seamless control transfer with a flip of a switch.
One control station is operated by the person handling the flight controls (the student), while the other is managed by the remote PIC (the master).
