FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What is the primary responsibility of a Visual Observer in UAS operations?

1. Data collection

2. Communication with authorities

3. Alerting the crew about potential hazards

4. Controlling the flight path

The correct answer is: Alerting the crew about potential hazards

The primary responsibility of a Visual Observer (VO) in UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) operations is to alert the crew about potential hazards. The VO plays a crucial role in maintaining situational awareness, which is especially important during flight operations where the pilot may have limited visibility of the airspace and surrounding environment. By watching for other aircraft, obstacles, and other potential hazards that may not be visible to the pilot, the Visual Observer provides critical information to help ensure the safety of the operation. This function supports the pilot in command, who maintains control of the drone but may need assistance in monitoring the broader surroundings, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of risks during the flight. The other options, while they may involve aspects of UAS operations, do not represent the primary role of a Visual Observer. For instance, data collection and controlling the flight path are typically handled by the pilot or the drone’s embedded systems, while communicating with authorities falls under a different set of responsibilities that are usually managed by the pilot or the operational team.