FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What best describes a "Person manipulating the controls" of a UAS?

1. A person managing the UAS under the supervision of the Remote PIC

2. A certified operator responsible for maintenance

3. A public safety officer overseeing drone usage

4. A flight crew member responsible for navigation

The correct answer is: A person managing the UAS under the supervision of the Remote PIC

The term "person manipulating the controls" of a UAS refers to the individual who is actively operating the drone. This person is typically under the direct supervision of the Remote Pilot in Command (PIC), who is responsible for the overall mission and safety of the flight. The individual manipulating the controls could be executing the flight maneuvers, adjusting settings, or responding to changes in the flight environment. This definition emphasizes the active role of the control operator in the UAS operation. While the Remote PIC has ultimate authority and is responsible for the safe operation of the drone, the person at the controls is performing critical tasks that directly impact the flight. The relationship between the Remote PIC and the individual manipulating the controls is crucial for effective operation and safety. In contrast, other options present various roles that do not align with this specific definition. The certified operator may have responsibilities related to maintenance but is not necessarily involved in flight operations. A public safety officer could oversee drone operations but may not be directly manipulating the controls. Lastly, a flight crew member responsible for navigation may support the overall mission but does not specifically denote the person actively controlling the aircraft. Thus, option A aptly captures the intended meaning in the context of UAS operations as it directly relates to the person