FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What should you do if you find a small nick in the casing of your small UAS battery during your preflight inspection?

1. Replace the battery immediately

2. Follow the manufacturer's guidance

3. Continue the flight as planned

4. Report it to the Remote PIC

The correct answer is: Follow the manufacturer's guidance

Following the manufacturer's guidance is crucial when dealing with potential issues like a small nick in the casing of a UAS battery. Manufacturers typically provide specific protocols for assessing battery integrity and determining whether the battery is still safe to use. This could include checking for any accompanying damage, ensuring the battery is still functioning within its specified parameters, or advising on replacement protocols. Adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations ensures that you maintain safety protocols that are based on detailed testing and reliability data specific to that model. If the manufacturer deems that a small nick does not compromise performance or safety, you may be allowed to use the battery, albeit with caution. Conversely, if the guidance suggests replacement, that would be the most responsible course of action to prevent possible failure during the flight. While replacing the battery immediately seems a safe approach, it may not be necessary if the manufacturer's guidelines state otherwise. Continuing with the flight would be irresponsible without addressing the potential risk first, and reporting to the Remote Pilot in Command is important, but typically, the first action should be confirming the safety of the equipment according to established guidelines.