FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

When operating a UAS over a person, what minimizes the risk of injury?

1. Choosing a lightweight drone

2. Operating at a higher altitude

3. Ensuring the person is under a protective structure

4. Flying during daylight hours only

The correct answer is: Ensuring the person is under a protective structure

Ensuring that a person is under a protective structure minimizes the risk of injury when operating a UAS over them because it provides a barrier that can absorb or deflect any potential impacts from the drone in case of a malfunction or loss of control. Protective structures could include buildings, canopies, or other solid objects that can shield individuals beneath them. This safety measure is particularly crucial because drones can crash or experience failures, posing a significant risk to anyone directly beneath. By providing this type of cover, the likelihood of injury significantly decreases, making it the most effective choice for ensuring safety in such situations. Choosing a lightweight drone may reduce the severity of injury compared to a heavier drone, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. Operating at a higher altitude can help mitigate risk as well since the potential for injury decreases with increased distance; however, it is not a foolproof solution. Flying during daylight hours is generally safer for visibility reasons but does not directly contribute to minimizing the risk of injury when the drone is operating over people.