FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

Which tools can be used to improve situational awareness when operating a UAS?

1. Weather briefing and ATC requirements

2. Social media updates

3. Drone maintenance logs

4. Battery life monitors

The correct answer is: Weather briefing and ATC requirements

Improving situational awareness when operating an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is crucial for safe and effective drone operations. Utilizing weather briefings and understanding Air Traffic Control (ATC) requirements plays a significant role in achieving this awareness. Weather briefings provide vital information about current conditions, such as wind speed, visibility, precipitation, and anticipated weather events. This knowledge allows operators to make informed decisions regarding flight safety and operational limits. For instance, high winds could affect the stability of the drone, while poor visibility could make it challenging to navigate or perform certain maneuvers. ATC requirements are equally important, as they inform operators about the airspace structure and any potential conflicts with other aircraft. Understanding the rules and protocols for communicating with ATC helps ensure that the UAS operates safely within controlled airspace and avoids collisions. By being aware of flight routes, temporary flight restrictions, and other aircraft nearby, operators can maintain better oversight of their operational environment. Other tools like social media updates, drone maintenance logs, and battery life monitors, while useful in their respective domains, do not directly contribute to situational awareness in the same comprehensive way that weather and ATC knowledge do. Social media may provide anecdotal information, but it is not