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Applying the flight visibility minimum

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 4 of 31 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K1 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONFrom the control station by day, a remote pilot can see and identify prominent unlighted objects at an average slant distance of 2.5 statute miles. Under § 107.51, may the flight be conducted?

  1. ANo, because flight visibility is below 3 statute miles
  2. BYes, because only visibility at the aircraft's position matters
  3. CYes, because the daytime minimum is 2 statute miles
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. No, because flight visibility is below 3 statute miles

  • A — correct § 107.51(c) defines flight visibility as the average slant distance from the control station at which prominent unlighted objects can be identified by day and requires at least 3 statute miles; 2.5 does not meet it.
  • B — incorrect The regulation measures visibility from the control station, not from the aircraft, so the 2.5-statute-mile observation is the governing figure.
  • C — incorrect There is no separate 2-statute-mile daytime minimum; § 107.51(c) requires 3 statute miles at all times.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.51(c) requires minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles as observed from the location of the control station. The same paragraph defines flight visibility as the average slant distance from the control station at which prominent unlighted objects may be seen and identified by day and prominent lighted objects by night. A remote pilot therefore applies the definition first, by judging the slant distance to identifiable objects, and then compares that distance with the 3-statute-mile minimum. If the observed distance is shorter, the operating limitation is not met and the flight may not be conducted under part 107 without a waiver.

STUDY TIP

Work these scenarios in two steps: identify the slant-distance visibility from the control station, then compare it with 3 statute miles.

KEY POINTS

  • Flight visibility is the average slant distance to prominent objects from the control station.
  • The minimum under § 107.51(c) is 3 statute miles.
  • An observed 2.5 statute miles does not satisfy the requirement.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.51(c)
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MORE ON AIRSPACE / OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.