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Notice of inoperable obstruction lights

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 13 of 31 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K8 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONThe lights on a tall tower near a planned flight area have stopped working. Through which system does the study guide say such inoperable obstruction lights are announced?

  1. AThe NOTAM system
  2. BThe Chart Supplement U.S., revised every 56 days
  3. CThe ATIS broadcast, updated hourly
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The NOTAM system

  • A — correct The study guide lists inoperable lights on tall obstructions among the reasons Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are issued.
  • B — incorrect The Chart Supplement U.S. holds relatively stable airport data; time-critical changes such as a lighting outage are disseminated by NOTAM.
  • C — incorrect ATIS carries local weather, runways in use, and airport construction at a specific airport; inoperable obstruction lights are a NOTAM item.

BACKGROUND

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) carry time-critical aeronautical information that is temporary or not known far enough in advance to be published on charts. The Remote Pilot Study Guide lists several reasons NOTAMs are issued, including hazards such as air shows and rocket launches, flights by heads of state, temporary obstacles near airfields, bird activity, and inoperable lights on tall obstructions. A tall structure whose lights are out becomes a hazard that is much harder to see, especially at dusk or at night. Checking NOTAMs before flight is therefore part of a remote pilot's assessment of ground hazards.

STUDY TIP

Before a night or twilight flight near tall structures, check NOTAMs for reports of inoperable obstruction lights.

KEY POINTS

  • Inoperable lights on tall obstructions are announced by NOTAM.
  • NOTAMs carry time-critical information not yet on charts.
  • Pilots should check NOTAMs before any flight that could be affected.

SOURCES

  • Remote Pilot Study Guide (remote_pilot_study_guide.txt) ch2 "Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)"
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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.