SkyDrill

Coordinating an emergency airborne inspection

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 32 of 36 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K4c · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring an emergency airborne inspection of another aircraft, who should take the responsibility of coordinating the airborne intercept and inspection?

  1. AThe pilot flying the heavier of the two aircraft involved
  2. BThe controller working the aircraft on frequency
  3. CThe pilot in the best position to assess the situation
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The pilot in the best position to assess the situation

  • A — incorrect Aircraft weight is not the deciding factor. The guidance assigns coordination by who can best assess the situation, and it specifically warns that the unique flight characteristics of each category of aircraft must be considered.
  • B — incorrect Coordination with air traffic control is listed only as one of the safety considerations, along with communications and lost communications procedures. The controller is not designated to run the intercept and inspection.
  • C — correct The Aeronautical Information Manual states that the pilot in the best position to assess the situation should take the responsibility of coordinating the airborne intercept and inspection, taking into account the flight characteristics and differences of the categories of aircraft involved.

BACKGROUND

Aeronautical Information Manual paragraph 7-6-11 covers emergency airborne inspection of other aircraft, in which one aircraft flies in very close proximity to another to look for damage or a problem. The manual notes that most pilots receive little or no formal training in this kind of flying, and that close proximity flying without time to plan, combined with the stress of a perceived emergency, is hazardous. Listed safety considerations include the area, direction and speed of the intercept, aerodynamic effects such as rotorcraft downwash, minimum safe separation distances, communications and lost communications procedures, coordination with air traffic control, the suitability of diverting the distressed aircraft to the nearest safe airport, and emergency actions to terminate the intercept. The manual also stresses that the pilot in command of the aircraft with the problem must not relinquish control of the situation or jeopardize the safety of their own aircraft. A remote pilot who sees this kind of close formation activity should expect unusual manned aircraft maneuvering and stay well clear.

STUDY TIP

Remember the single sentence that answers this: the pilot in the best position to assess the situation coordinates the intercept. Learn the list of safety considerations as a group rather than memorizing it word for word.

KEY POINTS

  • The pilot best positioned to assess the situation coordinates an emergency airborne intercept and inspection.
  • The pilot in command of the distressed aircraft must not give up control of the situation.
  • Safety considerations include intercept geometry and speed, downwash, minimum safe separation, communications, ATC coordination, diversion, and how to terminate the intercept.

SOURCES

  • AIM 7-6-11 "Emergency Airborne Inspection of Other Aircraft"
  • sources/aim/aim_7-6_potential_flight_hazards.txt
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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.