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Reporting a deviation after a battery fire

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 5 of 19 on Operations / Emergency Procedures. ACS element UA.V.C.K2d · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA battery fire starts during flight, and the remote pilot in command climbs the small unmanned aircraft above 400 feet AGL to reach a safe landing area. What does § 107.21 require afterward regarding this deviation?

  1. AA written report to the FAA within 10 calendar days in every case
  2. BA written report, but only if the Administrator requests one
  3. CAn immediate telephone report to the nearest air traffic control facility
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. A written report, but only if the Administrator requests one

  • A — incorrect The 10-calendar-day deadline belongs to § 107.9 safety event reporting; an emergency deviation report is required only upon request.
  • B — correct § 107.21(b) requires a remote pilot who deviates from a rule in an emergency to send a written report to the Administrator upon request; the study guide confirms the report is needed only if the FAA asks.
  • C — incorrect No immediate telephone report to air traffic control is required by § 107.21.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.21 covers in-flight emergencies. Paragraph (a) allows the remote pilot in command to deviate from any rule of part 107 to the extent necessary to meet an emergency requiring immediate action. Paragraph (b) provides that each remote pilot who deviates must, upon request of the Administrator, send a written report of that deviation. The Remote Pilot Study Guide uses a battery fire as its example: the pilot may need to climb above 400 feet above ground level (AGL) to maneuver to a safe landing area, and a report is needed only if the FAA asks for it. Risks of fire involving lithium batteries therefore fit within the emergency deviation framework.

STUDY TIP

Separate the two reporting rules: emergency deviations are reported only on request (§ 107.21), while qualifying injury or damage events must be reported within 10 calendar days (§ 107.9).

KEY POINTS

  • Emergency deviations are permitted to the extent necessary under § 107.21(a).
  • A written report of the deviation is due only upon the Administrator's request.
  • The study guide's battery fire example illustrates this rule.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.21(b)
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 5 "Inflight Emergency"
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MORE ON OPERATIONS / EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

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.