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Extent of emergency deviation during a fly-away

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 8 of 19 on Operations / Emergency Procedures. ACS element UA.V.C.K3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring a flight, a small unmanned aircraft stops responding to control inputs and begins a fly-away toward a populated area. Under § 107.21, to what extent may the remote pilot in command deviate from the rules of part 107 to handle this emergency?

  1. AOnly from the 400-foot altitude limit in § 107.51
  2. BNot at all, unless a certificate of waiver was issued in advance
  3. CTo the extent necessary to meet the emergency
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. To the extent necessary to meet the emergency

  • A — incorrect The emergency authority is not limited to one rule; it extends to any rule of part 107, but only as far as the emergency requires.
  • B — incorrect No waiver is needed; § 107.21 itself grants the authority to deviate in an in-flight emergency.
  • C — correct § 107.21(a) allows deviation from any rule of part 107 to the extent necessary to meet an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action.

BACKGROUND

A fly-away, in which the aircraft no longer responds to the remote pilot's control inputs, is one of the most serious emergencies a remote pilot in command (RPIC) can face. Section 107.21(a) provides that in an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the RPIC may deviate from any rule of part 107 to the extent necessary to meet that emergency. The authority is broad in scope but limited in degree: it covers any rule, yet only as far as needed. Under § 107.21(b) the RPIC must send a written report of the deviation to the Administrator upon request. The Remote Pilot Study Guide summarizes the same rule in its emergency chapter.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the two limits in § 107.21(a): the emergency must require immediate action, and the deviation must be only to the extent necessary.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.21(a) permits deviation from any part 107 rule in an in-flight emergency.
  • The deviation is limited to the extent necessary to meet the emergency.
  • No prior waiver is required for the emergency authority.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.21(a)
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 5 "Introduction"
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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.