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Battery power required before flight

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 21 of 22 on Operations / Emergency Procedures. ACS element UA.V.C.K2c · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder 14 CFR part 107, before flight the remote pilot in command of a powered small unmanned aircraft must ensure that

  1. Athe battery was fully charged at some point within the last 24 hours
  2. Benough power is available for the intended operational time
  3. Ca spare charged battery is carried at the control station
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. enough power is available for the intended operational time

  • A — incorrect Part 107 sets no time limit tied to when a battery was last charged; the requirement is stated in terms of power available for the planned flight time.
  • B — correct Section 107.49(d) states that if the small unmanned aircraft is powered, the remote pilot in command must ensure there is enough available power for the small unmanned aircraft system to operate for the intended operational time.
  • C — incorrect No provision of part 107 requires a spare battery to be carried; § 107.49(d) addresses only the power available to the system for the intended operational time.

BACKGROUND

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107 lists the preflight actions a remote pilot in command (remote PIC) must complete before every flight. Among them, § 107.49(d) requires that, if the small unmanned aircraft is powered, the remote PIC ensure there is enough available power for the small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) to operate for the intended operational time. The rule is written around the length of the planned operation rather than around any fixed charging interval or reserve quantity. The Remote Pilot study guide reinforces this by requiring a preflight inspection before every flight, with any irregularities corrected before the aircraft is operated; some manufacturers supply preflight inspection items, and when they do not, the remote pilot should build a checklist thorough enough to confirm the aircraft is in a safe condition. Running a pack down in flight is a self-inflicted emergency, so power planning belongs on that checklist.

STUDY TIP

Memorize § 107.49 as a short list of preflight duties and note that the power item is measured against the intended operational time, not against a clock-hour or a spare-battery rule. Be ready for distractors that invent charging intervals or required reserves.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.49(d) requires enough available power for the sUAS to operate for the intended operational time.
  • Part 107 sets no fixed charging interval and does not require carrying a spare battery.
  • The power check belongs on the preflight checklist, which the remote PIC builds when the manufacturer supplies none.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.49(d)
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch5 "Inflight Emergency" (preflight inspection and checklists)
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.