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Continuing flight after the sUAS becomes unsafe

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 4 of 17 on Operations / Maintenance and Inspection. ACS element UA.V.F.K1 · 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 remote pilot in command notices that one motor is intermittently losing power and has reason to know the small unmanned aircraft system is no longer in a condition for safe operation. Under § 107.15(b), what must the remote pilot do?

  1. AContinue the flight but descend below 200 feet AGL
  2. BContinue the flight and report the defect to the FAA within 10 days
  3. CStop the flight; the operation may not continue
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Stop the flight; the operation may not continue

  • A — incorrect § 107.15(b) contains no reduced-altitude allowance; flight may not continue once the system is known to be unsafe.
  • B — incorrect No 10-day defect report exists in § 107.15; the rule requires that the flight not be continued.
  • C — correct § 107.15(b) prohibits continuing flight when the remote pilot knows or has reason to know the sUAS is no longer in a condition for safe operation.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.15(b) states that no person may continue flight of the small unmanned aircraft when he or she knows or has reason to know that the small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) is no longer in a condition for safe operation. This complements paragraph (a), which requires the remote pilot in command to check the system before each flight. The standard is "knows or has reason to know," so obvious signs of malfunction trigger the rule even without a confirmed diagnosis. The regulation does not offer a reduced-altitude or time-limited exception.

STUDY TIP

Pair § 107.15(a) (check before flight) with § 107.15(b) (do not continue an unsafe flight) when you study this section.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.15(b) forbids continuing flight once the sUAS is known to be unsafe.
  • The trigger is knowing or having reason to know the condition exists.
  • There is no altitude, time or reporting exception in the rule.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.15(b)
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MORE ON OPERATIONS / MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

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.