Minimum flight visibility measured from the control station

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 2 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K22 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONBy day, a remote pilot at the control station can see and identify prominent unlighted objects out to an average slant distance of 2 statute miles. Under § 107.51(c), may the small unmanned aircraft flight be conducted?

ANo; flight visibility from the control station must be at least 3 statute miles
BYes; the minimum flight visibility is 1 statute mile as observed from the control station
CYes; the limit applies only to visibility measured at the aircraft's position, not the control station

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. No; flight visibility from the control station must be at least 3 statute miles

A — correct § 107.51(c) requires minimum flight visibility, as observed from the location of the control station, of no less than 3 statute miles; 2 statute miles does not meet it.
B — incorrect The minimum in § 107.51(c) is 3 statute miles, not 1 statute mile.
C — incorrect § 107.51(c) specifies that flight visibility is observed from the location of the control station, so the pilot's observation is the measurement that counts.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.51(c) of 14 CFR part 107 requires that minimum flight visibility, as observed from the location of the control station, be no less than 3 statute miles. The paragraph also defines flight visibility for this purpose: the average slant distance from the control station at which prominent unlighted objects may be seen and identified by day and prominent lighted objects may be seen and identified by night. The measurement point is therefore the control station, not the aircraft. A pilot who can identify prominent unlighted objects only out to 2 statute miles by day has 2 statute miles of flight visibility and does not meet the minimum.

STUDY TIP

Remember three things about visibility under part 107: 3 statute miles, measured from the control station, as an average slant distance.

KEY POINTS

§ 107.51(c): minimum flight visibility is 3 statute miles.
Flight visibility is observed from the location of the control station.
It is the average slant distance at which prominent objects can be seen and identified (unlighted by day, lighted by night).

SOURCES

14 CFR 107.51(c)

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