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Reporting a deviation made during an in-flight emergency

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 13 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K6 · 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 an in-flight emergency, a remote pilot in command climbs the small unmanned aircraft above 400 feet AGL to reach a safe landing area. Under § 107.21, when must a written report of this deviation be sent to the Administrator?

  1. AWithin 10 days of the deviation, in every case
  2. BOnly upon request of the Administrator
  3. CNever; deviations during an emergency are not reportable
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Only upon request of the Administrator

  • A — incorrect § 107.21 sets no fixed deadline and no automatic reporting duty; the report is required only if the Administrator asks for it.
  • B — correct § 107.21(b) requires the remote pilot in command who deviates from a rule during an emergency to send a written report of the deviation only upon request of the Administrator.
  • C — incorrect § 107.21(b) does create a reporting duty; it is simply conditional on a request from the Administrator.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.21 of 14 CFR part 107 governs in-flight emergencies. Paragraph (a) allows the remote pilot in command, in an emergency requiring immediate action, to deviate from any rule of part 107 to the extent necessary to meet that emergency. Paragraph (b) requires each remote pilot in command who deviates under paragraph (a) to send a written report of the deviation to the Administrator upon request. The Remote Pilot Study Guide gives the example of climbing above 400 feet AGL to maneuver to a safe landing area during a battery fire and notes that a report is needed only if the FAA asks for one.

STUDY TIP

Two facts to keep: the deviation may be only as large as the emergency requires, and the written report is due only on request.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.21(a): deviate from any part 107 rule only to the extent necessary to meet the emergency.
  • § 107.21(b): send a written report of the deviation to the Administrator upon request.
  • There is no automatic filing deadline for an emergency deviation report.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.21(a)
  • 14 CFR 107.21(b)
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt, Chapter 5 Emergency Procedures (in-flight emergency example)
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON REGULATIONS / OPERATING RULES

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.