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Careless or reckless operation prohibition

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 14 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K7 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot deliberately flies a small unmanned aircraft low over a crowded beach to startle swimmers, although no one is struck. Under § 107.23, which rule has the pilot most likely violated?

  1. AThe prohibition on dropping an object from the aircraft
  2. BThe prohibition on operating from a moving vehicle
  3. CThe prohibition on careless or reckless operation
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The prohibition on careless or reckless operation

  • A — incorrect § 107.23(b) addresses allowing an object to be dropped in a manner that creates an undue hazard; nothing was dropped in this scenario.
  • B — incorrect § 107.25 concerns operating from a moving aircraft or vehicle, which is not what happened here.
  • C — correct § 107.23(a) prohibits operating a small unmanned aircraft system in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another; endangerment, not actual injury, is the test.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.23 of 14 CFR part 107 is titled Hazardous operation and contains two prohibitions. Paragraph (a) bars operating a small unmanned aircraft system in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. Paragraph (b) bars allowing an object to be dropped from a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that creates an undue hazard to persons or property. The careless-or-reckless standard is met by endangerment; no injury or damage needs to occur. The neighboring § 107.25 covers operation from moving vehicles and aircraft, a separate rule.

STUDY TIP

Keep the two halves of § 107.23 separate in your mind: reckless flying is paragraph (a), dropping objects is paragraph (b).

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.23(a): no careless or reckless operation that endangers the life or property of another.
  • § 107.23(b): no dropping of objects in a manner that creates an undue hazard.
  • Endangering people is enough for a violation; actual harm is not required.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.23(a)
  • 14 CFR 107.23(b)
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.