Medical condition prohibition under § 107.17

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 16 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K3 · 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 § 107.17, who is prohibited from taking part in a small UAS operation when that person knows or has reason to know of a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation?

AOnly the remote pilot in command; other crewmembers may take part if the remote PIC judges them fit to do so
BThe remote PIC, the person manipulating the controls, a visual observer, or a direct participant
COnly the person manipulating the flight controls, because the visual observer does not fly the aircraft

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The remote PIC, the person manipulating the controls, a visual observer, or a direct participant

A — incorrect The prohibition is not limited to the remote pilot in command. § 107.17 applies equally to the person manipulating the controls, the visual observer, and any direct participant.
B — correct § 107.17 names every one of these roles: no such person may manipulate the flight controls or act as remote pilot in command, visual observer, or direct participant in the operation.
C — incorrect A visual observer is expressly covered by § 107.17, even though the observer does not handle the controls.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.17 of 14 CFR part 107 is the medical rule for small unmanned aircraft systems (small UAS). It does not mention a medical certificate; instead it sets a self-assessment standard. No person may manipulate the flight controls or act as remote pilot in command (remote PIC), visual observer, or direct participant if he or she knows or has reason to know of a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation of the small UAS. The Remote Pilot Study Guide adds that conditions such as epilepsy, and even over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants that cause drowsiness, can create this kind of risk.

STUDY TIP

Remember that the rule reaches every crew role, not just the remote PIC. Questions often try to narrow it to one role.

KEY POINTS

§ 107.17 sets a self-assessment standard and mentions no medical certificate.
It covers the person manipulating the controls, the remote PIC, the visual observer, and any direct participant.
The trigger is knowing, or having reason to know, of a condition that would interfere with safe operation.

SOURCES

14 CFR 107.17
Remote Pilot Study Guide ch9, medical conditions paragraph (epilepsy, OTC medications)

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