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Non-certificated person manipulating the controls

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 17 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K5 · 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 certificated remote pilot in command wants to let a friend who holds no remote pilot certificate fly the small unmanned aircraft during a part 107 operation. Under § 107.12, this is permitted only if

  1. Athe remote PIC directly supervises the friend and can immediately take direct control of the flight
  2. Bthe friend is at least 16 years old and the flight is entered in the remote PIC's personal flight records
  3. Cthe remote PIC files a written notice with the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office before the flight
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. the remote PIC directly supervises the friend and can immediately take direct control of the flight

  • A — correct § 107.12(a)(2) allows a person without a certificate to manipulate the controls when under the direct supervision of a remote PIC who has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight.
  • B — incorrect Being 16 is an eligibility requirement for obtaining a certificate under § 107.61, not a substitute for the supervision requirement in § 107.12(a)(2). No record-keeping condition appears in that section.
  • C — incorrect § 107.12 contains no notification requirement. The only condition for a non-certificated person is direct supervision by a remote PIC who can immediately take control.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.12 requires that anyone manipulating the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS) either hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and meet the recency requirement of § 107.65, or be under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command (remote PIC). In the supervised case the remote PIC must have the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight. The remote PIC role itself always requires the certificate, except for certain foreign-registered aircraft the Administrator may authorize. This is how student operators and trainees can legally fly under part 107.

STUDY TIP

Learn the two halves of § 107.12(a): hold the certificate, or be directly supervised by someone who does and who can take over at once.

KEY POINTS

  • A non-certificated person may manipulate the controls only under direct supervision of a remote PIC.
  • The supervising remote PIC must be able to immediately take direct control of the flight.
  • Acting as remote PIC always requires the remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.12(a)(2)
  • 14 CFR 107.61(a)
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.