SkyDrill

Preflight assessment of the operating area

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 19 of 19 on Regulations / Operations Over People. ACS element UA.I.E.K5 · 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 part 107, the remote pilot in command's preflight assessment of the operating environment must include which of the following?

  1. AThe location of persons and property on the surface
  2. BThe names of all spectators expected at the site
  3. CA written survey of every structure within one statute mile
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The location of persons and property on the surface

  • A — correct Section 107.49(a)(3) lists the location of persons and property on the surface as a required part of the preflight assessment of the operating environment.
  • B — incorrect Section 107.49(a) requires the remote pilot to assess where people are located, not to collect or record anyone's name.
  • C — incorrect No survey of structures within a fixed radius appears in § 107.49; the assessment covers risks in the immediate vicinity.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.49 lists the actions a remote pilot in command (RPIC) must take prior to flight. The assessment of the operating environment must consider risks to persons and property in the immediate vicinity, both on the surface and in the air, and it must include local weather conditions, local airspace and any flight restrictions, the location of persons and property on the surface, and other ground hazards. This is the regulatory basis for choosing where to set up and where to fly. When the flight will be conducted over human beings under subpart D, § 107.49(f) adds a further check that the aircraft meets the requirements of the applicable category. Nothing in the section asks for paperwork about bystanders.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the four items in the § 107.49(a) assessment as a set: weather, airspace and restrictions, persons and property on the surface, and other ground hazards. Test items often present a plausible-sounding extra task that the regulation never requires.

KEY POINTS

  • Section 107.49(a) requires a preflight assessment of the operating environment.
  • The assessment must include the location of persons and property on the surface.
  • The other required items are local weather, local airspace and flight restrictions, and other ground hazards.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.49(a)(3)
  • 14 CFR 107.49(a)
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON REGULATIONS / OPERATIONS OVER PEOPLE

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.