During a sUAS flyaway event, what action should the remote PIC take?

During a sUAS flyaway event, what action should the remote PIC take?

• A. Immediately notify any/all crewmembers, bystanders, and ATC (if applicable)
• B. Immediately shut down the aircraft
• C. Land immediately without notifying others
• D. Call the manufacturer

Answer: (A)

When a sUAS flyaway happens, the priority is safety and rapid communication. The immediate action is to quickly alert everyone who could be affected: your fellow crewmembers, bystanders in the area, and air traffic control if you’re in controlled airspace. Notifying crewmembers ensures the team can coordinate the response, warning bystanders helps people move away from the drone’s path to prevent injuries or property damage, and informing ATC in applicable airspace allows controllers to manage the situation, minimize conflicts with other aircraft, and assist with a safe recovery. This approach addresses the highest risk right away, which is the potential danger to people and others in the airspace. Shutting down or landing without coordination can be dangerous in a flyaway, and calling the manufacturer doesn’t provide the necessary immediate safety actions in the moment.

When a sUAS flyaway happens, the priority is safety and rapid communication. The immediate action is to quickly alert everyone who could be affected: your fellow crewmembers, bystanders in the area, and air traffic control if you’re in controlled airspace. Notifying crewmembers ensures the team can coordinate the response, warning bystanders helps people move away from the drone’s path to prevent injuries or property damage, and informing ATC in applicable airspace allows controllers to manage the situation, minimize conflicts with other aircraft, and assist with a safe recovery. This approach addresses the highest risk right away, which is the potential danger to people and others in the airspace. Shutting down or landing without coordination can be dangerous in a flyaway, and calling the manufacturer doesn’t provide the necessary immediate safety actions in the moment.