Emergency Procedures for UAS: Frequently Asked Questions

Target Audience: New Drone Pilots

1. What is considered an emergency during drone operations?

An emergency in UAS operations includes situations where safety is compromised, such as losing control of the drone, experiencing equipment failure, or encountering a sudden weather change. Your priority during emergencies is to ensure safety for people and property on the ground. Under 14 CFR Part 107.19(c), the remote pilot in command is responsible for ensuring the operation does not pose undue risk.

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2. What should I do if I lose control of my drone mid-flight?

Answer: If you lose control of your drone:

1. Attempt to regain control using your remote controller.
2. If you cannot regain control, activate the Return-to-Home (RTH) function if available.
3. Warn nearby individuals if the drone poses a safety risk.
4. After the incident, document what happened and report it to the FAA if required.

Regulatory Context: Per 14 CFR Part 107.9, any serious incident causing injury or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported to the FAA within 10 days.

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3. What should I do if my drone flies out of sight?

Answer: First, try to regain visual line of sight (VLOS) by moving to a better vantage point. If that fails:

• Use the drone’s tracking or GPS feature to locate its position.
• Activate the Return-to-Home (RTH) function, if available.
• Notify air traffic control (ATC) if the drone is near controlled airspace (14 CFR Part 107.47).

Safety Reminder: Always operate within VLOS unless you have a waiver for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

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4. Can I deviate from FAA rules in an emergency?

Answer: Yes, under 14 CFR Part 107.21, you may deviate from FAA regulations during an emergency to address safety concerns. You must report the deviation to the FAA if requested and document the incident. Regulatory Context: This flexibility is intended to prioritize safety over compliance in critical situations.

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Target Audience: Active Pilots

5. What are the first steps to take in a drone emergency?

Answer:

1. Assess the situation (e.g., equipment malfunction, weather, or airspace conflict).
2. Prioritize safety for people and property on the ground.
3. Take immediate corrective action, such as activating the drone’s emergency landing or Return-to-Home (RTH) function.
4. Inform ATC if near controlled airspace (14 CFR Part 107.41).

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6. What if my drone crashes into private property?

Answer:

1. Ensure the area is safe and secure.
2. Notify the property owner and assess damage.
3. File a report with the FAA if the damage exceeds $500 or causes serious injury (14 CFR Part 107.9).

Safety Reminder: Always fly in areas where you can maintain control of your drone and avoid flying near people or property.

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7. What should I do if my drone malfunctions in controlled airspace?

Answer:

1. Notify ATC immediately if your drone is near controlled airspace (14 CFR Part 107.47).
2. Attempt to regain control or activate the Return-to-Home (RTH) function.
3. If the drone poses a threat, inform local authorities and the FAA.

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Target Audience: Professional Operators

8. How do I prepare for emergencies during commercial drone operations?

Answer: Preparation is key:

• Conduct pre-flight inspections (14 CFR Part 107.15).
• Ensure all crew members understand emergency procedures.
• Use a checklist to prepare for scenarios like lost communications, low battery, or inclement weather.

Regulatory Context: Under 14 CFR Part 107.49, the remote pilot must ensure all pre-flight preparations are completed to minimize risks.

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9. Do I need insurance to cover drone-related accidents?

Answer: While the FAA does not require insurance for drone operations, having liability insurance is strongly recommended for commercial operators. Many clients and contracts mandate it.

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10. What are the consequences of failing to report a drone-related accident to the FAA?

Answer: Failure to report accidents can result in fines or suspension of your Part 107 certificate. Under 14 CFR Part 107.9, incidents involving injury or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported within 10 days. Safety Reminder: Document all accidents thoroughly and comply with reporting requirements.

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Target Audience: All Pilots

11. What is the FAA’s reporting process for drone-related emergencies?

Answer:

1. Use the FAA’s online reporting portal.
2. Provide details such as the date, location, and description of the incident.
3. Submit the report within 10 days of the incident (14 CFR Part 107.9).

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12. What if my drone flies near an airport unintentionally?

Answer:

1. Immediately attempt to regain control and move the drone away from the airport.
2. Notify ATC if the drone is in controlled airspace (14 CFR Part 107.41).
3. Document the incident and report it to the FAA if required.

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13. How can I prevent emergencies during flight?

Answer:

• Conduct thorough pre-flight inspections (14 CFR Part 107.15).
• Monitor weather conditions and avoid flying in adverse weather.
• Always maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) unless you have a BVLOS waiver.
• Follow FAA airspace restrictions (14 CFR Part 107.41).

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14. Can I be held liable for injuries or property damage caused by my drone?

Answer: Yes, as the remote pilot in command, you are legally responsible for any injuries or damage caused during your operation. Additionally, failure to comply with FAA regulations can result in fines or suspension of your Part 107 certificate.

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15. What is the maximum altitude I can fly to avoid airspace conflicts?

Answer: Under 14 CFR Part 107.51(b), you must keep your drone at or below 400 feet above ground level (AGL), unless flying within 400 feet of a structure. Flying above 400 feet requires a waiver.

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Additional Safety Tips for Emergency Situations

• Always have a plan for loss of connection or control.
• Ensure your drone firmware is updated to prevent unexpected malfunctions.
• Carry contact information for local authorities and the FAA in case of an incident.
• Practice emergency procedures regularly during training flights.

Disclaimer

• Regulations may change—always verify with official FAA sources.
• This is educational content and does not constitute legal advice.
• Consult official FAA documentation for complete requirements.

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For more information, check out 120mAGL’s Guide to Part 107 Regulations or visit the FAA’s UAS website .