Drone Pilot Practice Exam

If a small UA climbs above 600 feet AGL, to whom must you report the deviation?

1. The local police

2. Air traffic control

3. Your supervisor

4. No one, it's below the legal limit

The correct answer is: Air traffic control

When a small unmanned aircraft (UA) climbs above 600 feet above ground level (AGL), it is crucial to report this deviation to air traffic control. This is because operations above this altitude may enter controlled airspace, requiring the pilot to be in communication with air traffic control to maintain safety and compliance with aviation regulations. Air traffic control has the responsibility for managing airspace and ensuring safe separation between aircraft, including UAs operating at higher altitudes. Therefore, any deviation from prescribed altitudes necessitates notification to keep all airspace users informed and to mitigate potential conflicts with manned aircraft or other UAs. While the other options might seem plausible in different contexts, they do not have the authority or responsibility to address airspace management and safety in the way that air traffic control does when a UA exceeds this altitude threshold.