UA.I.B.K14: Staying safely away from other aircraft and right-of-way rules.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task B: Operating Rules References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 47, 48, 89, and 107, subpart B; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Avoiding Other Aircraft: Wake Turbulence and Flight Path Discipline

• Expect and respect wake turbulence from larger aircraft. Controllers issue “CAUTION — WAKE TURBULENCE” to VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. aircraft when appropriate; regardless of whether a warning is issued, the pilot is expected to adjust operations and flight path as necessary to preclude serious wake encounters. For a remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., that means planning and flying to avoid being below or behind the flight paths of crewed aircraft—especially near approach or departure corridors where vortices are strongest.^[1]
• Recognize common avoidance techniques that illustrate safe geometry relative to a larger aircraft’s path. Recommended procedures include staying at or above the larger aircraft’s final approach path and noting touchdown points; when parallel runways are closer than 2,500 feet, consider possible drift of wake to your operating area; and avoid crossing below a departing aircraft’s rotation point. While these examples are written for runway operations, the principles translate directly to UASUnmanned Aircraft SystemCloseAn unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components. risk management: do not loiter under, behind, or near the trajectories of crewed aircraft where wake could sink or drift into your airspace.^[1]

Remote Identification (RID): A Deconfliction and Accountability Tool

• After September 16, 2023, most small unmanned aircraft that are registered or required to be registered must comply with remote identification requirements. The serial number of a standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft—or of a broadcast module, if used—must be listed on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration, and if a module is moved to another aircraft, its serial must be moved to that aircraft’s certificate prior to operation. Small unmanned aircraft 0.55 pounds or less that are not required to be registered under part 48 must still comply with RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. when operating under any operating part for which registration is required. RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. provides data regarding the location and identification of small unmanned aircraft operating in the NASNational Airspace SystemCloseThe shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within. and provides airspace awareness to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes., national security agencies, and law enforcement to distinguish compliant users from those potentially posing a risk. Practically, compliance strengthens cooperative airspace use and supports timely deconfliction when safety or security concerns arise.^[3]
• Know what your aircraft must broadcast. Under 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. § 89.305, a standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft must broadcast: identity (a production serial number or session ID); latitude/longitude and geometric altitude of both the control station and the unmanned aircraft; the unmanned aircraft’s velocity; a UTC time mark; and the aircraft’s emergency status. Under § 89.310, the control station location must correspond to the person manipulating the controls, and the time mark must be synchronized with other message elements. For the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., this means ensuring the system’s RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. is functioning preflight and that the broadcast accurately represents where you are and where the aircraft is—fundamental to staying predictably separated from other airspace users.^[2]

Preflight and Operational Discipline to Stay Clear (including Surface Traffic)

• Conduct a thorough preflight inspection and risk assessment. Part 107 requires ensuring the small unmanned aircraft is in a condition for safe operation; for higher‑risk contexts (e.g., near people), the assessment should be more complex, accounting for the location of people and weather and other factors. Applied to aircraft avoidance, this preparation includes identifying any nearby approach/departure routes or helicopter operating areas and adjusting your launch site, altitude plan, and contingency procedures so you can promptly maneuver away from any crewed aircraft that appear in your operating area.^[4]
• Maintain separation from surface traffic as part of the same safety mindset. If the operation is not within or over a closed- or restricted‑access site, the small unmanned aircraft must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle. Even when allowed (e.g., within a closed/restricted site), treat vehicles as dynamic hazards and plan transit only when safe. Note that Category 1 operations involve small unmanned aircraft that weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less; category eligibility does not remove the obligation to avoid creating new collision or distraction hazards for people or vehicles below.^[5]

By combining wake‑aware flight paths, compliant RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. broadcasts, and disciplined preflight/operational practices, remote PICs minimize the chance of conflict with other aircraft and maintain the predictable, conservative behavior expected in the NASNational Airspace SystemCloseThe shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within..