UA.V.D.K2: Crew Resource Management (CRM).

ACS Area V — Operations Task D: Aeronautical Decision-Making References: 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-8083-2, 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

What CRM Means for Remote PICs and Crews

Crew Resource Management (CRMCrew Resource ManagementCloseUsing people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk.) in small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. operations is the deliberate use of all available resources—people, procedures, and information—to manage risk and ensure mission success. Remote PICs can expand their safety margin by deliberately employing additional crewmembers such as visual observers (VOs) and ground crew to monitor traffic, airspace, weather, equipment status, and aircraft performance. In operations with bystanders or vehicles nearby, these crewmembers help detect and report the presence of persons not directly participating so the Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. can adjust promptly. Effective CRMCrew Resource ManagementCloseUsing people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk. hinges on continuous, clear communication and proactive workload sharing to prevent task saturation that can precipitate incidents or accidents^[1].

Communication: Procedures and Methods

• Establish procedures: Assign who watches the aircraft, who scans the surrounding airspace/operational area, and who reports hazards. The VOVisual ObserverCloseA person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation. should maintain visual contact with the sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. and promptly communicate flight status changes and hazards to the Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. and the person manipulating the controls so appropriate action can be taken. As conditions change, the Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. should brief the crew on updates and needed adjustments^[1].
• Choose methods: Decide before flight how the crew will communicate—handheld radios or other effective means that do not create a distraction and allow mutual understanding. The Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. should select the most appropriate method for the mission profile, terrain, and noise environment^[1].
• Practical implication: Practice short, unambiguous calls (“traffic,” “nonparticipant entering,” “low battery”) and closed-loop readbacks to reduce confusion. In dynamic environments (construction sites, public venues), keep communications concise and continuous so the Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. can make timely decisions.

Task Management and Workload Distribution

• Size the crew to the mission: As operational complexity increases, add crewmembers to prevent any single person from becoming overloaded. Overload elevates error risk; distributing tasks (aircraft control, airspace scan, bystander monitoring, checklists) preserves situational awareness^[1].
• Use information resources: Incorporate weather briefings and, when applicable, ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. or airport operational information into preflight and in-flight decision-making. Assign a crewmember to monitor and update this information during longer missions^[1].
• Practical implication: For operations near moving vehicles or in areas with transient foot traffic, dedicate a VOVisual ObserverCloseA person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation. to perimeter/bystander monitoring while another VOVisual ObserverCloseA person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation. focuses on the aircraft and air traffic picture. The Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. remains the integrator and final authority.

CRM in Higher-Risk Contexts: People, Vehicles, Night, and Airspace

• Operations over moving vehicles: When the operation is not within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. may only “transit” and must not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles, regardless of Category (1–3). Within or over a closed/restricted-access site, non-participants must be “on notice.” Category 4 may operate as permitted by its FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved Flight Manual. Use CRMCrew Resource ManagementCloseUsing people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk. to ensure a VOVisual ObserverCloseA person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation. detects vehicles and calls “transit only” routing to keep exposure short. Remember that Category 1 aircraft weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less on takeoff and throughout the operation^[2].
• Operations over people at night: Categories and restrictions for operations over people do not change at night. If the aircraft is eligible for operations over people, night operations may proceed in accordance with §§ 107.29 and 107.39. Manufacturers may need to consider the mass of an anti-collision light when showing compliance for Category 2 or 3 under §§ 107.120(a) or 107.130(a). CRMCrew Resource ManagementCloseUsing people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk. action item: update night briefings to include lighting status, visual acquisition challenges, and crew communication checks under darkness^[3].
• Remote pilot responsibilities: The Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must determine the aircraft’s appropriate category for the intended operation, verify proper labeling, and ensure it is listed on an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-accepted Declaration of Compliance (DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.). Good CRMCrew Resource ManagementCloseUsing people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk. includes verifying these items during preflight and using a second crewmember for cross-checks^[3].
• Observers and “see-and-avoid”: In some FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved UASUnmanned Aircraft SystemCloseAn unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components. operations (e.g., COACertificate of Waiver or AuthorizationCloseFAA authorization often used by public aircraft operators or special operations. or special airworthiness certificate), observers are required to provide “see-and-avoid” capability and ensure compliance with 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. § 91.113. Such operations typically involve ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. coordination and NOTAMsNotice to Airmen / Notice to Air MissionsCloseOfficial notice about temporary conditions, hazards, or changes that can affect a flight.. While Part 107 operations differ, the principle underscores the value of trained observers in collision risk mitigation^[4].
• Information sharing: Before operating near airports or in complex airspace, organize a crew briefing using authoritative airport data sources such as Aeronautical Charts, the Chart Supplement U.S., NOTAMsNotice to Airmen / Notice to Air MissionsCloseOfficial notice about temporary conditions, hazards, or changes that can affect a flight., and ATISAutomatic Terminal Information ServiceCloseRecorded airport weather and operational information for pilots., and assign who will monitor and report updates during the mission^[5]. FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. handbooks such as the Risk Management Handbook and the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge are also foundational references for ADMAeronautical Decision-MakingCloseA structured way to identify risk, choose safer options, and avoid launching when conditions are not acceptable./CRMCrew Resource ManagementCloseUsing people, communication, checklists, and available tools to reduce operational risk. concepts you should integrate into training and SOPs^[6].