Operator and Remote Pilot Responsibilities in the Specific Category

Operator Responsibiltiies

The Operator is responsible for establishing:

  • operational procedures to ensure the safety of the operations

  • procedures to ensure that security requirements are complied

  • measures to protect against unlawful interference and unauthorised access

  • comply with regulations on personal data and carry out data protection IA when required

  • guidelines for RPs to minimise nuisances, including noise, to people and animals

  • each individual aircraft shall be installed with at least one green flashing light (from 1 January 2022)

  • Record Keeping (maintenance, staff, qualifications etc.)

The Operator must designate an RP for each operation and If autonomous flight is planned then they shall detail phases of operation and responsibilities. They are also responsible for ensuring efficient use of radio spectrum in order to avoid harmful interference. When designating an RP, they must ensure each RP:

  • Competent (as dictated by OA or STS)

  • Follows competency-based training and as required by OA or STS Declaration

  • Is informed on operations manual if required by RA

  • Obtain geo zone information

When involving other staff as part of the crew, they must ensure:

  • Completed OJTI

  • Is informed on operations manual if required by RA

  • Obtain geo zone information

The operator must ensure operations are carried out and records kept i.a.w the OA or STS Declaration. They must also only use drones designed to minimise noise and other emissions, ensure failure will not lead UAS to flying outside the designated operational volume or cause a fatality and the MMI (Man Machine Interface) shall minimise pilot error and not cause unreasonable fatigue. Finally they must define maintenance instructions and employ adequately trained maintenance staff.

Remote Pilot Responsibilities

Not everything is on the Operator, the RP also has responsibilities to ensure the operation is safe. They must only operate when fit to do so, i.e. not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They must hold appropriate competency as required by OA or STS Declaration. To ensure the flight complies with the operational volume requirements they must ensure they obtain geo zone information and ensure the environment is compatible with OA or STS Declaration. They must ensure the UAS is safe and check Remote ID is working. All relevant information about the operation should be made available to the ANSPs, Airspace Users and other Stakeholders as required by OA or geo zone requirements. During flight, they must avoid any risk of collision with other aircraft, objects etc, and remain clear of emergency response areas and of course, comply with the OA or STS Declaration, Geo zone limitations, and Operator procedures.

Small Print: These posts are a summary only, include my personal interpretation and are not intended to be a replacement for reading the actual rules.