How Does the Pilot in Command (PIC) Work?

Authority and Accountability:

1. Ultimate Responsibility:
   • Decision-Making Authority: The Pilot in Command (PIC) has the final say in all aspects of the flight. This includes deciding whether a flight is safe to commence, adjusting plans based on changing conditions, and responding to emergencies. The PIC’s authority ensures that safety and compliance are prioritized above all else.
   • Legal Accountability: The PIC is legally responsible for ensuring that the drone operation complies with all applicable aviation laws and regulations. This includes maintaining proper documentation, adhering to airspace restrictions, and obtaining necessary permissions for operations in restricted zones.
2. Oversight of the Operation:
   • Supervising Crew and Equipment: If additional personnel, such as visual observers or payload operators, are involved, the PIC coordinates their roles and ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities. The PIC also verifies that the drone and its equipment are functioning correctly before and during the flight.

Pre-Flight Duties:

3. Risk Assessment and Planning:
   • Assessing the Environment: Before flight, the Pilot in Command evaluates the operational area, checking for potential hazards such as obstacles, weather conditions, or interference risks like electromagnetic fields or No Fly Zones (NFZs).
   • Flight Plan Development: The PIC develops a flight plan that includes the intended route, altitude, and contingencies for emergencies. This plan must align with airspace regulations and operational limitations.
4. Pre-Flight Inspections:
   • Equipment Checks: The PIC conducts a thorough inspection of the drone, including the propulsion system, sensors, cameras, battery levels, and communication systems, to ensure everything is in optimal working condition.
   • Regulatory Compliance: The PIC ensures that all required documentation, such as permits or flight approvals, is in place and that the drone is registered (if required by local regulations).

During the Flight:

5. Maintaining Control and Situational Awareness:
   • Real-Time Monitoring: During the flight, the Pilot in Command monitors the drone’s performance, including battery levels, GPS signals, and telemetry data. They must maintain situational awareness to avoid collisions, stay within designated airspace, and adapt to unexpected changes, such as weather shifts or other aircraft in the area.
   • Decision-Making: The PIC is responsible for making on-the-spot decisions to ensure safety, such as altering the flight path to avoid hazards or initiating a return-to-home (RTH) sequence in case of signal loss or low battery.
6. Compliance and Communication:
   • Following Regulations: The Pilot in Command ensures that the drone operates within the parameters set by local aviation authorities, including maintaining line of sight (VLOS) or adhering to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) requirements if authorized.
   • Coordinating with Air Traffic Control (ATC): For operations in controlled airspace, the PIC communicates with ATC to obtain clearance and updates on airspace activity.

Post-Flight Responsibilities:

7. Flight Logging and Reporting:
   • Documenting Flight Details: After the flight, the PIC logs important details such as the flight duration, route, and any anomalies or incidents. This documentation may be required for regulatory compliance or maintenance tracking.
   • Incident Reporting: If any incidents occur during the flight, such as equipment malfunctions or airspace violations, the PIC is responsible for reporting them to the appropriate authorities.
8. Maintenance and Equipment Review:
   • Post-Flight Inspections: The PIC inspects the drone and associated equipment for any damage or wear that may have occurred during the flight. This step is crucial for ensuring that the drone is ready for future operations.
   • Data Management: For drones used in data collection, such as mapping or surveillance, the PIC ensures that the captured data is securely stored and properly managed according to operational or regulatory requirements.

Integration with Advanced Operations:

9. Complex Missions and Team Coordination:
   • Supervising Teams in BVLOS Operations: For advanced missions, such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights or multi-drone operations, the PIC takes on a supervisory role, coordinating with team members like visual observers and payload operators to ensure seamless execution.
   • Risk Mitigation for Advanced Operations: The PIC implements advanced risk management strategies, such as using backup communication systems or pre-programmed safety maneuvers, to handle the complexities of larger-scale missions.