What May Be Used to Comply With Part 107 See-and-Avoid?

What May Be Used To Comply With Part 107 See-And-Avoid

The FAA’s Part 107 governs commercial drone operations in the United States and requires see-and-avoid behavior to maintain safe separation from other air traffic. While no single technology is mandated, many operators rely on a combination of strategies and tools to meet the spirit of see-and-avoid. This article outlines the most common methods permitted or recommended to help remote pilots stay clear of manned aircraft and other drones during Part 107 operations.

Key takeaway: See-and-avoid under Part 107 is primarily the operator’s responsibility, but a mix of human, procedural, and technological approaches can demonstrate due diligence and enhance safety.

Human-Centered Approaches To See-And-Avoid

Visual observers (VOs) remain a widely used strategy for maintaining situational awareness. A VO can monitor airspace outside the remote pilot’s line of sight and communicate potential conflicts to the Remote Pilot In Command (RPIC). This method requires clear procedures, effective communication, and adherence to FAA guidelines for VO duties. In some operations, a single VO suffices; in others, multiple observers may be employed for broader coverage, especially near busy airspace or during complex flight plans.

Onboard the UAS, operator monitoring and flight path adjustments are essential components of see-and-avoid. Remote pilots use real-time video feeds and sensor data to detect potential conflicts and execute evasive maneuvers or alter altitude, speed, or heading as needed. When visual cues are limited, the combination of human judgment with onboard data helps maintain separation from other aircraft.

Procedural And Operational Measures

Operational procedures are a core element of Part 107 see-and-avoid compliance. Flight planning should consider airspace restrictions, NOTAMs, and known traffic patterns. Conduct preflight risk assessments and establish contingency plans for encountered traffic or unexpected weather changes. Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for aggressive terrain or complex environments such as near airports or heliports.

Continuous communication protocols with air traffic control facilities, if applicable, can add another layer of safety. Where operations occur near controlled airspace, pilots should secure authorization under appropriate waivers or exemptions and follow any ATC instructions that contribute to see-and-avoid objectives. Documentation of these procedures can be valuable for compliance and training purposes.

Technological Tools That Support See-And-Avoid

Detect-and-avoid (DAA) technologies and obstacle avoidance systems are increasingly used to enhance see-and-avoid capabilities. Onboard sensors, such as visual cameras, infrared, LiDAR, and radar, help detect obstacles in the drone’s flight path. When integrated with flight control software, these systems can autonomously or semiautonomously adjust flight parameters to avoid collisions.

Remote sensing and data fusion play a role as well. Some operators augment onboard sensing with ground-based radar data or airspace surveillance feeds to improve awareness of surrounding traffic. Though not universally required, these tools can significantly reduce near-miss risks, particularly in cluttered or high-traffic environments.

Limitations And FAA Guidance

The FAA emphasizes that see-and-avoid remains the operator’s responsibility, and no technology guarantees collision-free operations. Part 107 does not currently mandate a universal detect-and-avoid system for all small UAS, though fielded systems may be used to supplement human observation. Operators should stay informed about evolving rules, waivers, and guidance from the FAA that relate to UAS safety and traffic awareness.

Users should carefully assess the reliability, maintenance, and calibration requirements of any technology used to assist see-and-avoid. Miscalibration or overreliance on automated systems can create new risk vectors, so robust SOPs and ongoing training are essential.

Choosing The Right Combination For Your Operation

Small UAS operators should tailor their approach to the flight environment, aircraft performance, and mission profile. In sparsely trafficked outdoor environments, a visual observer combined with careful flight planning may suffice. In busy commercial settings near airports or in congested airspace, adding onboard sensors and, where possible, data-enabled situational awareness can markedly improve safety.

Effective training is critical. Regular VO training, simulator sessions, and hands-on practice with onboard sensors help ensure the team can recognize traffic threats and act promptly. Documentation of training, SOPs, and risk management processes supports compliance and can be beneficial during audits.

Practical Implementation Checklist

• Identify airspace class and any required authorizations or waivers before flight.
• Assign a qualified remote pilot and, if used, trained visual observers with clear communication protocols.
• Develop a comprehensive preflight risk assessment and a see-and-avoid plan tailored to the mission area.
• Evaluate onboard sensing capabilities (camera, LiDAR, radar, infrared) and ensure proper maintenance and calibration.
• Establish contingency procedures for encounters with manned aircraft or unexpected traffic.
• Record training, SOPs, and operational data to demonstrate due diligence and compliance.

Frequently Used Technologies And Their Roles

1. Visual Observers – Enhance external traffic awareness and provide real-time collision avoidance recommendations.
2. Onboard Sensors – Detect obstacles and assist in automatic or semi-automatic avoidance maneuvers.
3. Detect-and-Avoid Systems – Offer autonomous responses to potential conflicts, subject to system capabilities and regulatory acceptance.
4. Flight Planning Tools – Help identify risk points, airspace constraints, and safe routes before takeoff.
5. Airspace Data And NOTAM Integration – Keeps operations aligned with current restrictions and traffic patterns.

Bottom Line For See-And-Avoid Under Part 107

Part 107 See-and-Avoid is primarily about maintaining proactive awareness and responsive separation from other air traffic. Operators may rely on a mix of human oversight, procedural safeguards, and technological aids to enhance safety. The chosen approach should reflect the operation’s risk level, airspace environment, and available resources, with ongoing training and thorough documentation to support compliance.