Emergency Procedures & Maintenance
Emergency Procedures & Maintenance is a core knowledge area on the Part 107 (Drone) FAA written exam. This hub collects our 16 in-depth, ACS-aligned emergency procedures & maintenance articles — each written in plain English and grounded in the official FAA handbooks. Work through them below, then drill the topic with practice questions.
Emergency Landing Procedures for sUAS
When a small UAS experiences an in-flight emergency, the remote pilot must act quickly to minimize risk to people and property on the ground — this article covers decision-making, required actions, and post-incident obligations under Part 107.
Lost Link Procedures and Failsafe Configuration
When a drone loses its command-and-control link, a pre-programmed failsafe response determines what happens next — understanding and configuring these procedures is a core Part 107 safety and legal requirement.
Flyaway Prevention and Recovery Techniques
Flyaway events—when a drone loses command link and flies uncontrolled—are among the most dangerous sUAS failures. This article covers the causes, prevention, and recovery procedures every Part 107 remote pilot must know.
In-Flight Fire or Smoke Response for Drone Operations
A battery or electrical fire on a UAS demands immediate, decisive action — knowing the response sequence before flight can prevent a minor malfunction from becoming a major ground hazard.
GPS Signal Loss and Manual Override Procedures
GPS signal loss can leave a drone in an unpredictable flight state; knowing how to recognize degraded navigation and execute a confident manual override is essential for every Part 107 remote pilot.
Battery Failure Recognition and Emergency Response
Recognizing battery failure signs early and responding correctly can mean the difference between a safe landing and a lost or crashed drone under Part 107 operations.
Propulsion System Failure During Flight
A propulsion system failure is one of the most critical emergencies a remote pilot can face; understanding the causes, immediate responses, and post-flight actions is essential for safe sUAS operations under 14 CFR Part 107.
Pre-Flight Inspection Checklist for Part 107 Operations
A thorough pre-flight inspection is a legal and safety requirement under Part 107; this guide walks remote pilots through every critical check before each sUAS flight.
Return-to-Home Function Limitations and Failures
Return-to-Home (RTH) is a popular drone safety feature, but student remote pilots must understand its technical limitations and potential failure modes to avoid over-reliance during actual emergencies.
Airframe and Propeller Damage Assessment
Learn how to systematically inspect your sUAS airframe and propellers for damage before and after flight, and understand when to ground your drone under FAA Part 107 rules.
Weather-Related Emergency Procedures for sUAS
When unexpected weather threatens a small UAS flight, a remote pilot must recognize hazards quickly and respond decisively—understanding wind, precipitation, and visibility limits can prevent a costly or dangerous loss of control.
Firmware Updates and Software Integrity Checks
Keeping your sUAS firmware current and verifying software integrity are essential preflight maintenance steps that directly affect flight safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response under Part 107.
Battery Storage, Charging, and Maintenance Best Practices
Proper LiPo and lithium-ion battery care is essential for safe, legal sUAS operations — learn how to store, charge, and inspect batteries to prevent in-flight failures and fires.
Incident and Accident Reporting Requirements Under Part 107
Part 107 requires remote pilots to report certain sUAS accidents to the FAA within 10 calendar days; understanding exactly what triggers that duty — and what doesn't — is essential for both the knowledge test and legal compliance.
Emergency Notification Procedures for ATC and Local Authorities
When a drone operation goes wrong, Part 107 remote pilots must know exactly when and how to notify ATC, local law enforcement, and the FAA to comply with federal regulations and protect public safety.
Motor and ESC Maintenance for Small UAS
Proper motor and ESC maintenance keeps small UAS reliable and airworthy—understanding failure modes, inspection intervals, and pre-flight checks directly reduces the risk of in-flight emergencies and flyaways.
More Part 107 (Drone) subjects
Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.