What is the minimum flight visibility required?

The minimum flight visibility required for Standard Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations under the FAA regulations is indeed 3 statute miles. This requirement ensures that the remote pilot maintains sufficient visual contact with the UAS to safely operate it, avoid obstacles, and ensure the safety of other aircraft in the vicinity.

This visibility standard is crucial for enhancing situational awareness during flight, particularly in preventing mid-air collisions and navigating effectively in changing weather conditions. The requirement takes into account the performance characteristics of UAS and helps to ascertain that pilots can detect and respond to potential hazards while conducting their operations safely.

In contrast, other visibility options like 1, 2, and 5 statute miles do not align with the established guidelines for UAS operations. Specifically, 1 statute mile may not provide adequate situational awareness for safe operations, while 5 statute miles exceeds the minimum required standard, leading to unnecessary limitations on UAS operations.