Who has the final authority in an sUAS operation?

The Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) holds the final authority in an sUAS operation because they are responsible for the safety of the flight and the overall operation of the unmanned aircraft system. This responsibility includes making critical decisions regarding the operation, such as whether to launch, continue, or terminate a flight based on the conditions encountered. The RPIC is required to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding of regulations to ensure compliance and safety during the operation, which further emphasizes their authority. This role is crucial in the successful and safe navigation of an sUAS in the national airspace system.

While air traffic controllers, ground crew chiefs, and engineers play significant roles in supporting sUAS operations, they do not have the final authority over operational decisions. The air traffic controller manages airspace traffic, but their jurisdiction is limited to maintaining the overall flow of aircraft, not to the specific operational aspects of an sUAS flight. The ground crew chief may manage the team and ensure proper ground operations, but they do not make flight decisions. Similarly, the engineer may provide technical support and insights about the aircraft, but they are not involved in the command or decision-making process during an operation. The final authority rests solely with the RP