Prior to flight, a remote PIC must assess the operating environment. Which of the following is the most important pre-flight consideration?
AContacting the nearest ATC facility by phone to self-announce the planned operation even in Class G airspace
BEvaluating hazards including local weather, airspace, terrain, and the location of people and structures✓
CFiling a flight plan with the nearest FSDO
Why →Under 14 CFR § 107.49, the remote PIC must assess conditions including weather, airspace, aircraft performance, the condition of the aircraft, and the safety of persons on the ground. This pre-flight assessment covers each required factor and forms the basis of safe operations.
The trap →No ATC contact is required in Class G, and flight plans are not a Part 107 concept in any airspace. New pilots often confuse the LAANC requirement for controlled airspace with a blanket notification rule.
Field note →Use the PAVE checklist as your structure: Pilot (am I fit?), Aircraft (is it airworthy?), enVironment (weather, airspace, terrain?), External pressures (any reason I'm being pushed to fly when I shouldn't?).
SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.49CHECKED JUL 16ACS V.A.K8EASY