A remote pilot is hired to film a property at dusk. Upon arrival, the client says the shoot must be completed in the next 20 minutes before darkness falls, or the contract is cancelled. The pilot's pre-flight check reveals the aircraft's navigation lights are not functioning. What should the pilot do?

Why →Under 14 CFR § 107.29, operations during civil twilight or night require the small unmanned aircraft to display anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. A non-functioning navigation light means the aircraft does not meet this requirement. The client's timeline and financial pressure are external pressures, one of the PAVE risk factors. No contract obligation justifies operating an aircraft that does not meet regulatory equipment requirements.

The trap →Beginning the flight uses available light as justification for a regulatory equipment deficiency. The lighting requirement exists to make the drone visible to other pilots, not to the remote pilot on the ground. Flying at low altitude reduces some risk but does not resolve the regulatory violation.

Field note →External pressure is one of the most common factors in aviation incidents. The client's schedule, the contract value, and the sunlight window are all irrelevant to whether the aircraft is airworthy. Equipment deficiencies are go/no-go items.