During a flight, a visual observer instructs the remote pilot in command to land immediately due to a hazard the PIC has not yet seen. The PIC disagrees with the assessment. Who holds final authority over the flight?

Question

Accepted Answer

The remote pilot in command, who is the final authority for all operational decisions and bears full responsibility for the outcome. Under 14 CFR § 107.19(b), the remote pilot in command is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the small unmanned aircraft system. The visual observer supports the PIC's situational awareness but does not override it. A well-functioning crew treats a VO's hazard call seriously, but the regulatory authority and responsibility remain with the PIC.

Answer

The visual observer, because they identified the hazard and have the clearest situational awareness of that specific threat

Answer

Authority is shared equally; the flight must pause until both agree