A remote pilot and visual observer are conducting a flight when the VO's radio fails mid-operation. The aircraft is at 350 feet AGL and 300 meters away. The pilot can still see the aircraft. What is the most appropriate response?
Why →
When the communication link between PIC and VO fails, the crew loses a safety layer. The VO cannot call obstacles, traffic, or drift warnings the pilot may not see. The appropriate response is to reduce the operational risk: bring the aircraft to a distance and altitude where the pilot can manage VLOS independently, then decide whether to continue or land. CRM principles require acknowledging degraded resources and adjusting the plan.The trap →
Choice A ignores the degraded crew resource. VLOS is maintained but the VO's safety function is gone. Continuing as if nothing changed is a CRM failure. Choice C introduces hand signals as a backup without establishing whether the pilot is in a position to see them at 300 meters.SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.33; FAA ADM, Crew Resource ManagementCHECKED APR 22ACS V.C.K1MED