Which of the following is a potential crewmember for a UAS team?

• A. Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
• B. Visual Observer (VO)
• C. Other Person Manipulating Controls (OPMC)
• D. Crew chief

Answer: (A)

The main idea is who is designated as the person in charge of the flight, i.e., the crewmember responsible for the operation. The Remote Pilot in Command is the person who has the authority to fly the drone, make safety decisions, and ensure regulatory compliance during the mission. This role is the core flight crew member because they oversee the entire operation and directly control the aircraft. The Visual Observer provides essential support by watching the aircraft and aiding situational awareness, but they don’t operate the controls or make flight decisions. An Other Person Manipulating Controls is not a standard crewmember unless specific conditions are met, and the crew chief is typically ground-based, handling preparation and maintenance rather than the flight itself. So, the crewmember most clearly tied to leading the UAS team is the Remote Pilot in Command.