In the event of a UAS flyaway, what is the primary responsibility of the remote Pilot in Command (rPIC)?

The primary responsibility of the remote Pilot in Command (rPIC) during a flyaway situation is to monitor the system's location and notify Air Traffic Control (ATC) if new authorization is necessary. This is crucial because when a UAS (unmanned aircraft system) experiences a flyaway – an unintentional loss of control – the rPIC must quickly assess the situation to determine the UAS's position and trajectory.

Maintaining awareness of the UAS's location allows the rPIC to inform ATC accordingly, which helps to ensure the safety of manned aircraft and others in the vicinity. If the UAS enters controlled airspace or poses a potential conflict with other aircraft, prompting ATC with accurate and timely information is vital for avoiding accidents.

In this context, monitoring the system's location empowers the rPIC to make informed decisions about safety and compliance with regulatory requirements, demonstrating their role as the responsible operator during emergencies. This responsibility takes precedence over other actions, such as attempting to regain control or contacting the manufacturer, as situational awareness and communication with ATC are paramount for safety.