Which group is primarily responsible for ensuring safe unmanned aircraft operations during launch and recovery?

The group primarily responsible for ensuring safe unmanned aircraft operations during launch and recovery is the Launch and Recovery Crew. This team is specifically tasked with the critical functions of preparing the unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) for flight and safely executing its return after the mission. Their duties include conducting pre-flight checks, ensuring the airspace is clear, and managing the precise timing of the launch and recovery processes.

This role is crucial because the moments of launch and recovery pose unique risks that require specialized knowledge and coordination to manage effectively. Safety measures during these operations often involve communicating with the flight operations team and air traffic control to ensure all protocols are followed, but the Launch and Recovery Crew takes the lead in executing the procedures necessary for a safe operation.

The other groups mentioned, while they may play supportive roles, do not focus solely on the launch and recovery aspect. The maintenance crew is responsible for the upkeep and repair of the aircraft, and the flight operations team handles the overall mission operations. Air traffic control, on the other hand, facilitates communication and safety in the broader airspace but does not engage directly with the specific activities involved in launching and recovering sUAS.