During UAS flight operations, who may relay commands to the UAV?

In UAS flight operations, any member of the UAS crew can relay commands to the UAV, reflecting the collaborative nature of operating unmanned aircraft systems. The UAS crew typically comprises various roles, such as the pilot, payload operator, and other crew members who have been trained and are aware of the operational protocols. This flexibility allows for efficient communication and command relay, which can be crucial in dynamic flight environments.

Having multiple crew members capable of communicating with the UAV enhances situational awareness. For instance, if a pilot's attention is focused on flying the UAV, another crew member can handle payload operations or monitor systems, thereby ensuring that important information or commands are relayed to the UAV without compromising safety or mission objectives.

In contrast, options that limit command relaying to the pilot or other specific roles do not account for the importance of teamwork in UAS operations. These restrictive approaches could hinder responsiveness and efficiency during critical moments in a mission.