The statement "The purpose of the ground control station is to keep the pilot out of the plane, at least in a physical sense" is:

The statement accurately captures the essence of what a ground control station (GCS) is designed to do concerning unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A ground control station is fundamentally a base of operations through which a pilot or operator controls an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) remotely. By utilizing a ground control station, the pilot can operate the aircraft without being physically inside it, which is a key feature of unmanned aviation.

The phrase "to keep the pilot out of the plane" emphasizes the primary purpose of the GCS: enabling flight operations without the need for human presence in the cockpit. This design enhances safety by removing the pilot from potential hazards and allows for operations in environments that may be dangerous for a human pilot.

Furthermore, operating from a ground control station also facilitates the use of advanced technology for monitoring, navigation, and communication, thereby making operations more flexible and safer. In this context, the statement reflects the fundamental operational philosophy behind unmanned aerial systems, which is to enable remote piloting and enhance overall safety and effectiveness in aviation.