To achieve situational awareness, what is essential for UAS operators to have?

Achieving situational awareness is fundamentally about understanding and perceiving the environment in which the UAS operates. Accurate environmental perception allows UAS operators to effectively assess and respond to various factors such as weather conditions, obstacles, and the presence of other aircraft. This heightened awareness is crucial, as it helps operators make informed decisions to ensure safe operation and avoid hazardous situations.

While knowledge of flight regulations, clear communication lines, and high technology equipment all play significant roles in UAS operations, they serve as supporting elements to bolster situational awareness rather than being the core element. Accurate environmental perception directly contributes to the operator's ability to navigate challenges and provide a level of foresight that is necessary for safe UAS operation.