What flight rules apply to SUAS?

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) apply to Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) primarily because these rules dictate that pilots must be able to see the aircraft at all times and maintain visual awareness of where it is flying. VFR allows drone operators to navigate based on visual references outside of the cockpit, which aligns with the fundamental operating principle of SUAS that requires the pilot to maintain line-of-sight with the aircraft for safety and situational awareness.

VFR is critical in ensuring that pilot-operated drones remain safe while operating in shared airspace with manned aircraft. These rules emphasize the importance of visibility, which is particularly important for smaller drones that might not be equipped to handle instrument navigation or operate under other more complex flight rules.

The other options represent regulations or flights rules that may not be specifically applicable to SUAS in their operation. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) govern flights that rely on instruments and are typically used in low visibility conditions, which would not be suitable given the operational guidelines for SUAS. Standard Flight Operations isn't an established term that directly pertains to the laws governing SUAS operations, while Controlled Flight Regulations (CFR) refer to broader regulatory frameworks that encompass various forms of aviation but are not specifically defined flight rules