Why is situational awareness important for UAS operators?

Situational awareness is crucial for UAS operators because it involves understanding the environment in which they are operating, including the location of the aircraft, the presence of other air traffic, obstacles, and weather conditions. By maintaining high situational awareness, UAS operators can anticipate and respond to potential threats, such as other aircraft or obstacles, thereby significantly reducing the risk of collisions and accidents. This awareness allows them to make informed decisions regarding flight paths, altitude adjustments, and other operational parameters to ensure safety throughout the entire flight, not just during critical phases like takeoff and landing. Therefore, effective situational awareness is an essential skill for UAS operators to ensure safe and efficient operations.