Drone exam · Air safety

Another drone appears near the site, apparently operated by someone outside the crew. The pilot cannot tell its route or whether its operator has seen this operation. What should the pilot do before continuing the mission?

Answer

The pilot should increase separation, hold or land if needed, and try to identify or coordinate with the other operator before resuming the planned route.

Explanation

A drone to drone conflict can develop quickly because both aircraft may be small and hard to judge. If the other operator's intentions are unknown, the safest assumption is that coordination has not happened.