Drone exam · Ground-risk mitigation

An EU/EASA A2 pilot activates a compliant low speed mode and assumes it is now acceptable to fly as close to people as the aircraft can physically reach. What is wrong with that reasoning?

Answer

Low speed mode can support a reduced minimum distance only under the applicable conditions. The pilot still needs to respect the current rule, assess weather and aircraft performance, and keep the operation controlled.

Explanation

Reducing speed can reduce kinetic energy, but it does not remove the possibility of impact or eliminate other requirements.