Lost Link, Flyaway & Loss of Control
~11 min read · Program and execute lost-link behavior and the emergency-authority rule.
Lost link, flyaway, loss of control: the three emergencies every remote pilot must pre-brief, because the correct responses are configured BEFORE takeoff, not improvised after. The exam also tests the emergency-authority rule — you may break any rule to meet an emergency, then answer for it in writing.
Lost link
Lost link means the command-and-control connection dropped while the autopilot still flies the aircraft — it will execute its programmed failsafe: return-to-home, hover, or land. The remote PIC's job is done at preflight: set the failsafe behavior and RTH altitude above every obstacle on the route, verify the home point, and brief the crew on where the aircraft will go. During the event: attempt reconnection (antenna orientation, reposition, restart), track the aircraft visually, and be ready at the home point.
- Lost link ≠ flyaway: the autopilot is still in charge
- Preset RTH altitude above the tallest obstacle en route
- Verify the home point every launch — RTH goes where IT thinks home is
Flyaway and loss of control
A flyaway is lost link plus a failed failsafe — the aircraft departs on its own. Respond: note last position, heading, altitude, and battery; attempt control on any remaining channel; alert ATC or nearby airports if the aircraft threatens traffic (this is where a phone call beats pride); track it to battery exhaustion; report per 107.9 if the outcome qualifies. Loss of control with link intact (motor/ESC failure, prop loss): reduce power, steer the crash toward unpopulated ground — protecting people on the surface outranks saving the aircraft.
- Flyaway: document, warn ATC/airports if traffic is threatened
- Loss of control: sacrifice the aircraft, protect people
- Accident report within 10 days if injury/$500 thresholds are met
The emergency-authority rule
107.21 mirrors manned aviation: in an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the remote PIC may deviate from any Part 107 rule to the extent needed to meet that emergency. Two strings attached: the FAA may request a written report of the deviation, and the authority covers genuine emergencies — not conveniences. Climbing to 450 ft to clear a helicopter that appeared below you: covered. Climbing to 450 ft for a better photo: a violation.
Worked example
Mid-mission, your controller shows 'signal lost.' The aircraft was 600 m north over a wooded park; RTH is configured at 60 m — but you now remember a 75-m radio mast between the aircraft and home. What happens next, and what do you do?
The autopilot will climb or move to 60 m and fly the straight line home — through the altitude band of the 75-m mast. This is the preflight failure surfacing in flight: RTH altitude must top every en-route obstacle. Now: attempt reconnection immediately (raise/orient antennas, move toward the aircraft, clear obstructions between you and it); if link returns, take manual control and route around the mast. If not, move yourself to sight the RTH corridor, watch for the aircraft, and be positioned at the home point. Afterward: file it as a lesson — set RTH above the tallest obstacle plus margin (here ≥ 90 m), every site, every flight. If it strikes the mast and damages property over $500: 10-day FAA report.
Common exam pitfalls
Configuring RTH altitude by habit instead of by site survey.
RTH altitude is a per-site decision: tallest obstacle on any possible return line, plus margin.
Hesitating to call ATC about a flyaway toward an airport.
Warning traffic is the priority — the call that embarrasses you may prevent the collision that ends you.
Reading 107.21 as permission to bend rules when convenient.
Emergency authority requires an actual emergency demanding immediate action — and expect to justify it in writing.
Link lost: trust the plan. Plane lost: warn the sky. Control lost: save the people.
Recap
- Lost link → failsafe executes; preset RTH altitude above all obstacles
- Verify the home point at every launch
- Flyaway: document, attempt control, warn ATC/airports, track it
- Loss of control: steer toward unpopulated ground
- 107.21: deviate as needed in a real emergency; written report on request
- 10-day accident report when injury/$500 damage thresholds are met
Prove it: 10 questions on this topic
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