Before flight, what is required regarding firmware and software on the UAS?

• A. They are current and installed on all parts of the UAS, including the air vehicle and ground control station, and documented in the maintenance log.
• B. Updates are optional and do not require documentation.
• C. Updates apply only to the air vehicle and can be undocumented.
• D. They can be skipped if the operator believes everything works.

Answer: (A)

Firmware and software on the UAS must be current on every part of the system and documented before flight. Keeping both the air vehicle’s firmware and the ground control station’s software up to date ensures all components work together correctly, fixes known bugs, addresses security vulnerabilities, and keeps sensor and control communications reliable. Documenting these updates in the maintenance log creates a traceable record of what was installed and when, which is important for safety audits, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance. Updates aren’t optional and they apply to all parts of the system, not just the air vehicle, and skipping documentation leaves you with an incomplete, potentially unsafe configuration.