UAS remote pilots should always be cautious to ___ changes to the plan.

• A. Last minute
• B. Major
• C. Sudden
• D. Unplanned

Answer: (A)

Time and risk management in UAS operations hinges on keeping the flight plan current. Last-minute changes pose the greatest risk because they leave little or no time to recheck critical safety factors—weather, wind, visibility, airspace restrictions, NOTAMs, battery or payload limits, and emergency procedures. That time pressure can lead to incomplete risk assessment, missed regulatory steps, or overlooked equipment status, all of which can compromise safety. If a change is necessary, take a moment to revalidate the entire plan, verify the latest weather and airspace information, confirm modifications with the team, and perform any required risk assessment before launching. While abrupt or unplanned changes can be risky too, the timing aspect makes last-minute changes the most hazardous in practice.