scope:

General.

Pilot in Command Authority.

The Pilot in Command (PIC), regardless of rank, is responsible for, and is the final authority for the operation of the aircraft.

This AFI provides broad guidance and cannot address every situation. Aircrew will use best judgment to safely conduct flying operations.

Supplemental information to this AFI may be found in the AFMAN 11-217 series.

This instruction is a common source of flight directives that includes:

Air Force guidance;

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM); and,

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) applicability.

Categories 4 and 5 RPA operations shall follow this AFI; Categories 1-3 ("Small") UAS shall be governed by AFI 11-502V3, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations. UAS/RPA categories are listed in AFI 11-502V3.