Definition
The person directly responsible for, and the final authority over, the operation of a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flown under 14 CFR Part 107. The Remote Pilot in Command must hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating and is accountable for the safe conduct of each flight, including pre-flight checks, airspace compliance, and decisions made during the operation.
Plain English
The certified drone pilot who is in charge of the flight. They make the final calls and carry the responsibility if anything goes wrong.
Context Anchor
You will see RPIC in drone operations, FAA airspace authorization requests, preflight planning, crew briefings, and Part 107 discussions.
Derivation
Mirrors the long-established term Pilot in Command (PIC) used for manned aircraft, with 'Remote' added because the pilot operates the aircraft from the ground rather than from inside it. The structure signals that the same level of legal responsibility carries over to drone flying.
Why Pilots Care
The RPIC is legally accountable for the safety of the flight and any regulatory compliance.
Analogy
The RPIC is like the captain of a boat: other people may help, but one person is responsible for the safe conduct of the trip.
Intuition Check
Do not assume RPIC means the person physically moving the control sticks. It means the person legally and operationally in charge of the drone flight.
Example Sentence 1
Before launching the survey flight, the RPIC completed the pre-flight inspection and confirmed the operating area was clear of people.
Example Sentence 2
As RPIC, she maintained visual contact with the aircraft throughout the entire mission.