Who is considered the "remote pilot in command"?

The "remote pilot in command" is defined as the individual who has the ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) during flight. This encompasses not only the oversight of the flight operations but also ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and safety protocols. The remote pilot in command is directly responsible for making critical decisions and managing the flight in real-time, which is essential for avoiding accidents and maintaining control of the UAS in various conditions.

The other roles mentioned do not encapsulate the comprehensive responsibilities and authority that come with being the remote pilot in command. For example, while the individual responsible for ground control may handle specific operations on the ground, they do not have the overarching authority or accountability for the aircraft's flight. Similarly, the person who designed the UAS focuses on its creation and functionality rather than its operational management. Lastly, the individual managing the UAS software plays a supportive role that involves maintaining or ensuring the software's performance, but they do not have the direct responsibility for flight operations and safety that the remote pilot in command holds.