StudyWhat defines visual line of sight (VLOS) aircraft operations?
- ❌A:Remote pilot can see aircraft with corrective lenses only
- ✅B:Aircraft must remain within unaided visual contact of remote pilot
- ❌C:Visual observer can maintain sight instead of remote pilot
Explanations
- A: Incorrect. While corrective lenses (such as glasses or contact lenses) can be used to achieve normal vision, they do not define VLOS. The use of binoculars, telescopes, or other vision-enhancing devices is not allowed for maintaining VLOS.
- B: Correct. VLOS requires the remote pilot to maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft throughout the flight. This ensures safety by enabling the pilot to control the aircraft effectively and respond to any potential hazards or emergencies promptly.
- C: Incorrect. While visual observers can assist the remote pilot in maintaining VLOS, they cannot replace the remote pilot's responsibility to maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding and adhering to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) requirements is crucial for the safe and legal operation of commercial drones. Failing to maintain VLOS can lead to safety hazards, regulatory violations, and potential damage to your drone or property, all of which can negatively impact your business's reputation and profitability.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Maintaining VLOS is paramount for the safety of your drone operations. It allows the remote pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, respond to emergencies promptly, and avoid potential hazards. Not adhering to VLOS can lead to collisions, damage, injuries, and potential legal and insurance implications.
Consider This Scenario
A real estate company uses drones to capture aerial footage of properties for sale. The remote pilot must maintain VLOS with the drone at all times to ensure safe operation, avoid potential hazards, and capture the required footage effectively. If the drone goes beyond VLOS, the pilot may lose control of the aircraft, leading to potential safety hazards and substandard footage, impacting the company's service quality and reputation.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA is testing your understanding of the importance and requirements of VLOS in drone operations. This includes the remote pilot's responsibility to maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft and the limitations of using visual observers or vision-enhancing devices.
Business Success Strategy
Ensure that all your remote pilots understand and adhere to VLOS requirements. Use visual observers to assist in maintaining VLOS but remember that the ultimate responsibility lies with the remote pilot. Regularly review your VLOS practices and update them as necessary to ensure safety and compliance.
Memory Aid
Remember, "VLOS = Visual Line Of Safety". Maintaining VLOS is not just a regulatory requirement, but a safety imperative for your drone operations.
Enhanced References
FAA Part 107.31 – Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation, FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A on the Role of the Visual Observer.
Related Concepts
- Visual line of sight requirements
- Remote pilot responsibilities
- Visual observer roles
ACS Code: UA.I.B.K10
Difficulty: basic