Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Explained

[@mattnash4468]

These videos are very helpful to us older folks who remember what life was like when their was freedom of choice instead of needing to be a lawyer to enjoy a hobby I thank you

[@raizdesuenos]

You can pollute the earth and take natural resources just as long as you mount an effective lobby towards the government. Now flying a drone has so much scrutiny and now with remote id they'll be able to kill the hobby

[@chipsawdust5816]

Well we weren't also a bunch of "push it till it breaks the law" sort of kids, either. Well, maybe we were. But I think you get my point.

[@vince-n]

@@chipsawdust5816 totally agree and this is why we have speed cameras on the roads...people will abuse laws

[@icogicog8287]

Very clear explanation and very detailed. As others have expressed it is a bit frustrating. The drone technology allows for them to fly very far away and reach places you otherwise couldn’t. Yet essentially the FAA says you can’t. And what that does it makes outlaws of many (all???) drone flyers in theory. Practically there is no enforcement. When you raise this issue to fellow flyers, you are often called the drone police. But I suspect that the whole controversy about Drone ID ( and operator location) is eventually and in part a way to enforce VLOS rules.

[@brucetrue]

For say the mini 4 pro, this seems to me to say you can't fly much beyond a maybe 300 foot radius from you the pilot, if your alone and maybe another 50 feet with a spotter. It is hard to beyond that.

[@scottpaulk]

These videos are great. Feel like I’ve learned way more and get way more information from these pilot institute than any other drone KZbin. Thank you Greg for breaking everything down for everyone. I always recommend your videos and your channel to people that are looking for pilot info

[@SEL65545]

Greg, your videos are awesome and quite informative. May I suggest that you say “cannot” instead of “can’t”? You said “can’t” a few times but it sounded like you said “can” (ex. using binoculars to see the drone- sounded like you said you can when you clearly explained that this is not an option). Keep up the great work!

[@PilotInstitute]

Great suggestion, I will try that!

[@dubuque1]

I also thought I heard CAN, and wondered why , thanks for the clarification.

[@dennisbrooks240]

The correct word is "may". Can indicates the physical ability, may indicates permission. While you cannot see a drone at five miles, you may not fly one beyond Visual Line of Sight. Often confused, the FAA literally cannot tell you what you "can" do, but their regulations certainly tell you what you "may" do under their rules. You can do a number of things, just accept the responsibility and the punishment you earn when what you can do conflicts with what the rules say you may do.

[@ASRivers]

These instructional videos are outstanding and really are a good source for Inexperienced or new operators. These provide a source to refer them. These are invaluable source for beginning droners

[@HLUlman3]

Thanks for posting. You are helping us all stay legal and stay safe.

[@OurJourney77]

I've been watching many KZbin videos about drones. Your videos, by far, are the most informative. As a new recreational, drone pilot I often wonder how someone is flying their drone the way they are. I recently watched a KZbin video of a drone being flown over 3 miles from the pilots location and couldn't understand how he could do that or why a drone manufacturer would make a drone that flies so far. This video is a perfect explanation of line of sight. It is obvious this pilot is not following the rules. He gets some great local videos, but isn't flying in a legal way. Thank you for all your informative videos.

[@peterburdett5055]

Great job Greg. I got my Part 107 through Pilot Institute and this subject was one of the most challenging. Thanks for clearing it up. Please keep these informative videos coming!

[@JohnSwitzer]

My problem is that I can see the drone, look down at the controller and then look up and not see it. Even though it hasn't moved. We live in an are with lots of tree covered hills and drone can really blend in with that background.

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes this happens too!

[@chipsawdust5816]

I've had that happen a bunch of times. Very first time I flew my new drone I got a little far away and got worried that I couldn't navigate it back. I looked down at my phone and back up - where the heck is my drone??? God bless the computer person who made the return to home button :) I've lost sight of my drone on a sunny day only about 200' away from me. I could hear it, but not see it.

[@rando6323]

Thanks Greg for explaining VlOS it really helps to know what it really means.

[@LFSplus]

Another informative video Greg, thanks for all the work you and your team pour into these to make them clear and concise.

[@edruttledge342]

Yet another good in-depth analysis of the regulatory labyrinth. Two thoughts: * "... does not endanger the life or property of another" will become the new rallying cry by lobbyists to limit UAS flights over feed lots, chemical plants, petroleum storage, logging, open pit mining, tailings fields, etc. State laws will start defining what constitutes "endangerment" means in the given state ... thereby creating a work-around the FAA's effective jurisdiction of the airspace. * Much of the classic FPV menu of operations (flying through tubes, flying around objects, flying over barriers, etc.) has been rendered out of compliance - FPV may become last year's hobby. [one wonders how many FAA bureaucrats will be signed up for Minefield Meet 2.0 and capturing photos of it all]

[@copyjim81]

Thanks Greg for both bringing this to our attention, as well as pointing out that we can submit comment that may help guide the wording of the final document. As your marked up copy shows they have room for improvement and it would be better if the improvement came with guidance from the community rather that blindly from on high. I do think the ‘guidelines’ should be different when located in more remote locations. Maybe going from VLOS to some sort of flight area awareness. If I am flying in a more remote area it should be safe even if I do not have direct line of sight with the craft but instead have clear sight over the entire flight area with a general knowledge of where my craft is, and the ability to avoid any dangers presented. If I can see the plain or valley where I am flying, have a good generalized knowledge of where my craft is, I can see and avoid problems. If I have to only fly VLOS, and I want to see that oasis in the desert, I will have to get within about 100 yards of it, and that is not always really practical or needed. Of those are the rules, they WILL be broken on a duly basis… in more remote locations and no one will ever know. But with that said, I completely understand VLOS rules in more populated or busier areas. I have see drones crash for little or no reason, and I have seen what a drone with a a little bit of mass to it can do as far as damage (Think Heat Sink), so yeah. Point is, I totally agree with you that the rules need to be short and sweet so that hobiests can quickly read and understand the rules. The rules should take into account that some pilots will be very young, and some will be unwilling to read 8 pages, let alone 18. Instead they will fly by one rule. The same rule they drive their cars by. ‘Catch me if you can!’

[@modisumocustoms9374]

I'm quite capable with the english language, but I'm not sure I would have come to this conclusion without your help Greg. Thank you again for the clarification of these rules. Yes, I'm commenting a year after you put this video out, but so what, this is the day I watched it and I felt like commenting, LOL.

[@einyv]

I just got the course from you and the flash cards. Amazed how many questions on the cardsi could answer just from watching so many of your videos. Looking forward to start studying. I am new to hobby and just got a cheap drone to practice the basics before investing in a DJI drone..

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

I understand the need for responsible flight, safety is important, I get it, but the constraints the FAA have in place and continually add to, is equivalent to walking in place. With the limited ceiling that we already operate within and the restricted areas we cannot fly in(airports, etc.), it just seems like the fist is tightening around our throats. Maybe drones need more technology to allow us to operate at distances beyond VLOS that would be acceptable to the FAA? As it is, my drone is equipped with ADS-B technology, obstacle avoidance technology, strobe lights in use at all times, ceiling limits set in the software to comply with FAA requirements, use of B4UFly and Kittyhawk apps, etc.. There has to be a better way for drone operators to fly safely(important) within Class G airspace without the tough constraints of VLOS. Do the airlines have VLOS on their aircraft at all times?

[@dennisbrooks240]

Check the visibility out the windows of an airliner, even small planes. At best, with a bubble canopy, you might have 270 degree visibility, if you can turn your head backwards as well as all angles at once. I know of very few single pilot aircraft that have visibility behind and below, yet perfectly legal to fly VFR.

[@B1g_Salad]

Manned aircraft can’t really be compared to unmanned aircraft in the way you are trying to do so. The regulations that govern manned aircraft are built around the fundamental principle that the crew in the cockpit can see and avoid obstacles/ other aircraft with their own eyes. You simply can’t do that with a drone when you are flying beyond visual line of sight. The problem is, the FAA is trying to hold unmanned aircraft to an equivalent standard of safety as manned aircraft in this regard. It can’t be done. Even an FPV camera doesn’t give you a real sense of your surroundings in a drone as you would have if you were flying in the cockpit of a manned aircraft. All of that being said, I don’t think the FAA is ignorant to this realization as they are working with various industries to explore BVLOS capabilities through proof of concept (IPP, Beyong, etc). Hopefully these initiatives aid in effective rulemaking.

[@chipsawdust5816]

You don't have ADS-B in your drone. Asking if airlines have VLOS on their aircraft shows you're not really serious about the topic.

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

@@chipsawdust5816Just to clarify, I do have a ADS-B sensor on my drone. As for the remainder of your comment, one phrase comes to mind....Pish-posh.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

This was very Helpful Greg - Thank you so much!

[@punapirate]

At 5:33 you misspoke... you meant to say "you CAN'T use binoculars to view it.." .

[@seuratguy]

My guess is that most recreational camera drone fliers don't follow VLOS rules most of the time. Just sayin what everyone knows...

[@drakejdf]

My guess is Recreational and commercial drone fliers don’t follow VLOS rules or any rules sometimes.

[@AboveItAllDroneShots]

All the time! Some fly for miles!

[@kurtsindustries6910]

I would guess 95% don't fly within VLOS. That would get pretty boring fast keeping it within 100 yards of you. Pretty easy to lose VLOS at 100 yards with those little things if you look away for a moment.

[@rogermcnorton6119]

Why can’t they set up a rule, saying you have to stay under a certain altitude, say 200 feet, and give recreational flyers a mile or so in distance? I think , non- UAS people, don’t understand, flying past VLOS, is part of enjoying the hobby.

[@seuratguy]

@@rogermcnorton6119 That's a good idea. How about limiting UAS's to below 400 ft and commercial stuff to 500 and above? And if there are any crashes, make it a civil issue between the parties, not a Federal issue.

[@derekclem7318]

very clearly explained. Looking forward to other videos and lessons

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

Greg, I have a question for you. I recently read where somebody wrote that "under part 107 when flying in controlled airspace we can't fly if the ceiling is at or below 1000 feet." So the question is, what regulation prevents a flight in controlled airspace if the ceiling is below 1000 feet? Seems to me that if the ceiling is at 900 ft for example we would be able to fly up to 400 (or whatever our authorization allows) and still have our required 500 ft between the Drone and the cloud above. Thanks!

[@PilotInstitute]

It's one of those weird thing where it's not in the regulation, but it's in the airspace approval you get from LAANC. Same thing for the "you can't fly 400 feet above an obstacle if you're in controlled airspace", it's not in the regulation, it's in the LAANC text message you get.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

@@PilotInstitute Thank you!

[@NaturalEye.Pro1]

This was very helpful! Excellent explanation! Thank you.

[@billbishop8915]

Thank you for the informative information on this video.

[@BigBadRoaddog]

How do all these youtube videos get away with flying long distances that are obviously beyond visual line of site? For that matter how are these companies that are beginning to deliver products by drone do it? There is no way that every delivery is within visual line of sight from the drone port and the remote pilot in charge?

[@grifce]

We will see how these rules apply to Big Tech companies like Amazon.

[@PilotInstitute]

As I mention in the video, the VLOS requirement can be waived under Part 107. Drone delivery BVLOS requires not only a special certification from the FAA, it also requires special see-and-avoid equipment.

[@John-rh3dh]

Many countries have much more lenient laws when it comes to drone flights. Captain Drone, for example, is in Canada. You can also take your drone to other countries, you just need to be aware of their laws. Also, most people aren't aware of the drone laws, or don't care to fallow them.

[@ke4uyp]

@@PilotInstitute The dual eye overlap field of view of the human eye is around 130°degrees angle of view A average size drone at 2000 ft away from the pilot is equal to 0.055 degrees angle of view As a comparison The broadside of a US penny viewed at 120 ft is equal to 0.075 degrees or the American crow with a wingspan of 2.8 - 3.3 ft. @ 2000ft is equal to 0.17 degrees so there is absoolutely no way that you have reliable visual line of sight with a drone at 2000 ft distance from you or your remote observer.

[@ke4uyp]

@@PilotInstituteDefinition of corrective lenses en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrective_lens

[@wolfpack4694]

Another great explanation Greg on a topic that is not well understood.

[@PilotInstitute]

Thank you sir. Any other topics we should think about that are misunderstood?

[@mattnash4468]

Will the modules that transmit from plane that are going to be mandated ,work with my Heathkit radio and receiver that I have been using for 50 years ?

[@OnlyDrones]

Greg: Once again well presented. Can't be more understandable than that! For instance, the new AUTEL Smart Controller supposedly has a Range of up to 8 miles. This does NOT mean you can fly 8 miles away. It simply means it has a great range, not that you can fly 8 miles away under VLOS, unless you are Superman and have Laser Vision! Thanks Greg!

[@dennisbrooks240]

Generally range also translates into data transfer/signal and photo quality at VLOS ranges. You have better control and much better/faster video transfer at line of sight ranges with an 8 mile "range" drone than a 300 yard range. One reason for looking at long "range" drones. Also, in some countries, altitude and range are unlimited, so a consideration of where you live and where you travel. Just be sure to know the rule!

[@Slacker28]

With these laws is there any point in buying a drone with a range more than 500 ft?

[@PilotInstitute]

Typically the drones that can go long distance also have the ability to send a good video feed back to the screen on your controller, so yes it is worth getting those. It's kind of the same thing as buy a car that can only drive 85mph because that's technically the fastest you're allowed to fly in the US.

[@Slacker28]

@@PilotInstitute that's a good point but just about all drones rely on SD or solid state drives to get a good image using only the camera for navigating and previewing the shop before you take it.

[@oak3076]

Thank you for this information. When I ask on your other video, an individual stated he used a high intensity light to be able to "see" his craft. Basically this states you cannot examine a road bridge from the top for example, or you cannot fly through trees for fun. This does not appear to have anything to do with safety. Generally, not always, there are no manned aircraft under bridges or under trees in parks. There needs to be a shielded operation so people can fly without government interference where manned crafts are not allowed anyway. If you cause an accident, then you are to be held accountable and not punished for some "what if" scenario. Sorry for the run on, but it does appear to be a concerted effort to kill the hobby.

[@PilotInstitute]

Correct, the current rules for VLOS are all encompassing and don't distinguish between local BVLOS and long distance BVLOS. I believe that long distance BVLOS should be regulated because of the potential for interaction with manned aircraft. As far as local BVLOS, it should be reexamined. As you said, flying through trees or under a bridge where no manned aircraft will ever be should be allowed.

[@oak3076]

@@PilotInstitute Thanks for the reply. Rules need to have an actual purpose and not just based upon gross generalizations. Just look at seuratguy's comment. "My guess is..." "What everybody knows"? Brilliant!!!

[@torquedrive23]

Recently I logged on to the Air Control app and discovered under "assistance" catagory, there is Solo - SO - VO and SO/VO. What is SO?

[@punapirate]

I challenge the logic. Totally. We fly drones every day - the VLOS rule is not in any way meant to prevent accidents it is simply a means to limit the distance from the TO point. I challenge anyone to tell me if my drone is going to hit that building, tree, etc.... or whether it is a hinderance to that helicopter, aircraft when it is 500 yds away... At 500 yds even a phantom is a mere speck in the sky. There is NO perceptual depth/orientation at that distance... you cannot tell if the drone is in front of or behind a building (if you are flying parallel to the side... not directly in front of course) I have demonstrated this to interns we sometimes employ - each time they are amazed... I tell them to warn me if Im going to hit a building.... then I fly to a building about 400 yds away and fly to pass the building on a side... but stop and turn 90º towards the building and tell them to warn me before hitting the building... they all scream out at a point when they think it is going to hit... I stop - have them all agree then continue to fly towards the building when it seems (from a visual perspective) that I have hit the building "oh no you crashed" - I stop and turn the drone towards the building and they are amazed that it is still 100-200 ft from it.. The onboard camera and situational/spatial awareness is far more useful for avoiding accidents... if used and practiced properly. Do a preflight analysis on a topo map for obstacles, be aware/observant while flying and note mentally the environment you are flying into... If you need to you can stop and yaw around to scan a 360º view. And when you are talking Mavic's and Minis the distance is even shorter... Just because you (or your VO) can see a pin prick in the sky does not mean you have any sense of the obstacles, dangers surrounding it.

[@PilotInstitute]

Great comment, and we agree. The VLOS regulation needs to be reviewed. Local BVLOS can be done safely. And VLOS doesn't mean you're necessarily safe!

[@LawnBunny777]

Great video! So I just watched a video of some guy flying his drone from inside his car with no VLOS. He says because he had a "spotter" (no sign of them anywhere) he was okay. But even if he did have a VO he would be in violation because he can't see the drone from inside his car correct?

[@BrianLuenser]

Just outstanding presentation of the rules. As usual, "we ain't worthy" Thank you!

[@bruceflyingsolo3977]

I have a mavic 2 pro, and my drone is nearly impossible to see around 200 feet high in a sunny sky.

[@bruceflyingsolo3977]

@@charlesmciver897 Dang auto-correct...

[@kurtsindustries6910]

You look away for just a moment and they are hard to find at a 200 feet. VLOS might be used by someone commercially filming something like a house but willing to bet that most are not going to spend 20 minutes of a battery going back and forth and up and down at VLOS. I do understand why they want you do this but don't think it is happening in most cases. If they really expected you to keep it at VLOS they would make the drone so it could not fly any further than 300 feet.

[@justinmedlock1701]

Yep. DJI picked a great shade of grey that turns almost invisible against the sky (especially bright clouds).

[@MOSHTUBE1]

Love the channel and the contents. I'm considering to get the part 107. I must admit, if I was to read all this I would get confused. Your videos explains it much better but is it possible to make an actual video showing you and a VO operating a drone under this advisory ? And again, thanks for the updates 👍

[@PilotInstitute]

We are working on such a video.

[@How2Texan]

Are waivers permanent by person or are they waived for specific areas/events/times?

[@markysf]

hello - i hope you are doing well. i have a question. i've found videos on just about every aspect of drone usage. and i find many videos on line of sight requirements. what i have not been able to find are videos demonstrating strategies for keeping line of sight on a drone. i see many many many videos that are long travel drone flight videos which would have been very difficult to keep line of sight for. but no videos showing how line of sight was maintained. or discussing strategies for keeping line of sight on a drone while taking longer flights. am i just missing these videos. or is the reason these videos do not exist is that for many of these videos line of sight was not maintained? thank you very much for any information you can provide.

[@flaviocardosoluizdeoliveir5714]

My name is Flávio and thanks for your explanation. It´s so detailed.

[@aaronr8684]

So to make the drone more visible and help with attitude and heading, would attaching LEDs in a way similar to Nav lights, help satisfy this requirement?

[@badtuna73]

Helpful, but can be confusing at times. Also, unless you have a lot of friends or family members who have the time to go out and watch your drone as you fly FPV, I don't think many would fly with a VO. Just saying...

[@marksalamack6133]

Greg....at about 5:20 you discuss what was added to the regulations recently...you say that the additional wording states " with vision unaided by by any devices other than corrective lenses...as you continue, you mention binoculars and it sounds as though you are saying that you can use binoculars...I checked with closed captioning and that is how it is written out...that you can use binoculars....are binoculars to be considered corrective lenses?

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes, I should have said "cannot" use binoculars as the primary method for VLOS. With that said, you could use them temporarily to identify traffic in the area or a potential thread, it just can't be the primary source.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

The terminology "able to see" makes it possible to use goggles, or even without goggles to look at your monitor to change settings or frame a shot. If you had to have the Drone in your sight the whole time you'd never be able to look at your monitor, to scan for other traffic or anything else...

[@PilotInstitute]

Spot on!!

[@televisiontimschannel]

@@PilotInstitute Wait now I'm confused. You are basically saying someone can fly ALONE, look away from the aircraft (even for a second) and have it be a legal flight. I read 107.31 as someone has to have the drone in sight at all times; either by the RPIC (and person manipulating the controls) or a visual observer. For example, if you are flying alone, then look away from the aircraft you are then not watching the aircraft "throughout the ENTIRE flight", which "must be EXERCISED by either the RPIC (and person manipulating the controls) or a VO". Since this example doesn't have a VO the RPIC has to keep the aircraft in sight throughout the ENTIRE flight. Which means if one needs to look away from the aircraft someone else has to be observing it via VLOS.

[@PilotInstitute]

@@televisiontimschannel No, be careful, the regs doesn't say you have to look at the drone at all time, it says you have to be able to see it at all time. They did it this way so that you could take your eyes off the drone, look at your telemetry, scan for traffic, etc.

[@dennisbrooks240]

With the increase in drone importance, has someone in the FAA decided to make a career and kingdom by producing regulations for drones. It seems to be getting more invasive and restrictive at an exponential rate. Some is really ridiculous, especially for the "toy" drones from Walmart and Smarter Image, mainly meant for flying indoors. What about the "swoop" mini drones that I see flying about the house. Obviously not VLOS, then they are taken outside and flown around the property between buildings, through barns, around bushes and trees, again NOT VLOS and often without a visual observer, just FPV. Is all this and FPV racing coming to an end from a legal standpoint by FAA intrusion?

[@dubuque1]

@@slapdat.byteme I want to fly legal, but restrictions are draconian at best, and will just cause people to be violators. I find the most interesting part is the absolute LACK of regulations for paramotors, which are manned, several hundred pounds with operator, no licensing/testiing and can fly up to 15,000 feet. WTF.

[@grifce]

Maybe they just don't want the American people to be able to Spy on them. It's ok for them to Spy on us . But they may not like the idea that we can see? perhaps when they set of them FEMA camps. They just want a early crackdown.

[@bradguitarmanintx157]

So in recreational use, you are not permitted to fly a drone around an obstruction unless you can see it at all times?

[@PilotInstitute]

Correct. Same for Part 107.

[@bradguitarmanintx157]

@@PilotInstitute When I see various KZbin USA made videos of people flying FPV and non-FPV drones 360 degrees around their own homes/barns/buildings, etc., they're are in violation of VLOS regulations. Correct? Any exceptions?

[@mikejenneman5490]

Better watch out! If you don’t always keep your drone in the VLOS, the FAA Drone police will jump out of a bush somewhere and arrest you! That’s when you tell them that it’s not your fault. When I took the part 107 and passed ,I had no flight experience at all. I have no idea how to fly this thing. Can you show me?😊

[@buddyadkins2432]

Excellent explanation. Thank You.

[@robertcampbell1540]

Let me see if I get this straight, I have three drones , and I just bought the DJI Air for 1200 bucks. And when im out in the middle of no where and I launch to enjoy the vista , I can only fly as long as I can see the Drone. So that means if the drone goes beyond two hundred feet and I loose sight of it , i cannot fly past that point. So why don't I go buy a toy drone and tape a camera on it and fly it in circles. Why have satellites , and all the things on a drone and not enjoy it. I could care less that you fly for money, does not mean your a better pilot than myself. Im a safe drone pilot and enjoy flying my drone, and I don't see the point in spending all that money for a drone with all the bells and whistles with a color screen telling you all the information you need to fly safely , and now I have to have my wife go out in a boat to help spot my drone past three hundred feet. Yes I understand rules need to be made, but the folks making the rules are just trying to control how we fly, even in areas where no one is around. And you sir with all your knowledge of the rules made it to complicated. Im a older fellow and I just like flying in the middle of no where, just enjoying the scenery breaking no rules and bothering no one. And I assure you, im endangering no one. And I have been flying my drone as far as 5 to 6 miles out and never ever had any problems flying, only because I have done my homework in the area im flying. I have been flying drones way before they become hugely popular. my drones are all registered and I follow the rules except the line of sight. I might as well put my drones in my closet and wait for a sunny day and fly in my backyard. RobertC

[@CentralPaRcFlying]

So do how does outdoor Drone FPV racing meet the REC requirements?

[@PilotInstitute]

According to the FAA, with a visual observer.

[@CentralPaRcFlying]

@@PilotInstitute Understood, but is it realistic? I don't race FPV drones, nor would I wish to interfere. With the speed they move, the courses they operate, with multiple aircraft, VLOS is a challenge at best. Part of the feed back to the FAA should isolate exempt these operations within set parameters of their course/space with a ASL cap maybe. Adding transponders and other equipment to their performance drone will also hamper performance. Lets face it, once the FAA goes through the paces with the recreational fliers, even though they are qualified as, likely this sport will be next on the list to enforce restrictions on the events, crippling their form of hobby as well.

[@4toes1nose]

Once the enforcement agencies receive the ability of locating your drone and you at the same time And where you live they’ll be no question as to your guilt for violating the law, if they do enforce it there’s gonna be a long long line of guilty Drone pilots. You may have to start getting used to flying inside your residence

[@shaynestephens]

Thanks, Greg!

[@sapphiresphone7144]

Thank you for your great content as always! I recently heard that 44809 pilots can fly at night in class G, but I thought that wasn't true. Could you do a video about what/where night flying is allowed under 44809?

[@PilotInstitute]

I'm going to wait until the CBO guidelines are out and do a video then. At the moment, it's all about which guidelines you decide to choose right now. 44809 itself doesn't limit night flying.

[@chrisfromsouthaus2735]

I think this is much more reasonable. In Australia, even having a visual observer co-located with you is considered EVLOS. So FVP is not really possible here, outside of accredited model aircraft grounds.

[@adyszel]

In a few years we'll probably have 360 degree FPV. The sub $2000 drones already have 360 degree cameras for collision avoidance. Only a matter of time before they stitch them together in a headset.

[@PilotInstitute]

What's EVLOS Chris? And no FPV is crazy outside of certain places.

[@chrisfromsouthaus2735]

@@PilotInstitute Extended Visual Line of Sight. Pretty much having one or more spotters maintain VLOS for the pilot, allowing for extended operations.

[@PilotInstitute]

@@chrisfromsouthaus2735 Gotcha. Is there a distance limit?

[@chrisfromsouthaus2735]

@@PilotInstitute I know one approval allowed one spotter every 750 meters/ 2500 feet. So, a single spotter allows you to fly up to 1500m/5000ft, however they could have multiple spotters. This was flying a Matrice, so I assume a smaller RPA would mean less spacing.

[@dennisbrooks240]

Sounds like a lot of people are NOT going to be flying under 107.37, especially over their own property. Only 107 license to get VLOS waiver? Mount mini cams to cover 360 sphere around the drone? Several cameras with "fish eye" lens sending image back to several screens or windows on your desktop or goggle vision?

[@jcfpv3454]

I recently found out that my previous and current employer was not providing proper protection to us when cutting and drilling into concrete and hardy board and it scares the crap out of me of what lies ahead for me and my family and weather or not I will pass away from this horrible disease silicosis that I had never heard of there are no treatments, cures or hope.

[@mattnash4468]

Do these regulations apply to slope soaring a model??

[@dronedevices]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Does this mean if you have a directional light attached to a drone and it's rotated in order to see the light with a known location and direction of the drone, you're compliant with FAA VLOS?

[@PilotInstitute]

BVLOS is more than just “seeing” the drone. You still need situational awareness of the area.

[@dronedevices]

Thanks for the quick response. I was making an assumption that the situational awareness wonld't be compromised if a little distance was added in open areas.

[@Richeselord]

If one is flying (part 107) in circumstances NOT requiring a VO, what would be the harm in having a VO at a distance using binoculars and a walkie talkie. This assumes that the pilot in command is abiding by the VLOS rules. To me this should be encouraged as it is going above and beyond to maintain safety.

[@PilotInstitute]

That’s not *not* allowed so you could definitely do that as long as the PIC can do it all by him/herself. The FAA just wants to be clear you can’t use binos as the main method to get VLOS.

[@lynx6722]

I personally have no issue with the VLOS guidlines. I also have no issue in what a Part 107 pilot is expected to know. My issue is that for recreational fliers, the FAA have put in place over complicated and convoluted guidlines, that the average recreational flier wont even know about (think of that person who gets gifted a UAV for Christmas or birthday). I can understand where the FAA are coming from, but as far as recreational fliers are concerned, I dont think they have a good grasp of reality.

[@AboveItAllDroneShots]

You are exactly right! The people I know that got a drone as a gift just fly the way they want. I have informed them on laws and they are very surprised!

[@justinmedlock1701]

This is a big problem. A recently purchased DJI Air 2S has literally zero information about where to even find the regulations. It just says 'check with authorities'. No one who just got one of them as a 'toy' is going to do that.. they won't even wait for the batteries to charge completely before sending it up to 1000 feet.

[@pixusphotographic]

corrective lenses means glasses or spectacles not binoculars

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes sir.

[@pixusphotographic]

@@PilotInstitute At least these are the rules in the UK

[@airheadbit1984]

7:22 "you can't look around like a pilot" wrong, head tracking, something the FAA doesn't seem to understand, just as the trap the FAA installed for Part 107 with "Attitude", between the camera and the controller display I know exactly the "Attitude" of the drone but using the FAA 'Rule' I can not fly a Mini pass 500 feet and still 'see' the drones physical 'Attitude'.

[@PilotInstitute]

You can't look around and see traffic like a pilot would in the cockpit. That was the point of the discussion.

[@airheadbit1984]

@@PilotInstitute From the pilot seat in a 172 I can't see as much as I can in my goggles or DJI RC 2 screen. The advantage with the drone is I can see and hear something coming at the drone, I can hear F35 coming in time to drop below power pole height. With cruise control I can view 270 degrees while heading to a POI, you can't do that in a 172. In my single seat Ultralight I have 240° FOV but can't see below or behind.

[@dronebuzz]

Another great one, Greg! Thank you! T :-)

[@tebogophalantoa6442]

What is Restricted Visual Line of Sight?

[@MrRoscoePColtrain]

What if your FPV camera was mounted on a swivel controlled by the radio operator so he could see left and right? Would that be considered line of sight?

[@PilotInstitute]

Nope that won't work. VLOS must be maintained with unaided vision.

[@karakuro298]

So to understand, I cannot fly my FPV drone by myself. I have to have a visual observer if I want to have the goggles on. Right?

[@PilotInstitute]

Correct.

[@AboveItAllDroneShots]

My biggest problem with needing to see the drone at all times is that you can't fly very far away even though you can see that the sky is clear. The entire purpose for vlos is safety. If a pilot can see the entire sky where their drone is but can't see their drone, that should be ok. My hope is that they clear this up especially due to drones having sensors, and the future tech of "waze in the sky" coming soon. We will all know and see where we are at on the map, except the birds! Lol

[@gadget_Bob]

Exactly! It's hard to pick out even the small dot of a drone in the sky when it's not even that far away, but if you see there's nothing nearby in the sky and don't hear any approaching aircraft, why do you need to actually see it? I'm not sure how they would word what I want but the current wording doesn't make sense.

[@AboveItAllDroneShots]

@@gadget_Bob agreed! I fly over a lake where I see for miles, yet I lose sight of my drone half way across, so they are telling me I can't fly across? Foolishness.

[@jcw232000]

What does line of sight mean if I have a DJI Controller that has a screen that shows me where the craft is I have an alternative to weight of seeing it I believe so I disagree with line of sight

[@PilotInstitute]

Nope, the camera on board the aircraft does not qualify as Line of Sight. You looking at the aircraft with unaided vision (other than corrective glasses) is the only thing you can use to see the drone.

[@mattnash4468]

I can imagine a ring of. Green lazers mounted on my plane 6 or so would make it visible several miles out and would look cool in a knife edge,aileron roll, loops, etc

[@jaylippold3752]

🪂'Thank-You' br0ther GREG🧲f0r Your🦉Wisd0m and Knowledge🦜🦆🦅j@y🇺🇸

[@schadlarry]

I've been away awhile from flying. Has Remote ID kicked in and if you don't have it, are you restricted to FAA approved areas. Anyways I'm going rogue the hell with all these rules. I only fly class G, wide open desert areas, stay at 400 feet or below, usually a lot lower than that but do break VLOS almost every time I fly. There are no witnesses and I never post my videos to youtube, I just put them on my Plex server so I can watch on the big TV.

[@PilotInstitute]

No Remote ID yet, not until 2023.

[@rickymassey9341]

They are not going to stop. The last final rule said at this time. I am tired of jumping through hoops. I have a drone never fly it that much to matter. I am mostly into fixed wing planes jets etc. Always in line of site anyways in the middle of nowhere.

[@schadlarry]

@@rickymassey9341 I thought about getting an Air 2S but afraid DJI will force software or firmware updates and if you don't comply you won't even be able to take off. I'll soon have one expensive paperweight really don't want to get another.

[@rickymassey9341]

@@schadlarry I have the mavic 2 it will probably be a paper weight before long. But if a want another drone I will build my own I have spectrum air recievers. From planes I had during years and knowledge I have gained from hobby to. Buid it and make it work

[@schadlarry]

@@rickymassey9341 I just don't understand the life cycle of these things. As long as I don't crash it, can get batteries, and satisfied with the video and flight characteristics, shouldn't these last for many years? I'm not the type that has to get the next best thing ever other year. 4K video on a 2K TV looks pretty good to me. Interesting subjects will always trump higher resolution.

[@aaroncumberland7625]

VLOS: Visual Lack of Sight for 99 percent of drone flyers, lol. For most drones, actually adhering to VLOS rules would mean flying 50/50, or about 50ft distance and 50ft altitude depending on the size of the drone. This in terms of actually not only being able to see the drone but also the ability to determine the orientation of the drone. You'd be better off taping up a GoPro to a kite and using that kind of platform instead if you intend to strictly adhere to drone VLOS. The FAA may actually be able to enforce this rule when drone Remote ID requirements take effect as RID will not only report the drone's position in flight but also the geo coordinates of the controller (and pilot), both in realtime.

[@mikejenneman5490]

EXACTLY

[@SkellyCA]

Great explanaition but they do need to change this rule. Is it possibe that two drones could collide? Sure...but what are the odds? I'm still waiting to win the lotto.

[@dennisbrooks240]

Once again, the FPV stunt flying where we see videos showing between trees, through gates and around buildings are illegal for recreational flyers.

[@Goldchucker1]

Does anybody really subscribe to the "Line of Sight" rule? I do but I have to affix a powerful strobe light to my Mini 3 pro or I can not see it further than a few hundred feet.

[@ScottOwens28]

So I can or cannot use binos?

[@PilotInstitute]

No binos.

[@dennisbrooks240]

You can use binoculars, as was done in the night strobe test. What you may not do under the FAA rules is fly your drone beyond the distance you can see with the naked eye, allowing glasses. Since they now say you must be able to determine orientation, that is pretty darned close for most people. You can observe the drone by any means, binoculars, telephoto lens on cameras, etc. You are just required to keep it close enough that when you look up from your screen you can see the drone, which way it is looking and which way it is going, as well as having a visual observer that can do the same when you are looking at the screen or wearing FPV goggles. If you look down at your screen, you have lost VLOS. A typical no win situation under poorly thought out and/or worded rules. I remember early flying of radio control from inside tents so there was no glare on the screens.

[@PilotInstitute]

@@dennisbrooks240 I should have mentioned that you can use binoculars but not as primary source for keeping VLOS.

[@dennisbrooks240]

Hello Greg, I was just tweaking the odd. How would you hold binoculars and fly with the controller, LOL. A lot of stress being released over these ridiculous new restrictions. Someone in the FAA, as usual, has zero common sense. Known as "An Educated Idiot"! I certainly agree with "Don't Shoot the Messenger" and find your evaluations very accurate with pointed and correct comments/questions in the margins. It will be interesting to see the soldering irons come out to remove Remote ID from new drones in a couple years. I think the FAA just lost a lot of support and will see a huge increase in non-compliance in the U.S. Hopefully people will fly safe and sane while ignoring and subverting FAA rules, advisories, and further nonsense.

[@CraigMullins1]

You need a good graphic for this. :)

[@mikejenneman5490]

So what’s the point in having your phone or iPad hooked up to the drone if you always have to have it in your VLOS? Also, it pretty much defeats the purpose of using a drone to find something or fly somewhere that you can’t see with your own eyes or that is difficult to get to. There is no way that everyone continuously watches their drone with their own eyes. Completely ridiculous.

[@PilotInstitute]

I think you may have misunderstood a point here. You must be "able to see" doesn't mean you have to stare at the drone and it doesn't mean you can't look down at your controller. It just means that if you look up, you must be able to see it and it can't be out of sight.

[@richardruda267]

Excellent

[@grifce]

Think we can build drones to meet FPV requirements that can look around fast even with paneroma visions and video. Having views from aircraft can be fixed in drones. Perhaps have drones built for FPV specifications. That can be done. American can build it.

[@PilotInstitute]

Then the regulation will need to be rewritten to account for this tech.

[@grifce]

@@PilotInstitute this is a direction

[@aromrell]

I'm guessing people who do distance and battery endurance tests on KZbin are operating under a waiver.

[@y_i_fly5418]

Huh! So use of waypoints couldn’t be utilized as an exception? Seems like a lot of people use waypoints and check an area out prior to flying. It’s utilizing common sense, this should be one rule that could be lax’d.

[@PilotInstitute]

You could use pre-programmed waypoints as long as you remain within line of sight.

[@fpvpilot7713]

Sounds like they need a Fpv flyer to help with rules. Those are impossible to follow. I fly a lot through my thick wooded area while using goggles. No one could see it no matter where they are standing. Sounds like we will all be outlaws if the rules are set by none flyers.

[@johnstonlarry]

Thanks

[@sudburydrone466]

Range test videos , 👍👍✌️

[@savethelighthouse]

I've seen some new drone flyers become bitter quickly trying to "get around" the rules Better to enjoy what you can under the rules you can follow The a-holes who grumble the loudest are LOUD because the polite society of law-abiding droners has already driven them off to a distance where they can no longer bother the rest of us and must SHOUT to be heard from.

[@glennroberts461]

15 minutes to say "If you don't see it you've gone to damn far." Or "turn the damn thing around if you are going behind an obstacle (tree, building, over a cliff, etc) ".

[@PilotInstitute]

There are lots of intricacies to this rules, we get questions about it all the time, see questions on forums all the time, which is why we made a 15 min to put this topic to rest.

[@robsonfeliciodesouza]

I bought an Evo lite + drone and I live in a GEO zone, I have to ask for permission to fly

[@2104mpi]

I find your videos very informative and professionally produced. However, I have one criticism. Please avoid using the word "can't" when explaining something important. I'd rather you say, "can not". When you were explaining the use of corrective lenses in visual line of sight it was confusing. Are you saying "can" or "can't" use binoculars? thanks

[@PilotInstitute]

You can't use binoculars. I think I had a slip of the tongue actually and I did say "can".

[@mgp-1938]

@@PilotInstitute I had the same question as Paul. Thanks for the clarification. Since this video is still up on KZbin and available for others to view, and not all will go through all of these questions to see if there is a clarification,...can you edit this video with at least an "*Can not" text box? Or, is that just too difficult. I'm not a KZbinr, so I do not know. Thanks for considering.

[@dennisbrooks240]

So, we cannot fly above 400 feet. If we want to tape all the way around a structure that is over 400 feet AGL we have to walk, run or ride around in a circle to see the drone at all times rather than let it pass behind the structure for a few seconds. Also, no matter how we clear a structure, we cannot fly, FPV or not, through an abandoned building, parking structure or occupied dwelling as seen on KZbin videos. It looks like you can do these things from the videos, but requires a 107 license and may not be leagal even then!

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

I don't have the link at hand right now, but the FAA does specifically allow you to fly behind a structure for a few seconds, as when doing a building inspection, as long as you bring it back into sight as quickly as possible.

[@dennisbrooks240]

GeezerPleasers I expect 107 only.

[@Airbrushkid]

There are more FPV pilots then you realize. And a lot of them will not pay attention to these rules. I fly on my property and do what I want there.

[@grifce]

There are drones that can look Left and right and I know one that can look 360. I have one that look Left Right. Right up left up right down left down .hit a button goes right back to strait Infront..

[@flaviocardosoluizdeoliveir5714]

I´m from Brazil.

[@sevenrats]

I'll bet almost every single drone pilot breaks this rule every single time they fly. What's the difference if you can see the drone at 300 yards away? You can't see it's attitude or direction. It's useless to be able to see it. It is useful to be able to see the area where the drone is however. This allows you to see any obstructions or other aircraft. I might not be able to see my little drone at 500 yards away but I most certainly can see a helicopter and decend if needed. It is unlikely that you would need to do this if you are operating below 400 feet. Manned aircraft usually fly above that.

[@mattguess628]

You CANNOT use binoculars to keep visual on the aircraft. I think you just misspoke

[@PilotInstitute]

Correct, you can’t.

[@dennisbrooks240]

Yes you can. I see very well through my Audubon quality binoculars. What you may not do is use binoculars to satisfy the VLOS requirements of the FAA.

[@yourhappyuncle6055]

So at the end a drone is just a toy to play within 10 meters of you, this makes no sense

[@computerguy7213]

No body with a drone flies visual line of sight.

[@GoodLuckDuck77]

will "my vo is my dog" work lol

[@SkyAngel799]

I do understand that the site was visual line😂

[@geoffsmith6373]

So in which country are these rules? Are you assuming your country is the only country in existence? You must be American.

[@fishycomics]

You can't teach a new Drone owner old tricks.

[@PilotInstitute]

And yet we do that every day :P

[@Cracor1]

I enjoy your content, but... every time you say RE-creational instead of REC-reational... you loose me as it feels like fingernails on a chalk board.

[@dennisbrooks240]

And your French is how good? Different background flavors the speaking, but I have yet to have a problem understanding Greg.

[@PilotInstitute]

Not much I can do about it unfortunately.

[@dennisbrooks240]

Pilot Institute Why would you want to change? People have accents based on many factors. Being retired military I have lost what accent I had as a youth. I have no problem understanding you and see no reason you should change!

[@Cracor1]

@@PilotInstitute Again, I enjoy your content, very much and think you do an awesome job. My issue I suppose is that re-creation is defined as "creating again", which is not what I think you intend to convey. Peace.