What is visual line of sight as defined by CAA (in real world terms)?

CAA’s Visual line of sight operations rules means that:

1. 1. a remotely piloted aircraft:
   2. a free flight model aircraft.

Then you must NOT operate your drone:

1. in any area in which the drone pilots view of the surrounding airspace in which the aircraft will operate is obscured from view by objects, buildings, trees or other natural obstacles.
2. in meteorological weather conditions that stop you from maintaining visual line of sight of the drone.

A person who operates a drone UAV needs to:

1. maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times
2. be able to see the surrounding airspace in which the aircraft is operating
3. operate the aircraft below the cloud base or fog, smoke etc

Visual line of sight means a straight line along which an observer has a clear view and which may be achieved by:

1. spectacles, contact lenses, or a similar device used to correct any subnormal vision
2. a first-person view and a trained and competent observer who maintains visual line of sight of the drone UAV, can see through and around all of the airspace the drone is flying in, and/or maintain direct communication with the person who is operating the aircraft.

If you want to discuss more about what visual line of sight means in relation to the activities you intend on doing with your drone, call us on 027 315 2265 or click here to see our 102 courses.