Normally, you must always keep your drone within direct sight. This is called Visual Line of Sight, or VLOS for short.
Some drones and model aircraft are fitted with cameras that provide live video to devices such as smart phones, tablets and video goggles.
Flying by watching this video is known as First Person View (FPV).
If you want to fly using First Person View, you must have an observer with you when you fly.
Flying with the help of an observer
The observer must stand next to you and you must be able to always talk to each other.
At all times, at least one of you must:
- be able to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight and be able to see your drone or model aircraft clearly enough that you can tell which way it’s facing
- have a full view of the surrounding airspace
Direct sight means being able to see your drone without using:
- binoculars
- a telephoto lens
- electronic viewing equipment, such as a smart phone, tablet or video goggles
Using normal glasses and contact lenses is fine.
Observers are sometimes called spotters.
The observer does not need to have a Flyer ID or other Remote Pilot qualification, but you must tell them what to look out for. Remember, you’re still responsible for keeping the flight safe.
Know the limitations of FPV
Watching images on a flat screen limits your perception of depth and your peripheral vision, making it difficult to accurately judge speed and distance. It also makes it difficult to be sufficiently aware of what's happening in the area around your drone so that you can see and avoid obstacles and other aircraft.
This is why your observer must always be able to see your drone in direct sight if you use FPV.
Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) is flying where you do not maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
Using FPV equipment does not mean you can fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in the Open Category.