What is Visual observer?
A visual observer is a person who maintains unaided visual contact with a drone during flight, working in voice contact with the remote pilot. Required for FPV operations and useful for any flight where the pilot's view may be obstructed.
Under Part 107 § 107.31, the remote pilot in command or a designated visual observer must maintain VLOS with the aircraft. The visual observer must:
• Be in direct voice contact with the pilot (radio, intercom, or close enough to speak). • Maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft (corrective lenses are fine; binoculars and goggles are not). • Be capable of identifying any potential collision risk (other aircraft, obstacles, people). • Effectively communicate with the pilot to direct evasive action.
Visual observers don't need any FAA certificate — they don't need to be Part 107 certified. The remote pilot in command is responsible for the observer's competence.
In FPV operations, the visual observer is mandatory because the pilot wearing goggles can't satisfy VLOS. In standard line-of-sight operations, observers are optional but useful for night flight, around obstacles, or large operations.
What this means for pilots
If you fly FPV, find a friend or family member willing to serve as observer for every flight. Brief them: where the drone will go, what to watch for, how to communicate emergency stop. The pilot remains legally responsible for the flight.
FAQ
Does the visual observer need to be licensed?
No. The observer needs no FAA certificate. The remote pilot is responsible for the operation.
Can I use my phone to talk to the observer?
Yes — voice contact is the requirement, not specific equipment. Cell phones, two-way radios, or being close enough to talk all qualify.
How far away can the observer be?
Far enough to maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft. Practically, this is a few hundred feet for small drones at altitude.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.