What is VLOS (Visual Line of Sight)?
VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) is the FAA requirement that the remote pilot or a designated visual observer maintain unaided visual contact with the drone throughout flight.
Part 107 § 107.31 requires the drone to remain within visual line of sight of the remote pilot in command (or a visual observer in voice contact with the pilot) at all times during flight. 'Unaided' means the pilot or observer cannot use binoculars, telescopes, or FPV goggles to satisfy the requirement — corrective lenses are fine but VR-style goggles are not.
For recreational pilots, the same requirement applies under 49 USC 44809: the pilot or observer must maintain VLOS unaided.
VLOS is one of the most-violated rules in drone aviation. It's easy to lose sight of a drone at 1,000+ ft horizontal distance, or behind a tree line, or over a ridge. The legal standard isn't 'I have an idea where it is' — it's 'I can visually identify the aircraft and judge its orientation, location, and proximity to other aircraft and obstacles.'
FPV (first-person view) flight always requires a separate visual observer because the pilot wearing goggles cannot satisfy VLOS solo.
What this means for pilots
Plan flights so the drone stays within VLOS — typically under 1,500 ft horizontal at high altitude with a clean sight line. If you cannot see your drone, recover it or use a visual observer in voice contact. FPV flying requires a visual observer always.
FAQ
Can I fly out of sight if my drone has GPS and obstacle avoidance?
No. VLOS is a regulation, not a safety capability. The drone's tech doesn't override the rule.
Can I use FPV goggles for VLOS?
No. FPV goggles are explicitly not unaided vision. Solo FPV is illegal in the US; you need a visual observer.
What's BVLOS?
Beyond Visual Line of Sight — operations where the drone is not visually monitored. BVLOS requires a Part 107.31 waiver and is uncommon outside specific commercial contexts.
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.