EVLOS Class 2 Observer and Communication Requirements

In plain language

For EVLOS Class 2 flights, the observer can be in a different location than the pilot, but they must stay in constant voice contact using a reliable radio or communication system.

Requirement as structured

In an EVLOS Class 2 operation, where the observer is in a different location from the remote pilot, they must maintain continual, direct, verbal communication using an effective communication system.

Original regulatory text

In this Chapter: EVLOS means extended visual line of sight. EVLOS operation class 1 means an RPA operation that is beyond VLOS, and in which: (a) at least 1 trained visual observer class 1 (the observer) is used; and (b) the location of the RPA, and the ground beneath and the airspace surrounding, the RPA, is: (i) located within VLOS for each relevant observer throughout the operation; or (ii) beyond VLOS but with the relevant observer knowing the exact location of the RPA; and (c) the observer is in the same location as the remote pilot; and (d) an FPV system may be used, but not as a substitute for any observer; and (e) the observer’s duty is to: (i) either: (A) keep the RPA constantly within VLOS; or (B) know the exact location of the RPA; and (ii) maintain constant situational awareness of the airspace surrounding, and the ground below, the RPA; and (iii) remain in continual, direct, verbal communication with the remote pilot without the use of any device; and (iv) do the following: (A) advise the remote pilot if the RPA is likely to become a hazard to any other aircraft, or any person or property; (B) direct the remote pilot on the action required to ensure that the RPA does not become a hazard to another aircraft, person or property; (C) immediately direct the safe termination of the operation if: Note 1 A flight may be ended by means of controlled flight into terrain, if this is possible without creating a hazard to other aircraft, people or property, and all other options are exhausted. Note 2 An EVLOS operation extends the distance of operation of an RPA. However, by virtue of the definition, the remote pilot, while operating the RPA using FPV, cannot be the observer for an EVLOS class 1 operation. EVLOS operation class 2 means an RPA operation that is beyond VLOS in which: (a) at least 1 trained visual observer class 2 (the observer) is used; and (b) the RPA, and the ground beneath and the airspace surrounding the RPA, is: (i) located within VLOS for each relevant observer throughout the operation; or (ii) beyond VLOS but with the relevant observer knowing the exact location of the RPA; and (c) the observer is in a different location from the remote pilot; and (d) an FPV system may be used, but not as a substitute for any observer; and (e) the observer’s duty is to: (i) either: (A) keep the RPA constantly within VLOS; or (B) know the exact location of the RPA; and (ii) maintain constant situational awareness of the air space surrounding, and the ground below, the RPA operation; and (iii) remain in continual direct, verbal communication with the remote pilot using an effective communication system; and Note The system must use reliable modern technology that enables effective spoken communication. (iv) do the following: (A) advise the remote pilot if the RPA is likely to become a hazard to any other aircraft, or any person or property; (B) direct the remote pilot on the action required to ensure that the RPA operation does not become a hazard to another aircraft, person or property; (C) immediately direct the safe termination of the operation if: Note 1 A flight may be ended by means of controlled flight into terrain, if this is possible without creating a hazard to other aircraft, people or property, and all other options are exhausted. Note 2 An EVLOS operation extends the distance of operation of an RPA. By virtue of the definition, the remote pilot may be the initial EVLOS class 2 observer provided that the remote pilot is not simultaneously using an FPV system. EVLOS operation means: (a) an EVLOS operation class 1; or (b) an EVLOS operation class 2. first person view system is a system that: (a) uses a camera on an RPA to produce a video display of the flight as it would be seen if a pilot were notionally on board the RPA in order to assist the remote pilot to navigate, orient, and avoid obstacles to the RPA; and (b) is sufficiently powerful, sensitive and robust to remain effective for the duration of the EVLOS operation; and (c) is approved by CASA for the EVLOS operation. Note Use of an FPV may assist a remote pilot but its use cannot transform the remote pilot into an observer for an EVLOS operation. A remote pilot cannot simultaneously use an FPV and be an observer. FPV system means first person view system. observer means: (a) a trained visual observer class 1; or (b) a trained visual observer class 2. trained visual observer class 1 means a person who has been: (a) trained by a certified RPA operator, in accordance with the requirements in its documented practices and procedures, to observe and communicate about an RPA in an EVLOS operation class 1; and (b) certified by the RPA operator to have successfully completed the training in accordance with the documented practices and procedures. trained visual observer class 2 means a person who has been: (a) trained by a certified RPA operator, in accordance with the requirements in its documented practices and procedures, to observe, and communicate about, an RPA in an EVLOS operation class 1 or class 2; and (b) certified by the RPA operator to have successfully completed the training in accordance with the documented practices and procedures. VLOS means visual line of sight.

Applies when

operation

BVLOS