Procedures for Loss of Visual Line of Sight

In plain language

If you lose sight of your drone, try to see it again immediately. If you can't, you must follow your pre-planned loss-of-link/VLOS procedures, which might include landing immediately, hovering, or activating return-to-home.

Requirement as structured

If visual line of sight is lost, the remote PIC or person manipulating the controls must regain it as soon as practicable, or follow pre-determined loss-of-VLOS procedures if it cannot be regained.

Original regulatory text

Should the remote PIC or person manipulating the controls lose VLOS of the small unmanned aircraft, he or she must regain VLOS as soon as practicable... If the remote PIC cannot regain VLOS, the remote PIC or person manipulating the controls should follow pre-determined procedures for the loss of VLOS. The capabilities of the small UAS will govern the remote PIC’s determination as to the appropriate course of action. For example, the remote PIC may need to land the small unmanned aircraft immediately, enter hover mode, or employ a return-to-home sequence.

Applies when

country

United States

regulatory category

General