6/21/16 AC 107-2
5-4
5. A hearing or speaking impairment that would inhibit the remote PIC, person
manipulating the controls, and VO from effectively communicating with each
other. In a situation such as this, the remote PIC must ensure that an
alternative means of effective communication is implemented. For example, a
person who is hearing impaired may be able to effectively use sign language
to communicate.
5.7 VLOS Aircraft Operation. The remote PIC and person manipulating the controls must
be able to see the small UA at all times during flight. Therefore, the small UA must be
operated closely enough to the CS to ensure visibility requirements are met during
small UA operations. This requirement also applies to the VO, if used during the aircraft
operation. However, the person maintaining VLOS may have brief moments in which he
or she is not looking directly at or cannot see the small UA, but still retains the capability
to see the UA or quickly maneuver it back to VLOS. These moments can be for the safety
of the operation (e.g., looking at the controller to see battery life remaining) or for
operational necessity. For operational necessity, the remote PIC or person manipulating
the controls may intentionally maneuver the UA so that he or she loses sight of it for brief
periods of time. Should the remote PIC or person manipulating the controls lose VLOS of
the small UA, he or she must regain VLOS as soon as practicable. For example, a remote
PIC stationed on the ground utilizing a small UA to inspect a rooftop may lose sight of
the aircraft for brief periods while inspecting the farthest point of the roof. As another
example, a remote PIC conducting a search operation around a fire scene with a
small UA may briefly lose sight of the aircraft while it is temporarily behind a dense
column of smoke. However, it must be emphasized that even though the remote PIC may
briefly lose sight of the small UA, he or she always has the see-and-avoid responsibilities
set out in part 107, §§ 107.31 and 107.37. The circumstances of what would prevent a
remote PIC from fulfilling those responsibilities will vary, depending on factors such as
the type of UAS, the operational environment, and distance between the remote PIC and
the UA. For this reason, there is no specific time interval that interruption of VLOS is
permissible, as it would have the effect of potentially allowing a hazardous interruption
or prohibiting a reasonable one. If VLOS cannot be regained, the remote PIC or person
manipulating the controls should follow pre-determined procedures for a loss of VLOS.
These procedures are determined by the capabilities of the sUAS and may include
immediately landing the UA, entering hover mode, or returning to home sequence. Thus,
the VLOS requirement would not prohibit actions such as scanning the airspace or briefly
looking down at the small UA CS.
5.7.1 Unaided Vision. VLOS must be accomplished and maintained by unaided vision, except
vision that is corrected by the use of eyeglasses (spectacles) or contact lenses. Vision
aids, such as binoculars, may be used only momentarily to enhance situational awareness.
For example, the remote PIC, person manipulating the controls, or VO may use vision
aids to avoid flying over persons or conflicting with other aircraft. Similarly, first person
view devices may be used during operations, but do not satisfy the VLOS requirement.
While the rule does not set specific vision standards, the FAA recommends that remote
PICs, persons manipulating the controls, and VOs maintain 20/20 distant vision acuity
(corrected) and normal field of vision.