What I posted in a previous conversation on this topic:
I know most of us won't admit it, and it is sort of a taboo conversation, but really, how many of us actually watch our drones directly with our eyes while flying, recording or photographing? At the risk of being arrested, I'll admit that I don't always watch it and I navigate by the controller monitor. How else can you tell what you're looking at or photographing? Why else would you fly a drone with a camera? VLOS is fine for takeoff and landing. Let's get real.
@JeffreyS , I usually try and cut you some slack when you go off on your "Regulations" tangent but the "
Let's get real" comment really pushed the buttons. So I think we should definitely "get real" and discuss this one . . .
First off, if you're going to try and quote/discuss regulations it's advised to have a fairly strong and deep understanding of exactly what they say and what they mean. Especially on such a large forum as this one with a very large and wide stretching audience.
Our good friend
@Ty Pilot did a very good and accurate job trying to enlighten you but I'm going to take it just a bit DEEPER for those who aren't as familiar with FAA jargon etc.
In simplest of terms:
The FAA states that the RPIC, and the person controlling the aircraft if it's not the RPIC, must
BE ABLE to see the aircraft at all times.
BE ABLE TO SEE but
NOT ALWAYS LOOKING AT are the KEY factors here!! This allows the RPIC or Controller the ability to look away from the aircraft to perform other functions (looking at onscreen data, framing a picture etc etc) but always be ABLE to look up and see the aircraft.
So yes even those who follow the rules/regulations to a TEE still do our job SAFELY and look at the viewing device when needed and when it's safe to do so. In fact, keeping an eye on the viewing device occasionally is PARAMOUNT in increasing UAS Safety due to telemetry coming from the aircraft to the viewing device.
To think or insinuate that someone, in this day and time, does this type of work without looking at the viewing device is condescending and insanity at it's finest. We utilize a combination of Eyes on the aircraft and Eyes on the viewing device. Keep in mind I'm not advocating for flying with your head stuffed in the screen flying 100% via the Live Video Feed.... It's about a balance of Flying, SAFETY, and knowing what you're doing. Some never do find this balance though.
Side Note: When we started putting cameras on our R/C Planes and Helicopters back in 2009-ish we did this type of work without the aide of today's live video feed, telemetry, or anything. We did it ALL through Trial & Error with a dose of luck mixed in as well. We didn't even know battery levels. We knew approximately how long the battery SHOULD last in the aircraft and then tried to land with some % left in the "tank".