Real world meaning of VLOS

[Pontoon-pilot]

I allways fly VLOS! All the fly-bys of trees and moutains I recorded, I have accomplished while looking at the quad. When filming a circle or a spiral around an old chimney, I just look at the quad and the chimney and judge the position perfectly. Like all other hobby pilots. Or professional cinematographers worldwide. It's easy. When I try to take a picture of anything, I compose the shot by calculating the relative position of all the objects in my head, then glance quickly at the screen to chcek ISO and then press the shutter while looking at the quad. Like any hobby or professional photographer worldwide. This is to avoid crashing helicopters. My neighbour tried to compose a shot with his quad 800 m away without VLOS. Suddenly a helicopter showed up. He didn't see it or hear it and it smashed right into his toy and down it came in flames onto the poor people below!

I am sorry man, I can't help it ...this sounds like a fairy tale. ... "Suddenly a helicopter showed up. He didn't see it or hear it and it smashed right into his toy and down it came in flames onto the poor people below!"
I am not sure if you are joking or being sarcastic.
let's see, 800 meters.... that is twice the length of an oval running track /400m around a regular football field. 800m is roughly 0.5 miles.
I should hear a helicopter at that distance unless it was a toy helicopter.

 

[wjkrysak]

I flew all size fixed wing RC aircraft for years. VLOS was a must. Spent many $$ learning this. I trained that way and always felt uncomfortable when I would look down at my radio and then up to relocate my aircraft. I got better with awareness of direction, last stick control and reduced panic.
I have carried over these habits to quads and drones, especially the MM. It's tolerance to wind, WIFI signal, etc encourages me to keep it closer. I fly my MA with more confidence and will use my tablet view, but I am keen to keep situational awareness of direction, map and surroundings. Enjoy your safe flying.