VLOS and Night Flights For Hobbyist

[WinterRanger]

I've come back into flying drones after being out for a while. So I'm trying to make sure I understand all the rules as a hobbyist. One rule that I'm having trouble with is night flying.

As a Hobbyist:

I know I must have a strobe that is visible from 3 SM.

I know that for me and my Mini 4 Pro this will put me over 250 grams

I know that means I must register my drone

I know I will need to get the larger capacity battery so my Remote ID is transmitted

Here comes the part I can't understand. Regardless if you are a recreational pilot or commercial pilot you must maintain VLOS. Per 107 that's defined as the following:

With vision that is unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, the remote pilot in command, the visual observer (if one is used), and the person manipulating the flight control of the small unmanned aircraft system must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight in order to:

(1) Know the unmanned aircraft's location;
(2) Determine the unmanned aircraft's attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
(3) Observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
(4) Determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another.

So here's the question. How does someone fly at night and adhere to 107's definition of VLOS (especially what's in bold)? Is the strobe considered "any device"?

 

[AeroJ]

Is the strobe considered "any device"?

No. It refers to stuff you might have to enhance your eyesight (binoculars etc), not stuff on the craft.

 

[mavic3usa]

If you are a recreational flyer then you are flying under the exception and instead of reading the different part 107 sections, you need to refer to your CBO for guidance outside the "basics."

 

[MA2 317]

I've come back into flying drones after being out for a while. So I'm trying to make sure I understand all the rules as a hobbyist. One rule that I'm having trouble with is night flying.

As a Hobbyist:

I know I must have a strobe that is visible from 3 SM.

I know that for me and my Mini 4 Pro this will put me over 250 grams

I know that means I must register my drone

I know I will need to get the larger capacity battery so my Remote ID is transmitted

Here comes the part I can't understand. Regardless if you are a recreational pilot or commercial pilot you must maintain VLOS. Per 107 that's defined as the following:

With vision that is unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, the remote pilot in command, the visual observer (if one is used), and the person manipulating the flight control of the small unmanned aircraft system must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight in order to:

(1) Know the unmanned aircraft's location;
(2) Determine the unmanned aircraft's attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
(3) Observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
(4) Determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another.

So here's the question. How does someone fly at night and adhere to 107's definition of VLOS (especially what's in bold)? Is the strobe considered "any device"?

Read rule (2) a couple of times.

"Direction of flight"

Much like a boat in the dark, proper navigation lights will help to know the orientation of the aircraft at night.

A single strobe may not be enough to determine which way it's pointing when relying on VLOS if you have a device failure and no telemetry.




.

 

[WinterRanger]

If you are a recreational flyer then you are flying under the exception and instead of reading the different part 107 sections, you need to refer to your CBO for guidance outside the "basics."

Good point. So in this case I think that would be AMA. I believe they state that you need a strobe to fly at night.

 

[KJC Imaging]

I've come back into flying drones after being out for a while. So I'm trying to make sure I understand all the rules as a hobbyist. One rule that I'm having trouble with is night flying.

Here comes the part I can't understand. Regardless if you are a recreational pilot or commercial pilot you must maintain VLOS. Per 107 that's defined as the following:

With vision that is unaided by any device

So here's the question. How does someone fly at night and adhere to 107's definition of VLOS (especially what's in bold)? Is the strobe considered "any device"?

Great question and a perfect example of how legislation is incredibly difficult to write in order to account for all possible interpretations and circumstances.

By “device” they mean equipment such as binoculars or zoom cameras or FPV goggles or anything attached to the operator with the exception of eyeglasses.

Your strobe added to your drone, or for that matter anything added to your drone to make it more visible and to help maintain VLOS, is not considered a “device” in this case, and is fine!

By the way, you will likely not be able to see the strobe if it is mounted on the top surface of your drone and the drone is more than about 30 degrees upward angle from you. But you will be able to see the drone’s navigation lights which are how you are able to determine the heading of the drone from eyesight alone.