Do other countries allow for Spotter to extend VLOS ranges. ?
Phantomrain.org
Gear to fly in the Rain and Capture the Storm.
These are our rules here in Canada:
3.2.8 Visual Observers
In some cases, a visual observer is needed to assist the pilot in
maintaining a constant VLOS with the RPA to comply with the
CARs. In complex operating environments like urban areas, the
RPA pilot and the visual observer have to maintain communication
for updates to any impending conflict between the RPA and
terrain, obstacles, aviation traffic, weather, etc. Visual observers
shall be trained to perform any duties as assigned to them by
the pilot. This includes visual scanning techniques, aircraft
identification, communications, and any other knowledge that
may be required to successfully perform their duties. The pilot
and visual observer(s) shall remain in constant and immediate
communication throughout the RPAS operation, as stated in
CAR 901.20.
Before beginning an operation, the crew should agree upon
consistent communication language specific to the mission at
hand. Important information sought by the pilot could be the
RPA’s relative distance, altitude, and flight path in relation to
manned aircraft but also other hazards like terrain, weather, and
structures. The visual observer must be able to determine the
RPA’s proximity to all aviation activities and sufficiently inform
the pilot of its relative distance, altitude, flight path, and other
hazards (e.g. terrain, weather, structures) to prevent it from
creating a collision hazard.
The visual observer will also help the RPA pilot to keep the
operational environment sterile (that is, free of irrelevant
conversation) during the flight and minimize the disturbances
to the RPA pilot and crew.
Visual observers are not required to possess an RPA pilot certificate.
(Visual Observers
901.20 (1) No pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft system if visual observers are used to assist the pilot in the provision of detect and avoid functions unless reliable and timely communication is maintained between the pilot and each visual observer during the operation.
(2) A visual observer shall communicate information to the pilot in a timely manner, during the operation, whenever the visual observer detects conflicting air traffic, hazards to aviation safety or hazards to persons on the surface.
(3) No visual observer shall perform visual observer duties for more than one remotely piloted aircraft at a time unless the aircraft are operated in accordance with subsection 901.40(1) or in accordance with a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued under section 903.03.
(4) No visual observer shall perform visual observer duties while operating a moving vehicle, vessel or aircraft.)
