Section 107.31 requires that, with unaided vision (corrective lenses allowed), the remote pilot in command and the person at the controls can see the aircraft for the entire flight, or that a visual observer can. The aim is to track position and altitude, watch for traffic and hazards, and confirm the drone is not endangering people or property.
What the rule asks you to see
The reason for the rule is spelled out in the text. Sight has to be good enough to know the aircraft's location, attitude, altitude and direction. It also has to be good enough to look for other air traffic and hazards, and to tell that the aircraft is not endangering people or property.
That is a higher bar than seeing a dot in the sky. If you cannot tell which way the drone is facing, you are not meeting the purpose of the rule.
Who has to maintain sight
The text allows the requirement to be met by the pilot and the person at the controls together, or by a visual observer. The words matter: unaided vision means no binoculars or camera feed substituting for your eyes. Corrective lenses are fine.
In my reading, a video feed on a tablet or a first person view headset is not unaided vision, so teams that fly with goggles usually add an observer.
Using a visual observer
Section 107.33 sets the rules if you use one:
- The remote pilot in command, the person flying and the observer keep effective communication at all times.
- The remote pilot in command makes sure the observer can see the aircraft as 107.31 describes.
- All three work together to watch the surrounding airspace for collision hazards.
- All three keep track of the aircraft's location through direct sight.
A briefing that works
Before a job with an observer, cover the same points each time:
- Who is the remote pilot in command.
- How the observer will call out traffic and what words they will use.
- What the observer does if they lose sight of the aircraft.
- Where each person stands, and what blocks the view.
- What the pilot does on hearing a loss of sight call.
Write the lost sight procedure down before the flight. Your own policy might be to hold position, climb to a safe height or return, but the choice should be made on the ground.
Beyond line of sight
Section 107.205 lists 107.31 among the sections that a certificate of waiver can authorize deviation from. It adds a limit: it is not waivable for carrying another person's property for compensation or hire. Routine flights beyond line of sight need a waiver and a safety case, so check the FAA for current guidance before planning one.
Quick check
Can I fly using only a video feed?
Not for meeting 107.31 on its own. The rule speaks of unaided vision, with corrective lenses allowed, and a visual observer is the route when the pilot cannot keep sight.
Who must stay in contact when an observer is used?
The remote pilot in command, the person flying the aircraft and the visual observer must keep effective communication at all times under 107.33.
Sources
- 14 CFR 107.31, eCFR: visual line of sight.
- 14 CFR 107.33, eCFR: visual observer.
- 14 CFR 107.205, eCFR: waivable sections.
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
