Not without FAA approval. Recreational pilots must always keep the drone in visual line of sight, theirs or a co-located visual observer's. Part 107 pilots have the same requirement, but they can apply for a waiver of the line-of-sight rule for specific operations. The FAA's proposed Part 108, which would allow routine BVLOS flights, hadn't been finalized as of October 2026.
What "visual line of sight" means
You (or a visual observer) must be able to see the drone with your own eyes, without binoculars, well enough to know where it is, which way it's going and whether it's in danger of hitting anything. Watching the video feed on your controller doesn't count. Glasses and contact lenses are fine. In practice, a small drone like a Mini becomes hard to see beyond a few hundred yards.
Visual observers under Part 107
A visual observer (VO) can keep the drone in sight for you, but:
- The VO must be able to see the drone directly.
- You and the VO must communicate effectively, usually standing together or by radio.
- You remain responsible for the flight.
- The drone still has to stay within someone's line of sight. A VO doesn't extend range beyond what they can see.
How to get a BVLOS waiver
The line-of-sight rule (14 CFR 107.31) can be waived. Apply through FAADroneZone and show the FAA how you'll operate safely without seeing the drone:
- Describe the operation: where, how high, how far and why.
- Explain how you'll detect and avoid other aircraft, such as ground radar, ADS-B receivers or airspace observers.
- Show how you'll keep the command link reliable and what happens if it's lost.
- Describe crew training, procedures and the drone's reliability.
Waivers are approved case by case and can take months. They're common for utility inspections, agriculture, public safety and delivery. Our Part 107 waivers page has more.
Part 108: the proposed BVLOS rule
The FAA proposed Part 108 in August 2025 to set standard rules for BVLOS operations, so companies wouldn't need individual waivers. The final rule went to White House review on July 10, 2026, and hadn't been published as of early October. Until it is, waivers and exemptions remain the path. See new drone laws in 2026.
What about FPV?
Flying with goggles is still line-of-sight flying if a visual observer next to you watches the drone. See are FPV drones legal.
Why it matters
Pilots who fly long range out of sight can't see manned aircraft, power lines or birds in time. It's also where most flyaways and lost drones happen. DJI drones can transmit video for miles, but the law limits you to what you can see. See how far can a drone fly.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Planning enterprise BVLOS work? See our enterprise drones and docks and RTK, or contact us.
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