VLOS stands for visual line of sight. It means you, or a visual observer standing with you, can see the drone with your own eyes during the whole flight, well enough to know where it is and which way it's going. US rules require VLOS for both recreational and Part 107 pilots. Watching the video feed doesn't count.
What the rules say
- Recreational flyers: the drone must stay within the visual line of sight of the person flying it, or of a visual observer who is co-located and in direct communication with that person. This is one of the conditions of the recreational exception (49 U.S.C. 44809).
- Part 107 pilots: the remote pilot in command, the person manipulating the controls, or a visual observer must be able to see the drone throughout the flight without anything other than corrective lenses (14 CFR 107.31).
The FAA's own summary for hobby pilots is simple: keep the drone in sight.
What counts and what doesn't
You must be able to see the drone well enough to:
- Know where it is
- Tell which way it's pointing and moving
- See other aircraft and obstacles around it
- Make sure it isn't putting people or property at risk
Glasses and contact lenses are fine. Binoculars, a camera zoom, the screen on your controller, or someone across the field telling you by phone are not.
How far is that?
The FAA doesn't set a distance. It depends on the drone's size, color, light and the background. A small drone like the DJI Mini 5 Pro becomes hard to track after a few hundred yards, even though its radio link can reach miles. A bigger drone or strobe lights help, but the rule is about what you can actually see, not what the spec sheet says. That's why the long range on DJI spec pages is mostly a safety margin for a strong signal, not a flying distance.
FPV goggles and VLOS
Wearing goggles means you can't see the drone directly. To fly FPV legally in the US, you need a visual observer next to you who keeps the drone in sight and can talk to you. This applies to the DJI Avata 2, DJI Neo with goggles, and any custom FPV quad. More in are FPV drones legal.
Night flying
At night, Part 107 requires anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles, partly so you can keep the drone in sight. Orientation is harder in the dark, so stay closer than you would by day.
What is BVLOS?
Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) means flying where nobody in your crew can see the drone. Hobby pilots can't do it. Part 107 operators can apply for an FAA waiver for specific operations, and the FAA's proposed Part 108 rule for routine BVLOS flights was still not final in October 2026. See can you fly a drone beyond line of sight.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
New to the rules? Start with the free TRUST test, or read Part 107 if you plan to fly for work.
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