What exactly does 'line of sight' mean for drone flying?

Getting Started Topics Drone Regulations
1

I recently got a Mini 4 Pro for my photography work and I’m practicing flying it recreationally while working on my 107 license. The rule says you need to keep your drone within ‘line of sight,’ which seems simple enough. But honestly, it feels like many drone shots I see online couldn’t have been taken within line of sight.

When I fly mine, it’s easy to lose track of it in the air, even though I know where it is and can follow it on the screen. How are people keeping track of theirs for all these impressive videos?

Edit: I’m in Maryland, by the way.

2

There are two types of drone pilots: those who follow the line of sight rule, and the other 99%.

3

Skylar said:
There are two types of drone pilots: those who follow the line of sight rule, and the other 99%.

There are dozens of us!

4

Skylar said:
There are two types of drone pilots: those who follow the line of sight rule, and the other 99%.

It’s about balancing the rules and common sense. If you act responsibly and don’t cause harm, most of the time you’re fine.

5

@Vesper
Couldn’t agree more! Well said.

6

Skylar said:
There are two types of drone pilots: those who follow the line of sight rule, and the other 99%.

Thanks for making me feel better about only flying within line of sight. Maybe I’ll get goggles one day and join the rebels!

7

Yeah, just keep it in view. Dipping behind a tree for a second is probably fine, but keep it reasonable. And let’s be honest, a lot of drone videos out there are shot illegally. There are also bigger drones that are easier to see than the Mini. Personally, I wouldn’t risk losing sight of something so expensive.

8

@Luca
Exactly, I wouldn’t let a $1000 piece of gear out of sight either. I’m just curious how people are pulling off some of the footage I see. Seems like the answer is ‘illegally,’ lol.

9

Chen said:
@Luca
Exactly, I wouldn’t let a $1000 piece of gear out of sight either. I’m just curious how people are pulling off some of the footage I see. Seems like the answer is ‘illegally,’ lol.

Pretty much. For a Mini, line of sight is maybe 100 to 300 meters tops. Anything beyond that is pushing it, and this is definitely the most ignored rule in drone flying.

10

@Azar
It’s like the saying, ‘There are two types of people: those who pick their nose and liars,’ haha.

11

@Azar
The rule technically says you need to see the drone and its orientation without any aids, which makes it tough even at short distances.

12

As someone who flies drones and airplanes, I cringe at videos that clearly go way beyond line of sight. It’s frustrating to follow the rules while others ignore them, but the law says you need to see it.

13

You’re right, lots of people fly beyond line of sight. The rule says you must be able to see the drone with your eyes, not through a screen or binoculars. Many just ignore this rule.

14

I use strobes to help see my drone better during the day and at night. But yeah, most pilots don’t stick to the line of sight rule.

15

Tobin said:
I use strobes to help see my drone better during the day and at night. But yeah, most pilots don’t stick to the line of sight rule.

What strobes do you recommend?

16

Chen said:

Tobin said:
I use strobes to help see my drone better during the day and at night. But yeah, most pilots don’t stick to the line of sight rule.

What strobes do you recommend?

I like Firehouse strobes. They’re small, super bright, and pretty affordable on Amazon.

17

An instructor once told me the line of sight rule is mainly about being able to see incoming aircraft, not just your drone. You can have a spotter help with this.

18

Let’s be honest, once you look at the screen, it’s easy to lose track of your drone in the sky. The line of sight rule is good in theory, but it’s often ignored.

19

You’d be surprised how far you can see a drone if you’re paying attention. But yeah, most people stretch this rule a bit.