Visual observers are an essential part of drone flight crews. Drone pilots rely on them to maintain safety and compliance throughout the operation. 

Let’s go over this role in detail.

What’s a Drone Visual Observer? 

A visual observer (VO) is a trained team member tasked with keeping the drone in sight and scanning for hazards in the air or on the ground. They act as a second set of eyes, helping the drone pilot avoid obstacles and ensure smooth flight operations.

According to FAA regulations, you must maintain a visual line of sight on the drone at all times. The VO provides an extra set of eyes, ensuring that the drone doesn’t collide with any obstacles or veer off course. According to FAA regulations, you must maintain a visual line of sight on the drone at all times. The VO is part of that.

This proactive spotting helps the pilot in command (PIC) make timely decisions to avoid accidents. Additionally, in scenarios where the primary pilot might be unavailable, a certified VO can step in, ensuring that operations continue without a hitch​

Types of Visual Observers for Drones

There are two specific types of visual observers (VOs): the Scanner VO and the Drone VO. 

  • Scanner Visual Observer: Your job as a Scanner VO is to keep an eye on everything happening around the drone. That means constantly checking the sky and ground for potential problems—like planes, birds, or even bad weather that could cause trouble. You’re the one spotting hazards before they become an issue.
  • Drone Visual Observer: As a Drone VO, your focus is to always keep the drone in sight. You’re the one making sure the pilot in command knows exactly where the drone is at all times. If the drone drifts out of the pilot’s direct view, it’s your responsibility to jprovide immediate updates on its location, assisting the pilot in regaining sight and control. .

Both types of VOs are integral to the safety and efficiency of drone operations, with each focusing on different aspects of the flight environment to support the pilot in command.Their dual-mandate covers all bases—ensuring that both the immediate airspace around the drone and the broader environment are monitored effectively. This maximizes safety and increases the operation’s success rate.

Key Responsibilities of Visual Observers

Every VO is tasked with one primary goal: keeping the drone safe and within legal bounds. You’re the PIC’s ally, their look-out. You keep tabs on everything from shifting weather patterns to unexpected aerial traffic or curious birds.

Scanner VOs will need to cast a wide net. You’re scanning everything: the clouds above, the terrain below, and all points in between. It’s about predicting problems before they even hint at appearing. Spotting a flock of birds from afar or noticing a gathering crowd can keep the operation smooth and safe.

Meanwhile, the Drone VO absolutely must not let the drone out of your sight. Monitoring its flight path and noting every maneuver ensures the pilot is fully informed about the drone’s status and any potential risks in its immediate vicinity.

How Visual Observers Communicate With Drone Pilots

As a VO, you need to be on point with your communication. Immediate and clear exchanges with the PIC can be the difference between a smooth flight and a near-miss. 

Radio communication is common and reliable, ensuring that you, as a visual observer, can quickly and effectively relay information to the pilot in command. This method is particularly useful in environments where direct line of sight may be compromised or in larger areas where shouting won’t cut it. 

Cellular networks are suitable for complex operations like drone delivery or long-range surveillance missions. 4G LTE and the newer 5G NR protocols provide the bandwidth necessary for transmitting high volumes of data, including live video feeds, ensuring that the PIC has all the necessary information at their fingertips​. For such operations, you would need a BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waiver.

Related Reading: CONOPs for Part 107 Waiver Applications — Guide For Drone Pilots

Pre-flight Procedures for Visual Observers

Briefings

  • Objective Communication: Every briefing begins by clearly stating the objective of the flight. This ensures everyone knows the goal and can work in sync towards achieving it.
  • Role Assignment: Each team member, including visual observers, is assigned specific roles and responsibilities. Knowing who is accountable for each task minimizes confusion and increases operational efficiency.
  • Weather Review: A thorough discussion on the day’s weather forecast helps the team prepare for possible challenges like winds or rain. This is crucial as weather significantly impacts drone behavior and safety.
  • Flight Path Overview: The planned route and any potential obstacles along the way are reviewed. This includes identifying restricted airspaces, high-risk zones for bird strikes, and heavily populated areas that might require additional caution.
  • Safety Hazards Identification: Discuss and plan for potential safety hazards. This includes identifying nearby structures that could interfere with the drone’s path, ground activities that might affect takeoff or landing, and other environmental concerns.
  • Contingency Plans: Review of backup plans for various scenarios such as technical failures, unexpected weather changes, or loss of communication. Knowing the contingency plans enhances the team’s readiness to respond swiftly and effectively.

Checklists

  • Equipment Checks: Ensure that all parts of the drone, including batteries, propellers, and sensors, are functioning correctly before the flight. This minimizes the risk of equipment failure during the operation.
  • Communication Setups: Verify that all your devices are working perfectly. This includes radios, headsets, and any online tools you use. 
  • Environmental Assessments: Take a last-minute look around your flight area. Any new structures that popped up overnight? Is there a festival or a football game gathering crowds? What about wildlife activity? Knowing these can help you avoid unexpected surprises.
  • Visual Observer Positions:  Where are your visual observers going to be stationed? Position them strategically for maximum visibility and coverage based on your planned flight path and what you need monitored.
  • Emergency Equipment: Make sure you have your emergency gear handy — first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and up-to-date emergency contact info. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
  • Final Go/No-Go Decision: Once everything is checked, you need to make the final call. Is it safe to fly? Discuss with your pilot in command and your crew. If any boxes aren’t checked, it might be best to postpone until everything is a green light.

What if things go south? Having a plan B (and even a plan C) in case things go south. Emergency and contingency planning involves you knowing the emergency procedures, the locations for emergency landings, and how to quickly communicate issues to the pilot.

In-flight Duties and Scanning Techniques for Drone Visual Observers

Systematic Scanning

  • Start by placing the drone at the center of your field of view. 
  • Scan the area broadly from one side to the other
  • Use semi-circular arcs to cover all areas around and below the drone.
  • Repeat the process continuously. Keep each scan brief—about 10 seconds,  to maintain focus and reduce eye fatigue.

Responding to Hazards

If you spot an approaching aircraft or an obstacle, use clear, concise language to describe its location relative to the drone, using terms like “hazard at 2 o’clock at 200 meters.” 

If the situation requires, direct the PIC to adjust the drone’s path or prepare for emergency maneuvers. The key here is the speed and accuracy of your observations and communications, ensuring that the PIC can respond swiftly to mitigate risks​

Post-flight Responsibilities for Visual Observers

Data Gathering and Analysis 

Discuss any observations of the drone’s behavior, note any deviations from expected flight paths, and record environmental conditions that could have impacted the flight. You can also help the pilot with equipment checks, looking for any damage or wear that may have occurred during the flight on the drone’s body, propellers, and camera systems for any signs of stress or malfunction.

Documentation 

Ensure all flight logs and data recordings are complete and accurately documented. This documentation often includes noting the time of flight, duration, battery usage, and any incidents or anomalies observed during the operation. Accurate records support compliance with regulations and aid in maintaining the drone’s service history.

Review and Feedback 

Participate in the post-flight debriefing session where you’ll discuss the flight with the pilot and other crew members. This is the time to provide feedback on what went well and what could be improved. It’s also a chance to discuss any potential hazards that were observed and how they were handled.

Become A Trained and Certified Drone Visual Observer

Training programs and certifications are available for those who want to become skilled drone visual obversers.

They include video lessons aimed at helping you understand the nuances of drone operations and how to manage potential risks effectively, as well as FAA regulations and operating procedures.

Get in touch with our team at ABJ Academy for courses tailored for students and professionals in public safety, military, and education sectors.

FAQs For Drone Visual Observers

What is a Visual Observer (VO) in drone operations?

A visual observer (VO) is a trained team member who supports drone operations by maintaining a clear, continuous view of the drone and its surroundings. Their primary role is to monitor for obstacles, hazards, or other air traffic and communicate real-time updates to the remote pilot in command.

What are the main types of Visual Observers?

There are two main types: Scanner VOs, who monitor the broader environment for air and ground hazards, and Drone VOs, who maintain constant visual contact with the drone to aid navigation.

What does pre-flight preparation for a Visual Observer involve?

Pre-flight preparation includes participating in briefings to understand the flight’s objectives, checking communication devices and emergency equipment, and ensuring all visual observers are positioned optimally for maximum visibility.

What communication tools do Visual Observers use?

Visual Observers use radio communication for clear, effective exchange of information over distances and cellular communication for complex operations requiring high data transfer, like drone deliveries or long-range missions.

What are the post-flight responsibilities of a Visual Observer?

After landing, VOs gather and analyze data on the flight’s performance, check equipment for damage, document the operation details, and participate in debriefing sessions to discuss the flight and plan for future missions.

How can one become a trained and certified Visual Observer?

Aspiring VOs can undergo training through programs at ABJ Academy, which offer courses ranging from basic to advanced levels, focusing on regulations, risk management, and operational skills.