Visual Observer Responsibilities for Drone Flights

Key Hazards

• The observer losing sight of the drone
• Missed warnings about aircraft, people, equipment, or obstacles
• Unclear or delayed communication with the remote pilot
• Distraction from phones, conversations, or unrelated duties
• Poor observer positioning or blocked visibility
• Assuming the pilot can see hazards shown outside the camera view

2–3 Minute Talk Script

A visual observer supports the remote pilot by watching the drone and the surrounding airspace. The observer’s attention can prevent conflicts that the pilot may not see while looking at the controller or camera display.

Before flight, the observer should understand the mission, route, operating boundaries, expected altitude, communication terms, nearby hazards, and emergency procedures.

The observer should be positioned where the aircraft and surrounding area can be seen clearly. Buildings, equipment, glare, traffic, and workers should not block the observer’s view or create unnecessary exposure.

During flight, the observer should track the drone while scanning for airplanes, helicopters, other drones, birds, wires, cranes, workers, vehicles, and changing weather or site activity.

Communication should be short, direct, and understood by both people. Terms such as aircraft, obstacle, stop, descend, return, and land should have a clear meaning before takeoff.

The observer should not use a phone, perform another job, or become involved in unrelated conversations while assigned to the flight. Divided attention can delay a warning by the few seconds needed to avoid a collision.

The observer should speak up immediately when a hazard develops. Production pressure or uncertainty should never prevent the observer from calling for a course change, return, or landing.

The remote pilot remains responsible for the operation, but safe flights depend on both people maintaining continuous awareness and honest communication.

Safety Reminders

• Review the route, boundaries, hazards, and emergency plan before flight.
• Choose a position with a clear view of the drone and surrounding airspace.
• Continuously watch for aircraft, obstacles, people, and equipment.
• Use brief and agreed-upon communication terms.
• Avoid phones, unrelated duties, and distracting conversations.
• Report hazards immediately and clearly.
• Call for a return or landing whenever safe separation is uncertain.

Ask the Crew

• Where should the observer stand for the clearest safe view?
• What hazards are outside the pilot’s camera view?
• What words will be used for urgent warnings?
• Does the observer have any competing duties or distractions?
• When should the observer call for an immediate landing?