I’m puzzled as to why regulations say that we have to fly our drones “in line of sight” when what they actually mean is that we have to be able to see them?
To my mind, “in line of sight” has always meant that there are no obstacles between you and the object in question that would prevent you from seeing it (or, possibly more importantly, nothing to interfere with the control signals) assuming you had binoculars or a telescope pointing at it.
If they mean that you actually have to be able to see your drone, why don’t they say that?
Apologies if this has been covered a thousand times before or if it seems overly pedantic when it comes to the use of the English language, but I was rather concerned about the fact that until recently, I was potentially breaking the rules by actually applying the English within them correctly, as “in line of” is completely redundant if you actually mean being able to see it?
I think you will find that the current code requires you to both be able to see your drone and be able to determine its orientation. No sneaky moving the controls to see which way it moves.
per below - you have to know which way it’s pointed ie its orientation … so any evasive action can be immediate.
I’m a responsible drone pilot like many on this forum, but truthfully, I rarely know the orientation when flying beyond 100m horizontal distance!! But in my defence, I am extremely familiar with the little radar screen on the bottom left of my controller (Mini 5 Pro setup) and what that’s showing me relative to the drone and my position and it’s heading … Seems weird I can legitimately fly a 7.5kg fixed wing plane in 3D above 400’ at our local flying club …with it going every which way…
As a very new drone user I’ve been watching lots of YouTube tutorials.
I have seen users wearing goggles and flying without a spotter. To me this seems a little risky, but what do I know.
The rules don’t seem any more strict than having a Banksman whilst digging with a JCB or reversing an Artic in a confind space.
Just because the drone can fly to over 400 feet or out of vision round buildings doesn’t make it legal.
Is it any different than breaking the 30mph in town ? We all do it, but for most of us we risk assess the risk and reward each time.
Stop watching YouTube, get out there and fly, follow the drone code and don’t worry about what others are doing. Each person is accountable for their own actions.
The 30 mph limit is the one rule that I obey ( or at least try to), whereas 70 on a motorway in clear conditions is ridiculous. North of the Kirby Lonsdale/Kendal junction on the M6 is fairly quiet and just begs to be driven at pace with those long sweeping curves. Oops! Sorry officer I was just enjoying the road. He was kind and didn’t book me for my actual speed as he thought I was driving well (apart from excessive speed).
Just noticed this discussion. In my mind, common sense applies. We have learnt a lot from YouTube, other social media channels. But like someone said you can only gain experience by flying your drone sensibly. These rules and regulations are a guideline when you’re out there in the countryside videoing places of outstanding beauty and historic buildings, etc etc the land is not flat unless you live in Somerset as I do but even there there were hills and Valleys. If you did it by the book, you wouldn’t be able to fly your drone anywhere. The vast majority of drone pilots are sensible. I’ll be watching some stuff on YouTube. And they be doing a range test or even further. Now if they’ve got x-ray vision or telegraphic eyesight how the heck can you see a drone 9 miles away. And who would want to fly 9 miles away anyway. So fly sensibly adjust your flight to the conditions you see in front of you and do not take any undue risks. But as we all know things do go somewhat. Pear-shaped when we are flying anywhere.. so I hope I have not upset anybody in my reply to the discussion which has happened. We enjoy our hobby and yes sis by the powers that be making it difficult to enjoy. But of course we understand these rules and regulations and the reasons why they have been put in place by individuals who don’t give a monkeys about people or buildings around them, flying too close, flying too close to groups, etc, etc, etc by flying too low. So only say too much chin up . And have a lovely days flying wherever you are .
but I agree flying is better than watching.
Agreed about responsible for your own actions.
