Where does it say that VLOS has max limit of 500m on the CAA website?

DTH · 12 January 2019 13:26

Yup - I’m extremely aware - this is something I’ve spoken to the CAA about… see below

Right then, EVLOS isn’t as straight forward as hoped…

Extended Visual Line Of Sight operations relates to the operating method whereby the Remote Pilot in command relies on one or more Remote Observers to keep the unmanned aircraft in visual sight at all times, relaying critical flight information via radio and assisting the Remote Pilot in maintaining safe separation from other aircraft [manned or unmanned].

Short version - EVLOS requires remote observers and constant communication needs to be maintained with them and the Pilot - so not really relevant to single person businesses.

Oh and the cost?
£1729 to apply for permission
and £185 yearly renewal.
And substantial justification would be required to accompany the application.

I’ve spoken to the CAA today, nice helpful people :), where they talked me through EVLOS
I’ve also spoken to a few NQE’s and they all said the same - you’d have to do PFCO 1st before applying for EVLOS permissions.

So, that’s EVLOS off the table for mortals then, however I am leaning toward gaining PFCO as an extra string to my bow - these chaps have a course with an online element www.3ic.co.uk for £790 + CAA submission cost - does that sound reasonable?
Anyhoo - hopes dashed for simple flight envelope enhancement.

And just for completeness…
BVLOS
UA intended for operation beyond visual range of the pilot will require an
approved method of aerial separation and collision avoidance that ensures
compliance with Rule 8 of the Rules of the Air Regulations 2007 (Rules for
avoiding aerial collisions)

So that’s beyond the capabilities of pretty much everyone until someone produces a drone that can integrate into Air Traffic Control systems…

However…

The Mavic 2 Enterprise has an ADS-B receiver which alerts you to nearby aircraft via the DJI GO app - so it’s possibly only a matter of time before DJI integrates an ADS-B TX too?

This could be done via a cellular network - in the same way an aftermarket GPS tracker does now, (I have one of these fitted to my M2 and it only weighs 20g and it runs on a single charge for 4-5 days.
That may change the landscape somewhat.

But, again, 500m is still defined as ‘Normally Accepted’ Not an absolute number, I’m fully aware of the regs - no need to keep posting the same sentence.