For a ‘work thing’ I have been filming some traffic junctions, and this involves getting the drone up to around 7m, and hovering until the battery runs out!
I am typically standing a few metres away, in a Hi-vis jacket, and so VLOS is clearly not an issue, however it occurred to me that (as far as I can tell from the Drone Code) I should be looking at the drone all of this time, but I found that looking at the controller gave me much more helpful information.
At 7m high, if I have another aircraft that I am likely to be in conflict with, I think both of us have more to worry about than VLOS
I’d be interested to hear what the grown ups think about this … should I stare obediently at the drone, or should I do (what I was actually doing) keeping an eye all around me, checking the controller screen to check for any error messages/alarms/battery level, number of satellites, and glancing at the drone occasionally?
Personally I give the sky a quick glance on a regular basis in the direction of my drone for visual awareness, but mainly refer to the screen until it’s time to bring her down.
That’s an exciting looking junction. Complete with what seems to be the current trend of “double yellows don’t count if you park on the other side of them (on the pavement)”.
Funny you should mention this, I live not far from sulhamstead police training college which is close to the lakes I sometimes stroll, where I actually got talking to a police officer who is head of the drones there / where they practice VLOS & BVLOS, anyhow just in general chit chat about VLOS he emphasised the correct way was like a triangular motion with your head, look at drone look at surroundings look at screen & keep repeating ( yes makes my neck hurt thinking about it ) ….
I would just fly the drone in the way you instinctively find safest. My interpretation of ‘VLOS at all times’ is to ensure that you are constantly aware of the drone’s location and can find it instantaneously when you look up from the screen, but you have to use the screen to some extent in order to confirm that all is well with the aircraft; battery remaining, signal strength, satellites, all things that cannot be determined from looking at the drone.
I suspect that most pilots use the screen to a much greater extent than ‘VLOS at all times’ suggests, but knowing where the little fella is and how high up and far away he is is vital, and the screen can assist with this both by means of the camera and the compass/live map feature. FPV is of course possible beyond DLOS and visible range, but you are unaware of what is going on in the sky around you except within the field of vision offered by the camera lens, which is restricted and further restricted in zoom modes. How can you be aware of other traffic, birds, or obstacles like high trees, power cables, and such?
Believe it or not, they are actually designated parking bays, lol
I think you’re overthinking it. If the drone isn’t moving, just keep glancing between the screen and drone. At 7 meters, you’re hardly likely to endanger other aircraft, and you’re well above the legal height of a motor vehicle. Birds should be the main concern, I guess.
but as stated above for peace of mind, take a mate as a spotter Drone flying is always better with friends
I had to get permission from Coventry ATC to fly there as it’s within the FRZ. They asked me to call Coventry Tower 15 mins before the flight …. I did point out that at 7m, I’m unlikely to cause them any issues, but they were really supportive, and at least they are in my phone in case of a fly away!
There’s still the chance some idiot will call them with a “did you know someone’s flying a drone in your FRZ?” … so far better that they know and can respond to that call with a verbal .
….
Drone flying is always better with friends 
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