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App. A (27)UAS

FAA Order 8130.34D — UAS Operating Limitation A-27

Appendix A · p. A-6

Visual observers (VO) must assist the PIC in not allowing the UA to operate beyond the visual line of sight limit. VOs must be able to see the aircraft and the surrounding airspace sufficiently to assist the PIC with determining the UA’s proximity to all aviation activities and other hazards, and prevent the UA from creating a collision hazard. The VO must assist the PIC with exercising effective control of the UA and with complying with § and 91.113. The VO must also inform the PIC before losing sufficient visual contact with the UA or a previously sighted collision hazard.

🧭 Guidance & sample wording

What “see the aircraft and airspace sufficiently” means

The visual observer must keep unaided visual contact good enough to judge the UA's position, attitude, and direction and to scan the surrounding airspace for traffic and hazards — well enough to call them to the PIC in time to avoid a collision. If that contact degrades (distance, lighting, obstruction), the VO must tell the PIC before it is lost.

Practical standard

Coverage sufficient to support the PIC in complying with (no creating a collision hazard) and (right-of-way / see-and-avoid). Position VOs so their combined coverage spans the whole operating area.
Related CFR
Preparation support, not an FAA determination. The determination and record entry are made by the operator or authorized person; the FAA prescribes the final limitations on the FAA Form 8130-7.

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This is a free reference reproducing public-domain text from FAA Order 8130.34D. AWCReady is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. This is one of the order’s sample limitations; the limitations an aircraft actually receives are prescribed by the FAA on FAA Form 8130-7 — AWCReady prepares and organizes; the FAA determines every outcome.