Visual Observer Duties

1. Monitoring the RPAS and airspace — the visual observer must continuously monitor the RPAS and the surrounding airspace for obstructions, hazards, traffic, etc.
2. Communicate with the pilot — the visual observer must maintain constant communication with the pilot and provide timely information to avoid conflict(s).
3. Ensuring compliance with regulations — the visual observer must work collaboratively to ensure compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations and other applicable legislation.
4. Maintaining situational awareness — the observer must be able to see the aircraft, or airspace (extended VLOS operations), throughout the entire flight and determine relative altitude and distances using scanning techniques.

1. Clock method

• Divide the sky into sections (like a clock, with 12 o'clock ahead and high in the sky), then begin by looking left and then right to the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
• Starting at 3 o'clock, look down and scan back to the 9 o'clock position.
• Rotate 180° and scan the 3 to 9 o'clock position.
• Start over and repeat.

2. Rest and refocus

• Every few minutes, reset and shift your focus away from the aircraft to avoid eye strain or fatigue.

3. Avoid staring

• As a rule, avoid staring in one location. Effective scanning incorporates constant visual scanning in a non-linear pathway to detect motion and changes to the environment.

From the crew comms section of the in-flight check:

• Callout battery return (30% remaining)
• Airspace traffic / changes
• VLOS / lost VLOS
• Any VHF radio instructions
• Call out obstacles and traffic to the pilot

See the In-Flight Check and Emergency Procedures.