A remote pilot is mapping a 160-acre field in a grid pattern. Near the far corner of the field the drone becomes difficult to see with the unaided eye against a hazy sky, though it remains visible through the controller's FPV camera. The pilot does not have a visual observer on site. What is the correct action?
Why →Under § 107.31, the remote PIC (or visual observer, if used) must be able to see the aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses. FPV cameras, binoculars, and goggles do not satisfy VLOS. Losing unaided sight of the aircraft requires re-establishing VLOS before continuing.
The trap →Continuing the mission on the FPV camera is the VLOS violation pilots rationalize most often. The FPV feed is useful but it is not a legal substitute for seeing the drone, and switching to goggles doubles down on the violation.
Field note →For large-area mapping, a visual observer with a handheld radio is the standard solution. The VO maintains VLOS and communicates with the remote PIC who operates the controller. This is legal under Part 107 without a waiver.