Under 14 CFR Part 107, a remote pilot wishing to fly a sUAS beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) must:
AObtain a Certificate of Waiver from the FAA authorizing the specific operation.✓
BUse a visual observer positioned at the midpoint of the flight route.
CFile an instrument flight plan with ATC.
Why →Under § 107.31, sUAS must remain within the visual line of sight of the remote PIC or VO. Section 107.200 allows the FAA to issue a Certificate of Waiver for BVLOS if the applicant demonstrates safety. BVLOS waivers are the most complex and coveted under Part 107.
The trap →A visual observer does NOT extend the VLOS requirement. The VO must also see the aircraft unaided. A midpoint VO is not a regulatory concept. Flight plans are a manned aviation tool with no Part 107 equivalent.
Field note →As of 2024 the FAA has approved a limited number of BVLOS waivers, mainly for infrastructure corridor inspection and delivery trials. It is the highest-value and hardest-to-obtain authorization in Part 107.
SOURCE → 14 CFR §§ 107.31 and 107.200CHECKED JUL 16ACS I.B.K4EASY