What May Be Used to Comply With Part 107 See-and-Avoid

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 see-and-avoid requirements require remote pilots to maintain adequate situational awareness and ensure safe operation around people and other aircraft. This article explains what tools, methods, and practices may be used to meet that standard, highlighting practical options for U.S. drone operators seeking compliant, safe operations under Part 107.

Overview Of See-And-Avoid Requirements Under Part 107

Under Part 107, drone pilots must operate within visual line of sight and maintain awareness of the surrounding airspace, people, and property. See-and-avoid is not a single technology but a set of practices and devices designed to prevent collisions. Operators should document risk assessments and implement controls that reduce the chance of in-flight collisions, including external observers, equipment aids, and standardized procedures for maintaining awareness.

Primary Tools For See-And-Avoid Compliance

Several categories of tools and practices are commonly used to satisfy Part 107 see-and-avoid obligations. These include human observers, visual aids, collision-avoidance technologies, and procedural controls. The optimal approach often combines multiple elements to strengthen situational awareness and reaction time.

Visual Observers And Crew Positioning

Traditionally, a visual observer (VO) helps the remote pilot maintain situational awareness by monitoring the airspace with direct sight of the drone. A VO should be trained to recognize hazards and communicate clearly with the remote pilot. When used, the VO must maintain a continuous line of sight to the aircraft and report any potential conflicts promptly.

In many operations, a second human are part of the crew with a dedicated role to track traffic, weather changes, and restricted airspace. Proper VO coordination improves see-and-avoid effectiveness, especially in busy or complex environments.

Direct Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS)

Maintaining VLOS is a fundamental requirement for Part 107 operations. Operators should choose flight areas with minimal visual obstructions, stable lighting, and predictable traffic patterns. When VLOS is compromised, operations may require additional observers or a waiver from the FAA, depending on the specific use case and risk assessment.

Certified Remote Pilot Procedures

Procedural controls include preflight risk assessments, defined emergency procedures, and continuous monitoring of airspace restrictions. A well-documented preflight checklist helps ensure all see-and-avoid measures are in place before takeoff and during flight, supporting compliance and safety.

Technology Aids To Augment See-And-Avoid

In addition to human observers, several technologies support see-and-avoid by enhancing perception, awareness, and reaction time. These tools can reduce blind spots and provide timely alerts about nearby aircraft, people, and hazards.

Onboard Obstacle Detection And Avoidance Systems

Many drones incorporate obstacle detection sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, or radar to identify objects in flight and assist in route planning. These systems can alert pilots to potential collisions and, in some cases, autonomously adjust flight paths to maintain safe separation. They are best used as a supplement to, not a replacement for, visual vigilance.

Traffic-Aware Situational Awareness Apps

Mobile and ground-based apps provide real-time airspace awareness, NOTAMs, and nearby traffic information. When used properly, these tools help pilots anticipate other aircraft activity, particularly near airfields or in controlled airspace. Operators should ensure app data is current and aligns with local airspace restrictions.

Geofencing And Digital Boundaries

Geofencing creates virtual boundaries that limit flight areas and warn operators when approaching restricted zones. While it adds a layer of safety, it should not replace human vigilance or external observers in stop-and-go environments or where dynamic hazards exist.

Collision Avoidance Software

Advanced software can simulate potential collision scenarios and propose safe, alternate flight paths. This technology is useful for path planning but should be tested in controlled settings and used as part of a comprehensive see-and-avoid program.

Operational Practices That Strengthen See-And-Avoid

Beyond devices, procedural practices play a critical role in compliance. Clear communication, disciplined flight planning, and robust risk management significantly improve safety outcomes.

Preflight Risk Assessment And Flight Planning

Conduct a formal risk assessment that accounts for weather, wind, obstacles, and nearby aircraft. Define altitude limits, speed, and contingency plans to maintain safe separation. Document the assessment for FAA inspections or audits.

Maintenance Of Visual And Environmental Awareness

Operators should assess visibility conditions continuously and adjust flight plans if line-of-sight becomes strained by glare, distance, or environmental factors. Regular equipment checks for cameras, sensors, and radios help ensure reliable see-and-avoid performance during flight.

Communication Protocols

Effective communication within the flight team is essential. Clear, concise, and timely updates regarding hazards, traffic, and emergency procedures help synchronize see-and-avoid efforts and reduce response times in critical moments.

Limitations And Compliance Considerations

See-and-avoid strategies have practical limits, especially in high-traffic or low-visibility conditions. Operators should be aware of these constraints and use a combination of tools and procedures to address gaps. FAA guidance emphasizes risk management, redundancy, and documented processes to demonstrate compliant operations under Part 107.

Waivers And Exceptions

Some see-and-avoid requirements may be relaxed or adjusted through FAA waivers for specific operations, such as operations over people or in controlled airspace. Operators should consult FAA resources and submit appropriate requests with a clear risk mitigation plan if a waiver is pursued.

Training And Documentation

Ongoing training builds competency in see-and-avoid practices. Training should cover visual observation techniques, use of technology aids, emergency procedures, and interpretation of airspace data. Maintaining thorough records supports compliance and safety audits.

Practical Examples And Scenarios

Consider a mid-size UAS operation near a busy park. A remote pilot uses a VO, a ground-based observer, and obstacle-detection sensors. The team follows a strict preflight checklist, uses a flight-planning app with real-time traffic data, and maintains VLOS throughout the mission. If a cyclist enters the flight corridor, the team executes a contingency maneuver guided by the autonomous software and the VO’s direction, ensuring safe separation.

In another scenario, a drone delivering medical supplies near a hospital uses geofencing to avoid restricted zones, a collision-avoidance system that suggests path adjustments, and a communications protocol that ensures rapid notification of any unexpected aircraft. These combined measures illustrate how multiple layers of see-and-avoid contribute to safer operations under Part 107.

Measurement Of Effectiveness

Operators can evaluate see-and-avoid effectiveness through incident tracking, after-action reviews, and periodic drills. Metrics may include near-miss counts, reaction times to hazards, and adherence to preflight checklists. Regular audits help identify gaps and guide improvements in both personnel training and technology use.

Ultimately, compliance with Part 107 see-and-avoid is achieved through a thoughtful blend of human vigilance, technological aids, and disciplined procedures. By integrating visual observers, onboard sensors, traffic-awareness tools, and robust flight planning, drone operators can meet the FAA’s safety expectations while expanding their operational capabilities.