---
title: "What does visual line of sight mean under 14 CFR 107.31, and can a remote pilot use binoculars to maintain it? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/drones/visual-line-sight-mean-under-14-cfr-107-31-remote-pilot-use-binoculars-maintain
jurisdiction: "US Federal · FAA Part 107"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What does visual line of sight mean under 14 CFR 107.31, and can a remote pilot use binoculars to maintain it? Answer in under 100 words.

Under 14 CFR 107.31, visual line of sight requires the remote pilot in command, any visual observer, and the person manipulating the flight controls to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight—takeoff to landing—with vision unaided by any device except corrective lenses. No, binoculars cannot be used: FAA Part 107 explicitly prohibits binoculars, night vision, and all other visual enhancement aids for maintaining visual line of sight.

## Details / How it works

Section 107.31 mandates that the remote pilot in command, the visual observer (if one is used), and the person manipulating the flight controls be able to see the small unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight using vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses. This continuous observation serves four purposes: knowing the aircraft's relative position and bearing, determining its attitude, altitude, and heading, observing the airspace for other air traffic and hazards, and confirming the aircraft does not endanger life or property.

Throughout the flight, this capability must be exercised by either (1) the remote pilot in command together with the person manipulating the flight controls, or (2) a designated visual observer.

## Exceptions & edge cases

**Permitted aid:** Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses (corrective lenses) are the only visual aids allowed under Part 107.

**Prohibited aids:** Binoculars, night vision devices, and any other visual enhancement aids are explicitly prohibited for maintaining visual line of sight.

**Alternative observer:** When a visual observer is used, at least one qualified individual must maintain continuous visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times during operation.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR 107.31 — Visual line of sight aircraft operation · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.31 · as of 2026-08-26