Drone Pilot Practice Exam

Which equipment is not allowed when maintaining visual line of sight during drone operation?

1. Contact lenses

2. Regular glasses

3. Telescopes

4. Binoculars

The correct answer is: Telescopes

The correct choice is telescopes because they are designed for far-field viewing and magnification, which can hinder a pilot's ability to maintain visual line of sight with the drone. The rule requiring visual line of sight is integral to safe drone operation, ensuring that the pilot can see and avoid obstacles or other air traffic. Using a telescope, which focuses on distant objects and narrows the field of view, would compromise this requirement. In contrast, contact lenses and regular glasses are specifically designed to correct vision and allow pilots to see clearly at a range suitable for drone operation. They help maintain an unobstructed view of the drone while ensuring that the pilot can react to the surroundings effectively. Binoculars, while they do allow for magnification similar to telescopes, can also be less practical for keeping line of sight compared to regular glasses or contacts. However, they may still allow for a sufficient awareness of the drone’s position. The crucial factor is that any equipment used must not distract from maintaining continuous awareness of the drone's position in relation to its surroundings.