Trust Lesson section 3

A Community Based Organization (CBO) is a group recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that promotes recreational flying and provides safety guidelines to its members. If you are a recreational flyer, Title 49 U.S.C. §44809(a)(2) requires you to follow the safety guidelines established by a CBO.

To be officially recognized by the FAA, CBOs must meet specific requirements. You can find a list of recognized CBOs on the FAA's website.

CBOs are an excellent resource for recreational flyers. Whether you enjoy flying drones or traditional RC airplanes, CBOs offer their members safety information and fun events while supporting their hobby.

Remember, if you are flying under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must operate according to the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO.

As a recreational flyer, it is essential to keep your drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. This means that you should be able to see your drone during the flight without the aid of binoculars, cameras, or any other devices.

If you plan to use first-person-view (FPV) goggles or look at your control station most of the time, you must have a visual observer to watch your drone during the flight. The observer must remain within your vicinity and keep the drone in sight at all times. However, please note that having a visual observer does not permit you to fly your drone beyond your visual line of sight.

It is crucial to keep your drone within your visual line of sight because it helps you avoid obstacles on the ground, bystanders, and manned aircraft. Manned aircraft pilots may not be able to spot your drone quickly, and that is why it is your responsibility to maintain VLOS and see-and-avoid any manned aircraft. Also, remember that you are not allowed to interfere with manned aircraft, and you must give way to them, not the other way around!