Community Based Organizations

A Community Based Organization (CBO) is an FAA-recognized group that promotes recreational flying and provides safety guidelines to its members. Title 49 U.S.C. §44809(a)(2) requires recreational flyers follow the safety guidelines of a CBO.

CBOs have specific requirements that must be met for official recognition from the FAA. A listing of recognized CBOs can be found on the FAA’s website.(opens in a new tab)

CBOs are a great resource for the new recreational flyer. Whether your passion is drones or traditional RC airplanes, CBOs provide their members with safety information and fun events while supporting their hobby.

Remember, flying under the Exception for Recreational Flyers requires that you operate in accordance with FAA-recognized CBO safety guidelines.

Maintaining Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

You must keep your drone in your visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. This means that you are able to see the actual drone in flight without the use of binoculars, cameras, or other devices.

If you are using first-person-view (FPV) goggles or expect to be looking at your control station for most of the flight, you must use a visual observer to watch the drone during flight. The visual observer must keep the drone in sight at all times and stand next to the recreational flyer.

Using a visual observer does not allow a recreational flyer to fly a drone beyond their visual line of sight.

Maintaining VLOS is important because it helps you to avoid:

• Ground obstacles

• Bystanders

• Manned aircraft

Manned aircraft pilots cannot easily see your drone. This is why you are responsible for maintaining VLOS. It is the recreational flyer’s responsibility to see-and-avoid manned aircraft. You are not allowed to interfere with, and must give way to, manned aircraft—not the other way around!