What is one of the responsibilities of a visual observer during RPA operations?

A visual observer plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of Remote Pilot Aircraft (RPA) operations by monitoring the airspace for hazards. This responsibility includes actively communicating any potential hazards, such as other aircraft, obstacles, or changes in weather conditions, to the pilot controlling the RPA. Having someone dedicated to observing the environment allows the pilot to focus on flying the RPA while staying informed about conditions that may affect the operation.

The responsibilities of the visual observer are designed to enhance situational awareness and ensure safe flight operations. This role is particularly important as the pilot may not have a 360-degree view or the ability to detect all potential hazards while piloting the RPA. Instead, the visual observer serves as an additional set of eyes, contributing to the overall safety of the operation and supporting effective decision-making by the pilot.

In contrast, while a pilot flies the RPA, recording flight data, or identifying potential markets may be relevant tasks in different contexts, they typically do not fall under the designated responsibilities of a visual observer during flight operations.