What is a key factor in maintaining safe operations when using sUAS for inspections?

Staying within visual line of sight is crucial for maintaining safe operations when using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for inspections. This practice ensures that the remote pilot can maintain situational awareness of the aircraft's location, altitude, and orientation, reducing the risk of collisions with other aircraft, obstacles, or people. Visual line of sight allows the pilot to react quickly to changing conditions and to monitor the aircraft's performance effectively. It also helps to comply with regulatory requirements, which mandate that sUAS operations must be conducted within the pilot's visual range.

While using automated systems, advanced navigation technology, and flying above the clouds can enhance capabilities in some contexts, they do not replace the critical need for visual contact during inspections. Automated systems may operate efficiently, but pilots still need to oversee operations and intervene when necessary. Flying above clouds would typically place the aircraft out of the pilot's visual line of sight and not meet safety regulations, while advanced navigation technology, although beneficial, does not guarantee the safety of operations without visual monitoring.