What is the importance of having a direct line of sight (VLOS) with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro throughout the flight?

[AdminForo]

What is the importance of having a direct line of sight (VLOS) with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro throughout the flight: Maintaining a direct line of sight (VLOS) with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro at all times during flight is one of the fundamental safety principles recommended by manufacturers and aviation authorities. This means the pilot must be able to see the drone with the naked eye, without the aid of binoculars or monitors, in order to respond immediately to any unexpected situation, such as undetected obstacles, weather changes, or loss of signal with the controller.

Visual contact allows monitoring of the drone's actual behavior, including its pitch, altitude, and direction of travel. Although the camera transmits images in real time, these do not always reflect peripheral obstacles, birds, or power lines that may be in the path. Furthermore, relying solely on the FPV view can result in a loss of spatial awareness, especially during distant flights or in areas with poor signal.

Visual contact also allows the pilot to intervene quickly in the event of automatic failures. If the drone enters ATTI mode or if the RTH system is activated unexpectedly, the pilot can take manual control and precisely guide it to a safe zone. In areas with high interference or complex terrain, this intervention can mean the difference between a controlled landing and a total loss of the aircraft.

For these reasons, it is important to choose takeoff points with clear and wide visibility, avoid areas with visual obstructions such as tall buildings, dense forests, or hills, and always maintain a vigilant attitude. Respecting the line-of-sight principle not only improves operational safety but also aligns with international regulations and promotes responsible use of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in shared and regulated environments.