By definition, a model aircraft must be “flown within visual line of sight of the 
person operating the aircraft.” P.L. 112-95, section 336(c)(2).
1
 Based on the plain 
language of the statute, the FAA interprets this requirement to mean that: (1) the aircraft 
must be visible at all times to the operator; (2) that the operator must use his or her own 
natural vision (which includes vision corrected by standard eyeglasses or contact lenses) 
to observe the aircraft; and (3) people other than the operator may not be used in lieu of 
the operator for maintaining visual line of sight. Under the criteria above, visual line of 
sight would mean that the operator has an unobstructed view of the model aircraft. To 
ensure that the operator has the best view of the aircraft, the statutory requirement would 
preclude the use of vision-enhancing devices, such as binoculars, night vision goggles, 
powered vision magnifying devices, and goggles designed to provide a “first-person 
view” from the model.