What does the Visual Observer (VO) assist with?

The role of a Visual Observer (VO) is crucial in supporting the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by maintaining situational awareness about the aircraft's surroundings. The VO assists in detecting hazards during flight by monitoring the airspace for other aircraft, obstacles, and any potential risks that may arise. This oversight is essential to ensure the safety of the flight, as the pilot in command may be focused on controlling the UAV or managing other aspects of the operation. The VO enhances the overall safety by providing an additional set of eyes that can promptly identify and communicate any potential hazards, thereby allowing appropriate actions to be taken to mitigate risks.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the responsibilities of a VO. For example, managing flight paths autonomously would typically fall under the purview of the pilot or the UAV's flight management system, rather than a VO. Controlling flight systems is also a task designated for the pilot or operator, as they are in command of the aircraft's operations. Recording flight logs is generally a separate duty that involves documenting details about the flight, which does not directly involve the real-time hazard detection that the VO provides during flight.