Clear Skies, Clear Comms: The Complete Guide to RPAS Pilot and Visual Observer Communication (VLOS to BVLOS)

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 16 Dec 2025

Check-Check. Do you read me?

Good communication is the backbone of safe aviation, and it is no different for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Whether you are flying a basic operation with a helper 50 feet away, or a complex Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) mission under the new Level 1 Complex Operations (L1CO) certificate where your observer is 2 miles away, the link between the Pilot in Command (PIC) and the Visual Observer (VO) is critical.

Transport Canada is clear on the necessity of this link, but they leave the method up to the operator.

Below is a comprehensive review of the regulatory requirements under CARs Part IX, an analysis of hands-free options for standard Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) flight, and a look at the new hybrid radio solutions required for long-range BVLOS operations.

The Regulatory Foundation: What CARs Part IX Says

Under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), whenever a Visual Observer is utilized, the rules for communication are strict. The primary regulation to understand is CAR 901.20.

1. The Requirement for "Reliable and Timely" Connection According to CAR 901.20(1), no pilot shall operate an RPAS with a visual observer unless "reliable and timely communication is maintained between the pilot and each visual observer during the operation."

This is the golden rule. If your observer sees a Cessna 172 approaching at 500 feet AGL, they need to convey that information instantly. A system that requires fumbling with buttons or suffers from high latency fails this test.

2. The Visual Observer's Duty CAR 901.20(2) mandates that the VO must communicate information to the pilot "in a timely manner" whenever they detect conflicting air traffic, hazards to aviation safety, or hazards to persons on the surface.

3. No Distractions CAR 901.20(4) prohibits visual observers from performing their duties while operating a moving vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. This implies that their sole focus—and their hands—should be dedicated to scanning the sky and ground, not operating a radio that requires constant manual input.

The Compliance Challenge in the Real World

While regulations do not mandate specific hardware, the requirement for "reliable and timely" communication effectively rules out certain methods in professional environments.

• The problem with "shouting": Relying on unassisted voice fails the "reliable" test in windy conditions, near construction noise, or when the VO is positioned away from the pilot to get a better view.

• The problem with standard Walkie-Talkies (Simplex): Standard radios are "simplex," meaning only one person can talk at a time. If the pilot is talking, the VO cannot interrupt to warn of an immediate collision. Furthermore, pressing a "Push-to-Talk" (PTT) button requires lifting a hand off the controller—a major safety risk.

Solution 1: Standard VLOS Operations (Short Range)

For standard Visual Line of Sight operations, the industry standard to meet regulatory compliance and maintain safety is the Full-Duplex Wireless Headset.

Unlike walkie-talkies, full-duplex allows all parties to speak and listen simultaneously, just like a telephone call or face-to-face conversation. This is vital because it allows a VO to immediately interrupt the pilot if a critical hazard appears, all while keeping hands on the controller.

Image 2: A full-duplex wireless headsets, an essential tool for hands-free communication in drone operations.

Top Full-Duplex Options:

1. Eartec UltraLITE (The Industry Standard) The most ubiquitous system in the industry. These are "self-contained" headsets with batteries and radios built into the ear cup—no wires or belt packs needed.

• Verdict: The gold standard for ease of use. Flip the mic down, and you are live full-duplex. Range is typically line-of-sight (~400 yards).

2. Hollyland Solidcom or Mars Series Robust competitors often used in film production, offering excellent audio quality and range. Many models feature active noise cancellation (ANC), a huge benefit near loud machinery or wind.

• Verdict: Best for professional film crews or industrial inspection teams working in noisy environments.

3. Mesh Intercoms (Sena / Cardo) Originally designed for motorcycles, these Bluetooth mesh networks are small, lightweight, and excellent at cutting through wind noise. They can easily clip onto hard hats.

• Verdict: Great for construction sites requiring hard-hat integration.

The Paradigm Shift: Level 1 Complex Operations (BVLOS)

The game changes significantly with the introduction of the Level 1 Complex Operations (L1CO) certificate. Canadian RPAS pilots holding appropriate certification can now enter the era of Lower-Risk BVLOS in sparsely populated, uncontrolled airspace.

Under L1CO, your Visual Observer might be spotting air traffic 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) away while you monitor the drone activities from a ground station.

At this range, standard Bluetooth headsets like the Eartec (good for ~400 yards) are useless. You need a system that bridges the gap between reliable compliance and long-range physics.

The BVLOS Challenge at 2 Nautical Miles:

The regulatory requirement of CAR 901.20 remains the same, but the stakes are higher:

• Reliability: Standard UHF/VHF radios struggle with terrain obstructions at ground level over 2 miles.

• Latency: A digital delay of 3-4 seconds is unacceptable if a helicopter is closing at 100 knots.

Solution 2: Long-Range Operations (PoC and Hybrid)

For operations stretching beyond 1 km, the industry is pivoting toward PoC (Push-to-Talk Over Cellular).

PoC radios use cellular networks (4G/LTE/5G) to transmit voice, effectively turning a radio into a smartphone with global range. As long as there is cell service, distance is irrelevant—ideal for BVLOS.

However, standard PoC carries the fear of network failure. What if the cell tower goes down? For BVLOS, a hybrid approach is gaining traction, exemplified by devices like the POCLINK POC-1 Ultra.

The Hybrid Advantage (POCLINK POC-1 Ultra Analysis)

This device acts as a "Dual Mode" hybrid radio. It functions primarily as a cellular device for unlimited range, but also contains a built-in UHF/VHF analog transceiver as a safety net.

• Primary Link (Cellular): Provides unlimited range and crystal-clear audio for monitoring.

• The "Safety Net" (Analog UHF Mode): This is critical for L1CO. If operating in a rural "grey zone" where cell service fails, the crew can switch to analog UHF for emergency coordination.

Solving the "Hands-Free" Issue with PoC

Most PoC radios are inherently Push-to-Talk (not full-duplex hands-free). To maintain the "hands on the sticks" safety posture required for professional piloting, these radios must be adapted.

• The Fix: Because many modern hybrid radios run on Android-based OS, they can pair with Bluetooth headsets and external triggers. Pilots use a Bluetooth PTT ring or strap trigger on their controller. Tapping the trigger opens the line to the VO without ever removing hands from aircraft controls.

Image 3: A comparison of communication methods, highlighting the safety advantages of hands-free systems over traditional push-to-talk radios.

Operational Workflow for BVLOS

To ensure "Timely" communication with long-range systems, specific protocols are recommended:

1. Primary Link: Use cellular mode for general monitoring due to superior audio clarity.

2. Emergency Override: Since most PoC operations are simplex (one talker), establish a "Break-Break" protocol so the VO has a clear method to interrupt the pilot.

3. Latency Check: At the start of every BVLOS flight, perform a "time hack" to ensure network latency is acceptable (e.g., under 1-2 seconds).

Conclusion

Transport Canada’s CAR 901.20 doesn't just ask you to talk; it asks you to communicate effectively.

Moving from standard VLOS to Level 1 Complex BVLOS requires a rethink of your gear. The "shout and point" method is gone. For standard visual operations, a hands-free, full-duplex headset system drastically reduces pilot workload and ensures compliance. For long-range BVLOS, hybrid Cellular/UHF solutions adapted with controller-mounted triggers provide the necessary reach and redundancy to extend your ears to the horizon safely.

Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of regulations and equipment. Always consult the official Transport Canada CARs and manufacturer guidelines before your operations.

References: [

1]: Beginner's guide to radio communication for drone operators - SYNCO

[2]: What is a PoC radio? - Inrico Canada

[3]: POC Radios - Push to Talk Over Cellular - MRA