New exemptions and permissions issued

The Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO) 2019 amendments announced previously are now in force. A summary of these changes can be found in CAP 1763. The following General Exemptions have been issued, which reflect these changes. ORS4- 1294: Small Unmanned Aircraft – First Person View (FPV) Flying ORS4- 1295: Small Unmanned Aircraft with a Mass Greater […]

Simon Dale (Chief Exec) on BBC Radio Sussex this morning talking about the new Flight Restriction Zones which come into force today.

Simon Dale (Chief Exec) on BBC Radio Sussex this morning talking about the new Flight Restriction Zones which come into force today.

EASA approves unified set of drone rules for all EU countries

Final Implementing Regulation is expected to be published in early summer 2019

On 28 February 2019 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Committee gave its positive vote to the European Commission’s proposal for a unified set of rules in all EU countries regulating the operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The Commission’s proposal is to extend the scope of the European Aviation Safety rules to all drones regardless […]

CAA reissues first-person view (FPV) exemption

Updated exemption includes new flight restriction zones, applicable from 13th March 2019

The CAA General Exemption which permits FPV activity has been amended in order to accommodate the changes to the Air Navigation Order 2016 (see CAP 1763) which come into force on Wednesday 13 March 2019. Details of the new General Exemption, which also takes effect on the same day, can be found here ORS4 No1294

DJI improves geofencing to protect European airports and facilities

'GEO 2.0' provides more sophisticated data to 32 European countries

DJI geofencing uses GPS and other navigational satellite signals to prevent drones from flying near sensitive locations such as airports, prisons, nuclear power plants and high-profile events. These no-go-zones are high safety risks areas where drones cannot take off, or fly into, without special authorisation. DJI’s new geofencing system, GEO 2.0, is powered by data […]

DfT announces amendments to the Air Navigation Order

Changes to legislation will come into force on 13 March 2019

On 20 February 2019 the UK Government announced amendments to the UK Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO). This includes changes to aspects of the previous ANO that was published on 30 May 2018. These unexpected amendments are widely seen as a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction following the media coverage of the Gatwick and Heathrow ‘events’.  No consultation was […]

FPV UK endorses DJI’s call for caution when reporting drone incidents

Recommended read for drone pilots

FPV UK’s aim is to support our members, to promote best practice and to shine a light on misrepresentation of the drone community.  FPV UK condemns illegal activity, however it is important to resist the urge to jump to conclusions (or even worse, knee-jerk reactions) when incidents are alleged to occur.  Recent events at Gatwick […]

FPV UK aerial SWAT team

FPV UK offers assistance to the authorities

FPV UK, the UK association for radio control model and drone pilots, stands ready to offer expert FPV drone pilots to take down illegal drones. Simon Dale, chief executive said “Our membership includes some of the best racing and stunt pilots in the world.  These experts can fly their special drones, which do not have […]

The drone incident at Gatwick Airport

FPV UK strongly condemns illegal activity

Regarding the alleged drone incident at Gatwick airport. The media are alleging the following: One, or possibly several, small unmanned aircraft allegedly flew over Gatwick airfield, several times, between the evening of Wednesday 19th of December and the evening of Thursday 20th December. No aircraft has been captured. No operator has been found. No specific […]

CAA Permission for flight above 400ft

The recent 2018 amendments to the Air Navigation Order will come into effect on the 30th July 2018, making it illegal to operate any unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) above 400ft. The UK model flying associations (BMFA, SAA, LMA & FPVUK) have been working in close collaboration in ongoing negotiations with the Department for Transport (DfT) and […]