Does FPV UK membership include (EC) 785/2004 commercial cover?

FPV UK Drone Membership: Your Questions Answered  Q: Does FPV UK cover me for commercial drone flights? A: Absolutely! Our annual membership includes public liability insurance for commercial drone use (up to £15,000 annual turnover). This insurance meets Regulation (EC) 785/2004, so you’re protected for both fun and work. Important: DJI Hasselblad taster membership does […]

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Does a sub-250g camera drone (eg DJI Mini 3) require CAA registration?

Question: Does a sub-250g camera drone (eg DJI Mini) require the operator to be registered with the CAA? Answer: Yes. If the drone has a recording camera (a ‘sensor capable of capturing personal data’) the operator must be registered with the CAA and the drone must display the Operator ID. It is a criminal offence […]

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Does ‘drone SAR for lost dogs’ (searching for lost dogs using drones) require EC785/2004 (commercial) insurance? 

One could argue that for the purposes of EC785/2004, CAP722 defines ‘model aircraft’ as “any unmanned aircraft which is being used for sport or recreational purposes only”.  And therefore, if the aircraft is not being used for sport or recreational purposes, EC785/2004 compliant (commercial) insurance is required.  However, to quote the CAA’s policy team ‘This […]

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Article 16 Operational Authorisation Drone and Model Aircraft Infographic

This infographic explains the rules/ weights/ distances, etc for the FPV UK Article 16 Operational Authorisation.  Click on the image to open the full size image in a new window.

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Open Category Drone and Model Aircraft Infographic

This infographic explains the rules/ classes/ weights/ distances, etc for the Open Category drone rules.  Click on the image to open the full size image in a new window.  

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Can I fly under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation using a DJI or similar drone?

Question Can I fly my DJI drone under the terms of the Article 16 Operational Authorisation? Answer Yes.  So long as it is flown ‘manually’ (i.e. using the control sticks) rather than automation. CAA confirmation: Yes – an unmanned aircraft that is being flown in accordance with the definition of a model aircraft in the […]

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CAA Operator ID Registration/ Renewal through FPV UK

FPV UK now has a direct automated link with the CAA for drone (DMARES) Operator ID registrations. Members can request that FPV UK registers them as an SUAS Operator with the CAA, and they will receive their Operator ID overnight (before 4am the following day). FPV UK can also manage existing CAA registrations; members simply […]

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Can I now fly my drone commercially with FPV UK membership as my insurance?

Given the removal of ‘the commercial trigger’ in the new unmanned aircraft (IE drone and model aircraft) regulations, one might assume that anyone can now fly commercially. Unfortunately commercial operations still require EC785/2004 compliant insurance (IE commercial aviation insurance with terrorism and hi-jack cover). EC785/2004 was published in 2005 – long before drones existed – […]

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Can RTH be used under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation?

The definition of a Model Aircraft in the Article 16 Operational Authorisation requires that it is flown using the control sticks, rather than by automation. The question then arises; what about the Return To Home (RTH) failsafe function? Is using RTH permissible under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation? The answer is yes. This has been […]

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Do I need to do a risk assessment whenever I fly under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation? And how do I do one?

Question Do I need to do a risk assessment whenever I fly under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation? And how do I do one? Answer No! A risk assessment is only required for flying within ‘a built-up area which is used only for recreational purposes‘ (eg a public park, gardens, etc). This is a location […]

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