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 confirmed by the CAA and will be included in their upcoming CAP722F document.

CAA Confirmation:

It is acknowledged that many unmanned aircraft have built in failsafe modes, which may be activated in some instances, for example- loss of control link. Activation of such a mode, although possibly automatic in nature, does not necessarily place the aircraft outside the scope of the definition of a model aircraft.