Do FPV UK members require an A2 CofC?

Question:
There is a checkbox in each member’s FPV UK account labelled ‘A2 CofC’.  Are FPV UK members required to take the A2 CofC?

Answer:
No.  FPV UK members can happily fly under the Open Category (A1 or A3), or under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation in the Specific Category and do not require an A2 CofC.

In fact, for our members (recreational drone and model aircraft flyers) the Article 16 Operational Authorisation offers more freedom than the A2 CofC.  For example; the Article 16 Operational Authorisation allows FPV UK members to fly any aircraft up to 25kg in a public park (‘a built-up area used only for recreational purposes’).  They must not fly within 30m (reduced to 15m on take off and landing for sub 7.5kg aircraft) of an uninvolved person.  This puts an imaginary 30m bubble around the uninvolved person – meaning the aircraft can be flown 30m above the unvinvolved person.

In contrast, the A2 CofC requires that the aircraft is flown no closer than 50m horizontally from an uninvolved person. This is a huge difference!  This horizontal distance requirement put an imaginary 100m diameter cylinder around any uninvolved person – and probably rules out most ‘built-up areas’ (except the biggest parks).

The A2 CofC tickbox exists in the FPV UK member account screen purely to allow members to log the information if they have it.  An A2 CofC is certainly not a requirement of membership.

Related topics:
Do I need to do a risk assessment every time I fly under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation?
Can I fly a DJI or similar drone under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation?
Can Return To Home (RTH) failsafe be used under the Article 16 Operational Authorisation?

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