My FPV UK account indicates that my CAA Operator ID has expired, even though I have renewed it on the CAA website

Question: My FPV UK account indicates that my CAA Operator ID has expired, even though I have renewed it on the CAA website. And/or: FPV UK has sent me a reminder that my CAA Operator ID has expired, but I have already renewed it on the CAA website. Answer: The expiry dates in your FPV […]

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How to find your CAA Operator ID and/or Flyer ID

Have you mislaid your CAA Operator ID and/or CAA Flyer ID? Have you received an ‘Operator is already registered’, or ‘Flyer is already registered’ error in your FPV UK account? This means you have asked FPV UK to register your with the CAA (either for an Operator ID, or a Flyer ID), but you already have […]

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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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CAA Operator ID postcode/ DoB mismatch

Have you changed address since your CAA Operator ID was issued?  Have you received a ‘CAA Renewal Failure – Unable to find current registration.’ error in your FPV UK account when your Operator ID renewal was attempted? If the postcode on your FPV UK account doesn’t match the postcode on the CAA’s system – ie you’ve […]

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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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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 […]

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Do FPV UK members need a Flyer ID?

Question: Do FPV UK members need a Flyer ID? Answer: Section 3.12 of the Article 16 Operational Authorisation says: Remote Pilot Competence (1) Any remote pilot operating in accordance with this authorisation must demonstrate a suitable level of pilot competence, by either (a) or (b) below: a) Passing one of the following online tests: i. […]

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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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