FAQ

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 […]

Read More...

New FPV UK Handbook

FPV UK Handbook The FPV UK handbook is available for download here. Some of the topics covered in the FPV UK handbook are: Information about how FPV UK membership works (details of each of the different types of subscription – how often they renew, when reminders are sent, how you can cancel them, etc) Guidance […]

Read More...

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 […]

Read More...

My card shows my old CAA Operator ID. How can I get a new one?

Unfortunately at the first renewal of CAA Operator IDs the format will change.  Each member will get a new Operator ID in the new format. The old format was OP-XXXXXXX, the new format is GBR-OP-XXXXXXXXXXXX. Nb. In future years each person’s CAA Operator ID will stay the same at renewal. We have modified the design […]

Read More...

Does a sub-250g non-recording FPV drone require the operator to be registered?

Question: Does a sub-250g FPV drone require the operator to be registered with the CAA DMARES (Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education System)?   Answer: No. If the FPV camera provides a live feed only, for the purposes of flying the aircraft and for avoiding obstacles, etc, then the operator is not required to […]

Read More...

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 – […]

Read More...

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 […]

Read More...

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 […]

Read More...

The Community

Get involved with local FPV clubs and events

Find local FPV Drone clubs and register your interest

Find Local Clubs

Working With

Civil Aviation Authority
House of Lords
NATS
Department for Transport