FPV-UK members receive privileges beyond new rules
Following several years of negotiations, the CAA has today issued ‘UAS 7068’ – UAS implementing regulation article 16 operational authorisation. Operational Authorisation UAS 7806 is available here.
When the rules change on 31st December 2020 this authorisation will allow association members to enjoy privileges beyond the new rules. Such as:
- Flying FPV without a competent observer for each drone – in a sterile area (such as a race location).
- Flying FPV with a competent observer.
- Flying your aircraft above 400ft (except multirotors).
- Flying in a park (a built-up area is normally defined as ‘An area substantially used for industrial, recreational, commercial or residential purposes’ and is now allowed. Under the authorisation flight is allowed in an area used for only ‘recreational purposes’ – such as a park).
- Flying to a distance of 30m from uninvolved people (15m on take-off and landing) – this is a bubble around the person, unlike the open category which is a horizontal distance – ie overflight is allowed for association members.
- Flying sailplanes up to 400ft above the pilot – allowing for ridge soaring.
A new FPV UK Handbook accompanies the authorisation and is available here:
You must familiarise yourself with the authorisation and the FPV UK handbook before flying under its terms. There are certain requirements to report accidents and incidents when flying which are relevant when flying under the extra privileges allowed by the authorisation.
