FPV Drone Laws

FPV stands for First Person View and it is a style of drone piloting where the operator flies the aircraft as if inside it, using a live video feed transmitted from a camera mounted to the drone.

The pilot wears goggles or uses a screen to see the drone's perspective, providing a first-person view of the flight.

Whether it is racing a self-built drone or operating a DJI FPV aircraft like the Avata 2 - first-person-view is a popular and thrilling method of drone flight.

FPV flying is legal in the UK. FPV drones can be flown in the Open and Specific Categories - however, operators must follow a specific set of rules.

The biggest difference between standard drone operation and FPV flights is that FPV pilots need to be accompanied by a competent observer.

Association members of drone and model aircraft clubs are afforded greater flexibility for FPV flights.

Unless operating under a BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) waiver, a pilot must keep their drone within visual line of sight, and this must be unaided.

However, due to the nature of FPV flying, pilots are allowed to fly without keeping direct eye contact with the drone - as long as they are with a competent observer.

It is the competent observer's job to keep eye contact with the drone. The observer must be alongside the remote pilot and must not use aided vision, ie binoculars - unless in the event of an emergency landing.

FPV drone flights can be conducted in the Open Category (for low-risk drone operations), with a competent observer present to keep unaided visual line of sight on the drone.

The standard Open Category rules apply here - such as the drone not exceeding 120m (400ft) and flights should not be conducted within a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ).

In some cases, FPV pilots will need to complete the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) course - which can be completed with heliguy™. This involves a theory test, multiple-choice exam, and self-practical flight training.

The operating area relates to the weight of the aircraft - as shown below.

FPV pilots can operate in the Specific Category, which is for higher-risk and more complex flights compared to the Open Category.

A General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) course must be completed to enable the pilot to apply to the UK CAA for an Operational Autorisation to fly in the Specific Category.

The GVC involves theory learning, a multiple choice exam, practical flight assessment, and the creation of an Operations Manual. The GVC can be completed with heliguy™.

This Operational Authoriston permits the use of an observer next to the remote pilot - and in most cases this will be following the terms of a UKPDRA01 Operational Authorisation. In this case:

• The drone must weigh less than 25kg and cannot exceed 500 metres horizontally from the remote pilot.

• Maximum height not to exceed 400 feet above the surface.

• Flights are permitted within 150 metres of any residential, commercial, industrial or recreational area.

• No flight within 50 metres of any uninvolved person, except that during take-off and landing this distance may be reduced to 30 metres.

• No flights within FRZs unless permitted by the relevant aerodrome.

Member of a drone or model aircraft club? If so, then good news - because you are afforded greater flexibility for FPV flights and drone racing.

This is thanks to the Article 16 Operational Authorisation, which covers members of:

• British Model Flying Association (BMFA).

• Scottish Aeromodellers Association (SAA).

• Large Model Association (LMA).

• FPV UK.

In a nutshell, it will enable some FPV operators to:

• Fly FPV without a competent observer for each drone – in a sterile area (such as a race location);

• Fly higher than 400ft (except multirotors);

• Fly to a distance of 30m from uninvolved people.

Under Article 16, FPV pilots who are association members must adhere to one of two conditions:

Condition A - The aircraft is flown:

1. Within a sterile area - meaning a cordoned off, closed area that uninvolved persons are excluded from;

2. The aircraft is not flown at a height in excess of 160 feet (50 metres) from the surface;

3. In accordance with procedures specifically set out for the purpose of the event, and in accordance with instruction from the race director or other nominated person, including any ‘terminate race and land immediately’ instruction;

4. Any observers are suitably briefed and aware of their responsibilities, including the monitoring of people or aircraft entering the cordoned-off area.

Or, Condition B - The aircraft is flown in accordance to the following conditions:

1. The remote pilot is accompanied by a competent observer who maintains direct unaided visual contact with the unmanned aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions and advises the remote pilot accordingly;

2. The MTOM of the aircraft does not exceed 3.5Kg;

3. The aircraft is not flown within an aerodrome FRZ, unless appropriate permission has been obtained;

4. At a height of more than 1,000ft above the surface, unless it is a rotorcraft with more than one lift generating rotor or propeller in which case the height shall not exceed 400ft above the surface; unless within an area as set out in section 3.7;

5. Over or within 150m of any assemblies of people (gatherings where persons are unable to move away due to the density of the people present);

6. Within 50m of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the remote pilot;

7. Within the minimum distances set out in section 3.11.