Two new infographics explain the Open Category Drone and Model Aircraft rules, and the Article 16 Operational Authorisation rules.

Open Category and FPV UK Article 16 Operational Authorisation Infographics

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 aicraft 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.

ARTICLE CREDIT TO FPV UK: https://fpvuk.org/

Another Lockdown

This website is looking for somebody to take over the haverhill drone name

If you would like to buy/run/rent or offer then send us a message

Fly or not to Fly - That is the question!

Please see this article and read the letter

Looks like we can recreational fly with the guidelines pre set

Our editors say:  Please Stay Home - put batteries in storage - resist the temptation to go out for a fly about -- its NOT an essential activity

If we all follow the guidlines it will avoid drone fliers getting un-necessary bad press and avoid any further restrictions.

Civil Aviation Authority advice is the following see CAA website for more details

Recreational flying

Current government guidance on coronavirus precludes recreational GA flying.

This is being observed in practice by the vast majority of the GA community, and we are grateful to them for doing so. The message we are receiving from the GA community is that they fully appreciate the need for these restrictions, and observing them is being widely encouraged throughout the community. Again, we are grateful for this.

Because the directive to stay at home is being well observed, we do not perceive a need to introduce a specific ban on flying by visual flight rules (VFR) as seen in some European countries.

This will have the significant benefit of allowing flexibility, and allowing GA flights to resume as overarching restrictions on movement are lifted.

The above does not apply to search and rescue operations, or where it absolutely necessary to fly to, or for, work. In all of these activities, we expect public organisations and businesses to be socially responsible in the decisions they make, and to apply social distancing guidelines.

Our editors say:  Please Stay Home - put batteries in storage - resist the temptation to go out for a fly about -- its NOT an essential activity

If we all follow the guidlines it will avoid drone fliers getting un-necessary bad press and avoid any further restrictions.

From Wednesday July 1 2020 changes will come into force that are designed to align the UK with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and build on the recently-introduced Drone and Model Aircraft Registration Scheme.

The new rules will do away with the limitations and ambiguity around commercial and non-commercial drone operations, and will instead be based around the type of drone you have and where you fly it.

The PfCO will be replaced by an Operational Authorisation. It is important to note that if you have a valid PfCO, you can continue to renew with the same provisions currently afforded by the permissions for the foreseeable future.

Under the new changes, three categories of operations will be introduced. These are Open, Specific and Certified, and relate to the level of risk involved.

credit and more news here

FPV UK Drone and Model Aircraft Registration Scheme (DMARES) Information

This information is available in PDF format here:

Registration

New regulations for people who fly or are responsible for small unmanned aircraft, including drones and model aircraft, come into force on 30 November 2019. The new regulations apply to drones and model aircraft from 250g to 20kg.

There are three main requirements:

You’ll need to pass an online test if you want to fly outdoors. The test will be free and you’ll need to pass it every three years.

You’ll also need to register as an operator if you’re responsible for a drone or model aircraft.

You must be aged 18 or over to be an operator. There will be an annual fee, which will be confirmed before the regulations come into force.

All drones and model aircraft will need to be labelled with the operator’s unique ID number.

More Information May be found here:

https://dronesafe.uk/

https://www.fpvuk.org/news/