The Article 16 Operational Authorisation is an authorisation issued to FPV UK, which allows its members to fly their drones and model aircraft with somewhat more freedom.
To use it, you must follow the terms of the authorisation, and the guidance in the FPV UK handbook.
The current Article 16 Operational Authorisation is here: article16.fpv.uk
This infographic explains things in a graphical format: fpv.uk/article16infog
This video, explains the infographic above with a voiceover: fpv.uk/article16video
Geeksvana’s interview about the Article 16 Operational Authorisation:
https://youtu.be/RhQWmlUhoxE
And on UAVHUB’s Blue skies drone cast: Discussing Article 16 with Simon Dale, CEO of FPV UK - Drone Podcast - YouTube
Common questions are:
Can it be used for commercial purposes?
No, it cannot.
Does it only work in public parks?
No. As per section 3.7 of the OA, anywhere that is not a built-up area can be a suitable area. Plus built-up areas only used for recreational purposes (public parks) too.
Do you always need to do a risk assessment?
No, only when flying in a built-up area used only for recreational purposes (such as a public park).
It has an expiry date. What then?
CAA authorisations always have end dates. This one has been renewed five times already. And its predecessor, the FPV exemption, was renewed every year for over a decade. There is no reason to think that the A16 OA would not be renewed for many years to come.
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Simon/All
Do you happen to know if he 'automated/ facilities of the DJI drones (such as those on my Mini 3 Pro) can be used under this authorisation, or if only manual flying is covered, i.e. can automated Take Off be used, ‘Follow Me’, Mastershots, etc. Non have been used by me to date so as not to invalidate the insurance, etc. but I am just interested as it seems to be bit of a ‘grey area’ where the CAA seem to approve “Follow Me” for <50m for drones <250g but I’m personally unsure if this authorisation does :-).
Cheers,
Glenn
Hi Glenn
I took this up with the CAA when we were drafting the A16 OA.
Basically if the automated feature moves the aircraft in physical space, then its not allowed under the A16 OA. With the exception of RTH in an emergency/fail safe scenario.
Position hold, panorama, selfie mode, etc which use automation, but do not move the aircraft, are permissible.
There is nothing to stop you flying under the Open Category rules when you want to use your automated modes. And then under the A16 OA when you want to fly under it’s terms (e.g. in a public park).
All the best
Simon
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Many thanks for clarifying that Simon. Much appreciated :-).
Whilst flying under the Open Category, are we still covered by the included Liability Insurance, and would that allow passing on photos video that might be used for commercial purposes by another party, or does the insurance purely cover A16 OA (which specifically excludes any work done commercially)?
A current ‘quandary’ I have is that I am about to pass on some images to a camping site which I have not taken commercially/are given freely by me to them for their cafe wall, but they’re owners might want to use them to commercially advertise the site … in which case I might want to be recompensed (and I just want to stay correct with all categories, insurances, etc.) if that case did arise :-).
Cheers,
Glenn
Hi Glenn
The insurance policy covers you for any lawful flying activity. You can fly under the Open Category rules, or the A16 OA.
Commercial Operations require EC785/2004 insurance, which this is not.
Selling photos of your recreational flying, doesn’t make the flying commercial.
All the best
Simon
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