Article 16 Authorisations Explained: Comprehensive Guidance for FPV UK Members

Introduction: Navigating Article 16 Authorisations

Imagine flying your drone or model aircraft confidently, knowing you’re operating legally and safely while enjoying expanded permissions tailored to your needs. For FPV UK members, this is exactly what the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides through Article 16 Authorisations.

At 120mAGL.com, we understand how critical it is for pilots to stay compliant while maximizing their flying potential. This guide breaks down Article 16 Authorisations, explaining what they are, how they work, and how FPV UK members can use them to unlock advanced operational capabilities.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of Article 16 Authorisations, including their requirements, practical applications, and best practices. Let’s dive in.

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Overview and Background

What Is an Article 16 Authorisation?

An Article 16 Authorisation is a special operational permission granted by the UK CAA under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947. This authorisation is tailored to associations like FPV UK Ltd, enabling their members to operate drones and model aircraft with enhanced permissions beyond the standard requirements of the Open category.

This authorisation applies to unmanned aircraft operating under the Specific category, providing flexibility for recreational, educational, and certain commercial operations. FPV UK members benefit from permissions that reduce restrictions on flight distances, altitudes, and proximity to people compared to standard Open category rules.

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Why Do Article 16 Authorisations Exist?

The CAA introduced Article 16 to support responsible recreational and educational flying by recognised associations. These permissions aim to balance safety with practicality, allowing skilled pilots to operate more freely while maintaining high safety standards.

Key objectives include:

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  Promoting safe and responsible flying for recreational users.
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  Reducing administrative burdens for pilots operating within associations.
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  Providing tailored operational permissions to support advanced use cases, such as FPV (First-Person View) flying and model aircraft displays.

By granting Article 16 Authorisations, the CAA acknowledges the competence and oversight provided by associations like FPV UK.

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Detailed Requirements

Who Can Operate Under Article 16?

To operate under Article 16, you must:

1. Be a member of a recognised association, such as FPV UK Ltd.
2. Follow the association’s operational procedures outlined in its handbook and exposition documents (e.g., FPV UK Handbook 2025 v1.7).
3. Hold the required competency certifications, such as the FPV UK Certificate of Competency (CofC).

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Key Permissions Granted

Article 16 Authorisations provide permissions that differ significantly from the Open category. These include:

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  Flights over uninvolved people are allowed under certain conditions.
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  Flights must not intentionally fly directly over assemblies of people.

1. Proximity to uninvolved people:

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  Maximum altitude of 120 meters unless specific exemptions apply.

1. Altitude limits:

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  FPV flying is permitted if a spotter is used to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS).

1. First-Person View (FPV) flying:

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  Specific permissions for operating model aircraft, including during displays or competitions.

1. Model aircraft operations:

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  Night operations are allowed, provided appropriate lighting and safety measures are in place.

1. Night flying:

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Conditions and Limitations

While Article 16 Authorisations offer expanded permissions, they come with strict conditions to ensure safety:

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  Risk assessments: Pilots must conduct pre-flight risk assessments for every operation.
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  Insurance: Members must have valid public liability insurance.
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  Compliance with association rules: Pilots must adhere to FPV UK’s operational procedures.
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  No intentional overflight of assemblies: Flights over large gatherings are prohibited.

Failure to comply with these conditions may result in disciplinary action or the revocation of operational privileges.

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Practical Application

How to Fly Safely Under Article 16

Here’s a practical guide to ensure compliance while operating under Article 16:

Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist

1. Verify Membership: Ensure your FPV UK membership is active.
2. Check Your Authorisation: Confirm your operations fall within the scope of Article 16.
3. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify hazards, assess risks, and implement mitigations.
4. Ensure Insurance Coverage: Verify that your public liability insurance is valid.
5. Plan Your Flight: Check weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and proximity to uninvolved people.
6. Follow FPV UK Guidelines: Operate in accordance with the FPV UK Handbook and Exposition documents.

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Example Scenarios

Example 1: FPV Drone Racing

An FPV UK member plans to participate in a drone racing event. Under Article 16:

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  The member can fly FPV using a spotter to maintain VLOS.
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  They can fly within 30 meters of uninvolved people as long as the risk is mitigated.
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  Night flying is permitted if the drones are equipped with appropriate lighting.

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Example 2: Model Aircraft Display

A member wants to operate a model aircraft during a public display. Under Article 16:

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  Flights over uninvolved people are permitted with precautions.
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  Insurance coverage is mandatory for public liability.
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  Risk assessments must be completed prior to the display.

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Common Questions and Challenges

Q&A

Q1: Can I fly over people under Article 16?
A: Yes, flights over uninvolved people are allowed under certain conditions, but intentional overflight of assemblies is prohibited.

Q2: Do I need a spotter for FPV flying?
A: Yes, FPV flying requires a spotter to maintain VLOS at all times.

Q3: Is night flying allowed under Article 16?
A: Yes, night flying is permitted with proper lighting and safety measures.

Q4: What happens if I break the rules?
A: Violating Article 16 conditions can result in disciplinary action by FPV UK or legal penalties from the CAA.

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Compliance Checklist

Checklist for Article 16 Operations:

1. Active FPV UK membership.
2. Valid public liability insurance.
3. Competency certification (e.g., FPV UK CofC).
4. Completed risk assessment.
5. Adherence to FPV UK guidelines.
6. Avoid intentional overflight of assemblies.
7. Use a spotter for FPV operations.

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Best Practices

Tips for Safe and Legal Flying

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  Plan Ahead: Always check airspace restrictions and weather conditions.
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  Stay Updated: Regularly review FPV UK and CAA updates to ensure compliance.
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  Mitigate Risks: Use risk assessments to identify and address hazards before flying.
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  Use Spotters: Ensure a spotter is present during FPV operations.
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  Avoid Crowds: Do not intentionally fly over assemblies of people.

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Conclusion

Article 16 Authorisations are a powerful tool for FPV UK members, offering expanded operational permissions while ensuring safety and compliance. By understanding and adhering to the conditions outlined in this guide, pilots can enjoy greater flexibility in their flying activities without compromising safety.

At 120mAGL.com, we’re committed to helping drone pilots navigate regulations with confidence. Bookmark this guide as your go-to resource for Article 16 Authorisations, and remember to always fly responsibly.

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References and Further Reading

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  UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947
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  FPV UK Handbook 2025 v1.7
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  CAP 722: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace

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Disclaimer

Always check the latest official CAA publications for updates, as regulations may change. This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace official regulatory documents.