UK DRONE LAWS - THINKING OF A2 CofC? WATCH THIS FIRST! MORE FREEDOM WITH ARTICLE 16 

Thank you very kindly I really appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching 🙂

i second that. very informative and helpful

Third, thanks for this. Air2s has done nothing but catch dust until I seen this video

Much appreciated!

Thank you very kindly ! Glad it was helpful

Perfect! Hope It helps !

Thanks mate! Hope it helps people realise larger drones are not redundant

Thanks Doug!

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

Just ignore them, tell them to fuck off and mind their own business.

Thank you for the kind words!

Yep! Great isn't it, thanks for watching

Thank you very much! I always like you commenting on my videos as you have been with me pretty much from the start! Thank you so much. Even at the £20 for 5million PL insurance it's worth it!

You're most welcome Jonathan. Thank you for watching

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you kindly!

Thank you kindly ! Yeah same here but for £20 a year you get the liability insurance which is probably worth it alone! I just want to make sure people don't abandon the bigger drones and be scared to fly them when they are extremely relevant

@@GAVINHR I’ll look into it further Gavin I must admit with all the pressure put on us now and the laws changing every year with the CAA I was thinking of calling it a day and selling my equipment,but with your input and help it makes you think again.

​@@bownsaway The rules have got much more permissive. Previously you had to keep 150m from a congested area and 50m from a person not under your control. Now association members can fly right up to the edge of a built up area (no 150m separation criteria), or in it if the area is used solely to recreational purposes (eg a park), and 'not within' 30m of an uninvolved person (which means you can technically overfly them so long as you're 30m above - should be avoided if possible of course).

How did the stupid scamdemic ground you? It never stopped me doing anything I still went out cycling. No nobhead politicians are going to dictate where I can and can’t go. When your drone is 300 feet up in the air how is anybody going to know what weight it is? I would say the chances of getting caught are slim to none, the police have more important things to do.

I am told a RU-vidr matching your description has been telling people to buy the M3 and that the C labelling will be "sorted" - it really won't but of course article 16 is the only way to fly it properly and even then it shouldn't be within 30m of a built up area - and of course article 16 does not allow commercial operations so a lot of people. People have a duty I feel to give the correct information in their position.

Further to previous exactly that the A2 CofC does not permit overflight so yeah bit of a no no.

@@GAVINHR I did point this no no to this guy. But he just ignores any negative comments.(in his opinion) The issue being that poor flouting of the rules gives the wrong info to new flyers and could make the CAA bring in more rules. I believe his next video will be flying at night over a town. It's a pity the CAA dont step in and make an example of him. Maybe they will. Your videos give clear information and how to follow the rules. We salute you and your channel 👏👏

Thank you very much I do genuinely try to give the right advice - it's like videos such as the on we are talking on, I do properly make sure things can be repeated before I make any negative comments because I want my viewers to trust my judgment. RU-vid is and always will be just a part time hobby for me but a lot of people now really rely and appreciate what I do and that keeps me going knowing I'm helping people. Thank you for the kind words again ☺️👍

Damn David! Trust you to mention the operator I.D renewal! Haha, I actually filmed that and explained it but the video got too long so I trimmed it out in the final edit so thank you for your comment. Yes indeed it's a nice feature also, the new allowed auto flight modes makes a huge difference !

Thank you for watching

Of course not. People get excited I understand but some channels have been talking about this for months - even if DJI launch one this year it's going to be before Christmas or at least November ( year on from the mini 2 ) don't see any point in talking about the mini 3 yet. I'll leave others to claim they have inside knowledge whist showing a fake video 🤣

Regarding public confrontation just tell them to fuck off and mind their own business.

Thank you kindly ! Hopefully it was useful

@@GAVINHR Yes it was, I’d like an Air 2 and these new rules are going to make it a lot easier to fly one! Thanks

My pleasure

Glad it helped!

I know you do Rick that's hugely appreciated. Thank you very much! Have you managed to get out flying ?

@@GAVINHR its funny you mention that cause today is the day im flying, finally perfect conditions bright sunny day at winds from 3kmh to 19kmh gust so ya and also test out my new phone cover{cynova) shade as i mentioned to you before

Let me know how you get on with it, what's the temperature like? Hopefully it will help with the screen dimming

@@GAVINHR temp is 28 c ,i flew it for like 15 minutes or so it was great but i get so bloody scarred when i fly it every time , i wish i get over that ,the Mini 2 is and always been reliable but still maybe in time, i baby it to much i think LOL but ya that phone cover is just awesome Gavin i cant recommend it enough for like 12 bucks your getting great quality and they now have a newer version with buckle snap i noticed for about the same price ,as for dimming screen on my phone never had that problem really

Yes certainly something I can look to do ! I don't like to repeat videos if I can help it that others have done and I believe Ian in London covered it but I'll take a look see what I can come up with ☺️ thank you for watching.

@@GAVINHR 👍 I also watch Ian of london's RU-vid channel and I've not seen his video regarding flying in Europe so I'll take a look, the problem on various forums like Grey arrows is conflicting information, some say once registered in any EU country that's part of EASA then you can fly on all of the EU but other state that you still need to register in each Individual country you intend to fly in. Cheers.

The Luxembourg EASA A1/A3 is very good.i actually found it harder than the UK A2 course and its free to do and sit the end of course questionairre.

If they are actors who are aware you are filming them then you are fine, they count as "involved persons". It's people who are out and about that you have no contact with. Technically as long as you ask other people if they mind you flying, you could argue that you have involved them too.

You are most certainly on the right track with it. I think a lot of people who bad mouth it are the ones that believe they are extra qualified because they paid for the A2 CofC qualifications only to discover A16 allows more freedoms with the over flight. I understand people associate FPVUK with drone racing however it's just a association like the rest allowing more freedoms. It's certainly the way to go if you are a hobby flyer

Article 16 is certainly not being scrapped. That's nonsense. :-) Simon Dale (Chief Executive - FPV UK)

Thanks for your comment Simon.

That's exactly what A16 is for. Yes you could and that's exactly what I do in this video. 😊

100% unless you are a commercial pilot the A2 CofC makes little sense. Article 16 makes more sense or as you say - get a mini 2

I disagree its a waste of time having sat it. That said i did the EASA A1/3 and found that just as if not more useful. Being free up to the point of the exam its actually a half decent course for educating noobies.

This is the issue with the drone rules.. always open to interpretation! On one hand you would like to say yes but then it's a commercial building

At this moment and speaking to FPVUK they have no expiry at this time

Yeah for £19.99 per year you can't go wrong at all

You will be very welcome :-) Simon Dale (Chief Executive, FPV UK)

Hi there, yes indeed the BMFA also gives this flexibility

Hi George! Yes this was indeed Hornsea ☺️

@@GAVINHR New IT... great place know it well

Hi Nik, yes indeed there is no requirement you can just fly using their benefits

Only if you want to use automated flight modes or commercial work, other than that no :)

Hi Mike, no change to article 16 authorisation, all good still 👌

@@GAVINHR thanks have joined fpvuk thanks to your advice. Much appreciated

Will this stick apply in January 2023?

The video is currently incorrect re: automated flight modes. The FPVUK article 16 OA only covers hands on sticks flying. Quote from the current (Feb 2023) FPVUK article 16 authorisation: "The use of any automation, such as automatic flight modes which alter the position of the aircraft, places the operation outside the definition of a model aircraft, and therefore outside the scope of Article 16. The aircraft must be flown with direct control inputs from the remote pilot."

Did you watch that section of the video? I covered this exact subject. Unless the primary flight is commercial the CAA do not class it as a commercial flight. If you sell footage after the event you are perfectly fine to do so.

Try telling Coverdrone that. I explained to them i do not sell footage i may ‘gift’ it. They said its commercial.

Yeah I'll happily speak to the guys at coverdrone if needed as I have a working relationship with them anyway. However 100% unless the job is paid or at least a monetary value agreed then it is not a commercial flight. I've confirmed this previously with the CAA. The intended purpose of the flight has to be commercial. If not and you happen to sell a print / photo / video after the event this is still a hobby flight.

TBH Gavin for £5 i just pay the commercial insurance. Even though i have £25m through BMFA. I have read the new Art 16 on FPVUK website i cannot see anywhere it says automated flight modes are allowed or at least mentioned. It doesnt affect me but would be good to know.

@@gimbalair fpvuk.org/uas13529-article-16-authorisation-issue-2/

Yes it is the same thing :) you can just disregard the prompts on the FPVUK site

@@GAVINHR thank you for clearing that! An excellent vid by the way and have just sub'd

@ianross04 thank you very much! Happy flying !

Yes absolutely that is the case :)

Thank you so much I was really considering selling my drone as iv not flown it since the rules changed and can't really afford to pay out to do the A2 CofC and to be honest it's pointless for my weight class of drone there wouldn't be any benefit really thank you again 😀

Hi Mike, sadly it is pano shots etc and not active track

Hi, yes it does. Providing that area is primarily used for recreation you are fine. For A16 authorisation all you need to do is become a member! It flying in a built up area you need to do a quick risk assessment as per the template in the video description, pass the DMARES test and away you go!

Does FVPUK allow the pilot to use the quickshots/ follow-me mode or do you have to use the sticks?

How will the authority know that I have the article 16? With article 16, where else will I be able to fly the DJI Air 2s. I was thinking of taking it to places with hills and mountains. Etc. Sorry for the questions, just wanted to know before buying the Air 2s. Can you get close to bulidings with article 16? I've already taken the DMARES test. Do i need to take another test with FPVUK to fly in built-up areas? Thank you.

As explained in the video you can buy a card which shows you are member, I would suggest you watch my first video on article 16 it explains everything in full detail :) if you are 150m away from people in hills or mountains you can fly there anyway!

Yes of course :)

@@GAVINHR thanks for the speedy reply, fingers crossed the C label might make a comeback after watching geeksvana vid the other day, but I doubt it

Nope - you are 249g so you have no restrictions, other than air ports etc you could have flown closer than 50m

@@GAVINHR I made the decision not to fly lower so as not to annoy residents etc. Thank you sir for your prompt response 👍

Yes you can, the operator i.d is for you so it goes on any drone that you own / operate

@@GAVINHR Cheers Gavin,I'm grateful for that thanks mate.

100% correct - I have removed that section of my video after speaking with Simon from FPV UK. Initially it suggested the modes were accepted but now it's clear the drone cannot move.

@@GAVINHR I noticed the follow we section had been removed and I commend you for it. Just needs a quick tweak at 11:05 now where active track is mentioned.

@@GAVINHR Sorry, I do not fully understand all of the automated functions not allowed to use?

No you can't: without A2CofC you have to be 150m away from buildings and uninvolved people with >250g drones.

Hi Laurent, yes you would still need to register for an operator I.D here in the UK sadly just the same as if we come over to France we would have to register with EASA

@@GAVINHR thanks a lot for this very prompt answer. OK I will need to register for 10 pounds per year for the operator id but exam for flyer id is not needed, correct ?

@@laurentlaurent367 That is absolutely correct, but its only 30 multiple choice questions just do it for fun :)

Hi there! Not seen you comment for a while - unfortunately waypoints are not covered :(

Hi Gavin thanks so much for the reply very much appreciated

Hi Andrew, the guidance notes presented to me by FPVUK and indeed now listed here : fpvuk.org/uas13529-article-16-authorisation-issue-2/ Certainly suggest to me regarding the use of those modes are accepted. Listed in red the position of the aircraft not just orientation. Hope that helps

@@GAVINHR Hi Gavin - Unfortunately there is ambiguity here. On that web page `The use of any automation, such as automatic flight modes which alter the position of the aircraft, places the operation outside the definition of a model aircraft’ However Article 16 authorisation applies ONLY to 'model aircraft'.` Section 3.2 Type of Unmanned Aircraft (1) This authorisation shall only apply to UAS operators and remote pilots of ‘model aircraft’. This includes: - Any ‘model aircraft’ - Any ‘control line model aircraft’ - Any ‘round-the-pole model aircraft’ Page 10 of the FPVUK hand book also nails this down: `The CAA defines a Model Aircraft as follows: "Any unmanned aircraft being flown purely for the recreational sport of model aircraft flying. This includes shop bought or home built aircraft, which are flown ‘manually’ using traditional control inputs rather than with any automation other than for flight stabilisation purposes. This includes multi rotor aircraft which are being flown with ‘direct’ control inputs, and without any automation, other than for flight stabilisation purposes.’" ... Nb. Using automation modes such as RTH is permitted in an emergency situation - eg in the event of a radio link failure. Also, automated modes which don’t move the aircraft in physical space, such as position-hold making the aircraft stay in position against the wind or Panorama mode which yaws the aircraft to take a series of photos whilst staying in a fixed location are permitted. Modes such as Tripod mode (which makes the aircraft fly more slowly), beginner mode, cinematic mode, etc are also permitted.` Can you help me understand this apparent contradiction please?

Hi Andrew, assume you have messaged FPVUK? I have had an email from them regarding clarity I assume you have received the same?

​@@GAVINHR Hi Gavin - I was going to join FPVUK but this video gave me the nudge to actually do it. However, I was surprised to see autonomous modes such as Follow Me which you showed in the video as being allowed under Article16 OA. The FPVUK website is absolutely clear they are not allowed. I managed to have a bit of an email to and fro with Simon Dale at FPVUK and he confirmed my fears. I had hoped I had misunderstood it and your video was now showing what was now possible. Alas Follow Me as well as (most of) the other autonomous modes available with my Air 2S are disallowed under the Article 16 OA :-(. Simon has said you will remove that particular bit at around 11 minutes 25 seconds which was the only poor bit in an otherwise excellent and informative video.

Hi Andrew, yes indeed that section has now been removed. I spoke with Simon further and we clarified the situation whereas some autonomous modes are allowed the drone most not travel. That was perhaps my fault at my misunderstanding of the literature first given to me however as mentioned I have removed it. Either way it still reduces the distances over and above A2 CofC which is well worth it in my personal opinion

absolutely yes

@@GAVINHR thank you for your response. How long does this article 16 last for? I've read online that it's up to the end of 2023. Is this the case?

All still relevant, and the answer as it stands is indefinitely unless the CAA change something 👌

@@GAVINHR Thanks for the quick response, thats good to know. I purchased the Air 2, stupidly thinking it was a sub 250g drone (confused myself with the Mini) so thats put my mind at ease. Thank you again!

Article 16 has no end date. It will continue indefinitely. (The CAA will review it annually, and issue a new Operational Authorisaiton hopefully with whatever enhancements we have negotiated that year - and they'll audit FPV UK too, but the provision itself has no time limits). It sounds like we need to do a better job with our marketing if you hadn't heard of us until now! That's good feedback. All the best Simon Dale (Chief Executive, FPV UK)

@@simondale3422 Thank you for clarifying that. I have only taken a serious interest in the drone scene since purchasing the DJI Mini 2 about 6 months ago and also getting a new found interest in photography/video and editing. Without the time and effort put in by Gavin and several other RU-vidrs i wouldn't have learnt a tenth of what i know now, both with regarding the drone itself and the photography side, so its probably not your marketing, just me been a newbie. That said i do believe in having professional body representing us as hobbyists, along with all the benefits that your organization brings to us through membership. Many thanks. Richard.

Hi Richard, very sorry for the delay in my reply I was super busy yesterday with the horse saga! I see Simon has now answered directly which is brilliant !

No! This is useful for those wanting to fly drones OVER 249g, under that you will see zero benefits from either this or the A2 CofC however FPVUK do give you public liability insurance if you join but for the smaller drones you wil see no benefit rules wise. Hope this helps

@@GAVINHR thank you, you've earned a subscriber for being awesome!

Just try to give the right advice 🙂 and thank you kindly

No I'm not wrong. Do some research again rather than telling me what you think you know.

@@GAVINHR So I must be operating my Mini 2 illegally then as I don't have the A2? Oh no hang on.. I don't need it!

I know you don't need it. This entire video is about drones over 249g. You're the one talking utter rubbish. If you want to operate a larger drone over 249g in areas which an A2 CofC let's you fly and want to do commercial work then you need the A2 CofC. If you don't want to do commercial work then article 16 is suitable for most people. Seems you just made yourself look very stupid by even saying you have a mini 2 and if you was paying attention this video isnt about drones that small. Tell me where in the video I say you need one for a mini 2. Take as long as you like

Absolute clown. Make sure you pay attention next time before you gob off at me trying to help people since YOU didn't understand the video.

Wasn't the clue in the thumbnail????? OVER 249g drone? Or did you miss that

Yes it seems to be

Don't watch again then. Simple isn't it.

And if you're going to chat shit on people's videos, maybe learn the difference between two and too..