Recreational drone pilot? You don't need an A2 CofC! FPV UK Article 16 Operational Authorisation.

Social Media is full of adverts for A2 CofC courses. Recreational drone and model aircraft pilots don't need to hold an A2 CofC! Join FPV UK and fly under our Article 16 Operational Authorisation instead and you'll get £5m public liability insurance too, and automatic CAA registration, and drone discounts, all for £19.99 a year!
For more details about the Article 16 Operational Authorisation please see our quick guide video here: • FPV UK Article 16 Oper...
For more information about FPV UK, please see: www.fpvuk.org
FPV UK Handbook is available here: handbook.fpv.uk

[@tonyrobinson362]

Excellent straight forward I joined last year wouldn't be without it, Love the card with my details on good one keep putting the word out.

[@reynolds81]

I got a good deal on the a2cofc course from one of the major uk training providers........ now I've done some dull courses in my lifetime being a health and safety professional and electrical contractor but this course was like pulling teeth, I gave it up as life is too short

[@allaboutdrones8070]

The only reason to have the A2 CofC is if you want commercial flying - otherwise Article 16 is the Winner and Free with FPVUK - Whats not to like !

[@MavericksDrone]

Hello Simon. I have just joined FPVUK and have both an operational Id and flyer id. I fly a Mavic3 (0.895kg) . I was just browsing KZbin regarding article 16 and (clearly) came across this video. Right next to your short video is the British Model Flying Association chap's video where he says you do need an A2 CofC to fly (as my Mavic3 is 895g). Am I being ignorant here or can you or someone help me out. Many thanks.

[@fpv-uk]

Hi Mavericks. I replied to this three times yesterday but they haven't shown up for some reason. It's easy to misunderstand the point he's making in that video, but it's not quite what you think. He's saying that people assume if you're an association member you can fly under the open category rules, as if you have an A2 CofC. I've never heard of anyone thinking/ doing that myself, but I see what he's saying and it's certainly plausible. The Open Category rules are the Open Category rules. If you are flying under those rules, you have to follow them to the letter. And if you want to fly in the A2 sub-category you need an A2 CofC. You can't say "Well, I'm a member of FPV UK therefore I can fly in A2 automatically". As a member of FPV UK you have access to the FPV UK Article 16 Operational Authorisation. This is in the specific category, and it is COMPLETELY separate to the open category rules. The Article 16 Operational Authorisation has no numbered sub-categories or anything of that nature. It simply applies to any aircraft up to 25kg. If you're flying under the FPV UK Article 16 Operational Authorisation then you have to follow all of the rules and guidance for that. If you're flying under the Open Category rules, you have to follow all of the rules and guidance for that. (Including doing an A2 CofC if you want to fly in the A2 sub-category). You can't mix and match. Being a member of FPV UK, doesn't alter the Open Category rules. It gives you access to the A16 OA. Arguably, the A16 OA gives you more freedom than flying under the open category rules, with or without an A2 CofC. But, depending on what you like to do with your drone, that may not be the case. All the best Simon

[@fpv-uk]

Our handbook handbook.fpv.uk explains the open category, and the A16 OA in detail, with diagrams. It's worth a look.

[@colinread4635]

Question!… do I need A2 CofC and/or commercial insurance to fly when doing volunteer flights for dog search and rescue?

[@fpv-uk]

Hi Colin. I replied to this before but it didn't show up for some reason. This post on our website answers the insurance part of your question: fpvuk.org/faq/does-drone-sar-for-lost-dogs-searching-for-lost-dogs-using-drones-require-ec785-2004-commercial-insurance/ As for A2 CofC, the rules are risk based, so it depends on the mass of your chosen aircraft and where you intend to fly it. If it's a sub-250g aircraft you have the most flexibility, if it's heavier you have to keep further away from things - the A2 CofC can reduce those separation distances in certain scenarios. The FPV UK Article 16 Operational Authorisation is in the Specific Category, so it is completely separate to the Open Category rules - however, it only applies for recreational purposes. So that doesn't include SAR.