What on EARTH is going on at the UK CAA? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@IaninLondon]

We have an issue where the CAA keep telling us they're 'working with the drone community' to ensure changes to rules are right and appropriate; but it's seems to me that they're on a mandate from the DfT to reduce the impact of hobbyist drone flyers and ensure we're pushed further and further out of the way... What's annoying is that the CAA exist to ensure the safety of the skies, yet hugely restrictive changes are being made to Open Category flying that seem to be dreamed up on a whim and cannot have any meaningful evidence to back up the changes. Take the ridiculous "clarification" of VLOS rules. You hear another aircraft approaching, it doesn't matter whether your screen has suddenly failed (how often has that even happened?), DOWN is the only direction you need to go in..... The huge danger we're in is that when you lose the confidence and respect of a critical mass of people, you become redundant and useless. When you publish stupid and meaningless rules, people start ignoring ALL rules, and that's the dangerous situation we're approaching.

[@dronecity1699]

Doesn't it make you wonder if this is a hidden mandate by the CAA to make the rules that difficult and complicated that it turns your everyday hobbiest away from flying within the unworkable rules and this gives them the excuse to ban the hobby altogether. Is this such a wacky idea considering their track record?

[@TheBeeryBoater]

@@dronecity1699 Certainly makes you wonder. Good point.

[@bugsy742]

@@dronecity1699 brother it’s as clear as a window THAT is exactly what they are doing! 🤝

[@simonelliott5956]

If I was being cynical (god forbid) I’d say it’s because of the big ideas for the corporate and public service Drone Super Highway they are planning, regulate the hobbyists and small businesses out of existence and let the corporations have their way! Christ they’ve done it with virtually everything else that was public owned!

[@battleoftheelements]

The USA has banned DJI from trading in their market. I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a hidden agenda to bring DJI's sales down in the UK by the back door, ie the CAA making rules so diffuse, confusing and blatently ridiculous in places. After all I was going to purchase a mini 3 but with the new vlos rules take the pleasure out of it, whats the point of investing a very hard saved grand and hours of practice time to what , fly up to maybe 50 metres away? I may as well get a long pole and stick a camera on it! Just to put into context, a Crow wheighs up to 2 kilograms and a Gull can be up to 2 kilos a Pidgeon up to 750 grams a Kite 2 kilos, you get the point?? Becuase I dont!

[@xjet]

Finally... Hell, it's not like I've been begging people to get off their backsides and stand up to the ridiculous levels of over-regulation the hobby and the industry has been facing. If this action had been taken earlier I don't think we'd be looking at the situation that now presents. Please people... wake up!

[@dronecity1699]

How about asking your pal Shaun with all his "influence" to raise his head above the parapet...JUST FOR ONCE

[@xjet]

@@dronecity1699 To gain maximum effect we need to keep pressure on at *ALL* levels. Sometimes a "good-cop/bad-cop" approach is an extremely effective method of bringing about change. I can promote radical actions and people like Sean can present a more moderate line. Hopefully we get something inbetween as the outcome. Without a balancing force it becomes easy for authorities to write people like myself off as being "over the top" and thus discount my mesage but when a more moderate party agrees with the radical perspective it forces authorities to pause and reflect.

[@dronecity1699]

@xjet yes I agree I follow you both avidly..but surely there comes a time when you have to stand up and be counted. His stuttering lack of confrontation especially with the CAA has genuinely become insufferable and it honestly makes me wonder if he has a hidden agenda as he rarely, if ever is confrontational with the CAA. I will judge him on his reaction to this video . We will see

[@UAVHub]

Hey Bruce! ME TOO! ;) We've been pretty well aligned for years... 3 Years ago, I mentioned my opinion on the state of the UK regulator and our need, as an industry and community to start to put pressure on them, so we weren't subjected to any more 'overreach' than necessary. They threatened me with legal action for expressing my opinion and effectively 'gagged' me. I had to back off and get back in my box, because they had genuine leverage over me (via my need to pay the mortgage and keep the family fed). Things are a little different now... And, to be honest, I'm at the point where I no longer care about them and what they may try to do to me. More people in society need to grow more spine and stand up for what they believe in. That's what I'm doing here and if nothing else, this time... I won't go down without a fight. LET'S GOOOOO!

[@allancuthbertson]

Thank you very much for linking the videos Bruce, well done indeed 😊

[@davidchamberlain1513]

I’ve already decided not to renew my operator ID this year, despite doing my A2 c of c... I’ve had it will the CAA, I can’t keep up with the random rule changes & I don’t see it getting any better! They only way the CAA might listen is we ALL stop paying them their annual fee & show them as a community we are fed up with them & the department of transport!

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

Agreed!!

[@stevecook706]

I'm sorry to say that this does not surprise me. The whole over regulation of the hobby is beyond a joke! The safest form of aviation is being treated like we are all criminals.

[@dronecity1699]

Exactly

[@PhillyDroneLife]

@@dronecity1699 exactly well said. It's all bullshit... Sorry.. so funny when I do it I'm the bad guy hahaha now there coming for all and all of a sudden people are angry.. I went there this shit 2 years ago with 182k proposed fine. Proposed.. what bullshit.. guys they can't have your drone in the air BECAUSE IT MAY HIT THERE'S! AND THEY RUN THE SHOW.. funny because they make us think were in charge(voting etc) haha. Stu says duck em all.. fly your balls off.. be safe so you fly another day. YAHOOOOOOOOOOO Mikey

[@dronecity1699]

@@PhillyDroneLife love your channel dood

[@PhillyDroneLife]

@@dronecity1699 hahaha thank you so so much🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@lagavulinman]

No wonder people are now choosing to ignore the CAA's directives. Intelligent and responsible people don't appreciate being treated like mindless idiots. The CAA is supposed to be working WITH us, not AGAINST us! Nice one Matt, thanks for all your efforts and hard work - I hope you don't have to spend any more time away from the sharp end.

[@nxu5107]

Despite what they say, the CAA has an agenda to push the leisure use of drones out of the skies (or portions of it), to clear the skies for certain vested interests. That’s my very cynical brain looks at it. We are impacted by some cronyism that is dictating to CAA to muddy the waters so someone can go fishing.

[@jeffs7915]

When FPV quadcopters came into popularity, too many were flown by mindless idiots and still are. You brought this on yourselves. It's not about safety, or Amazon delivery, it's about being an annoyance to the uninterested public. They don't care about the joys of flying or need to be educated, they just don't want to be bothered by flights that rightfully belong at isolated designated and monitored fields.

[@lagavulinman]

@@jeffs7915 How much do you know about animal search and rescue then?

[@nxu5107]

@@jeffs7915 you are correct about some nuisance flyers causing distress to public. That’s not right. The answer to that is not to confine legitimate flyers to designated fields. Some weeks ago I saw a hang glider fly right over M25 and over large electric pylons at a low altitude. Now how dangerous is that? How are those flights allowed? Unless of course they had special permission. Hmmmm

[@xjet]

Non-compliance is working for the pro-cannabis movement all over the world. Decades of lobbying and appealing to logic and commsense failed -- brazen non-compliance succeeded. Sometimes you have to learn from the experiences of others! Remember the words of Group Captain Harry Melville Arbuthnot Day GC, DSO, OBE: *_"Rules are for the guidence of wise men and the obedience of fools"_*

[@DMProductions]

It's an absolute shit show, great video Matt

[@SnaxMuppet]

Thanks Matt. I am starting to believe that the CAA truly don't want drones flying at all in the UK. What with all the changes to the open category rules (VLOS, etc) and now this with the OA certification, I am starting to believe that they really haven't got any interest in regulating drone flying. The trouble is that if they don't have clear guidance then people will ignore them and just do what they want and then we are back to the maverick days of past years and no progress will have been made. Thanks for putting your head up for us all... I hope they don't come after you.

[@johnburns5783]

As a hobbyist, it seems to me that the CAA would prefer we just give up on our drones. Not only them, increasingly councils and institutions like the NT, English Heritage etc are against us. I’d like to see data on how many drone flights have seriously injured people. How many aircraft have been brought down by drone flights. How many accidents involving injury, have been caused directly by drones. The CAA expect me to report an accident if I fly my mini 3 pro into a tree causing nothing more than my pride being dented. A very frustrating situation indeed.

[@mightyenid]

can't wait for this. Here is an example of the current nonsense. I was recently employed to conduct an aerial survey of a large manufacturing site. The new AMC made this impossible to do. I even tried moving positions around the site (the four corners) to try and maximise the distance I could get from the site, but it still wasn't enough. As a result, I have a customer who is disappointed, an invoice that probably won't get paid, and a £1000 worth of drone that is effectively useless for anything other than a selfie in my garden. Sort it out CAA, I have operated without incident doing the same thing for the last couple of years. YOU ARE CRIPPLING US!

[@denaco]

hi buddy. were you taking photos of the site or mapping it with apps like drone deploy for measurements? and what is this amc?

[@mightyenid]

@@denaco video and stills. AMC is the new acceptable means of compliance, meaning that you have to have the drone close enough to see with your eyes which way it is pointing. Effectively it’s cut down my range by about 50% at least. Was happy with vlos, was happy being safe, never had an incident, but now the mini 3 pro is a worthless toy.

[@Jellan]

@@mightyenid You can’t even strap extra lights on to it as it’s so damn close to the 250g limit. So frustrating.

[@denaco]

@@mightyenid oh i see. yea the rule that you must know it's orientation etc is awful. Vlos was fine, but that just wasnt good enough for the caa. i have a mini 3 pro and air 2s but want to fly the air 2s within 50 meters so doing the a2 course. i'm almost ready to book my exam on uavhub. just about to do the mock exams but lets see if there's even any point after we watch this video. tbh, i fly out a few 100 meters with the mini 3. if there's no danger than i wouldn't worry too much about the orientation nonsense. we can look at the screen after all.

[@mightyenid]

@@denaco but that is also part of the problem. Technically you are not allowed to rely on the screen to determine it’s position or orientation. It’s an absolute farce.

[@MrD]

When the CAA are creating propaganda, photoshopping a drone outside of an airliner window, and using it in their documentation. It says everything that needs to be said about the CAA. They are at best clueless. At worst trying to kill the hobby with lies.

[@BodoTheMeerkat]

Good one Matt, thank you Sir! I am afraid I am one of the confused..... I have my A2CoC but remain confused.... Campaign Against Aviation (CAA) rings true once again....

[@sicilianmafiosa]

I WILL NOT pay the CAA to renew my OP I.D again 😤 ... I WILL NOT listen to the CAA.. I WILL NOT ABIDE by stupid rules

[@B0M0A0K]

Make sure you TELL US when they come after you and we, as the community will go after them. How do we lodge a vote of no confidence in the CAA?

[@DragonEnchan]

Thank you so much Matt, I have to admit, even with my A2CofC I haven’t flown for the past 6 months. It really does feel as though the CAA is trying to curtail drone flying within the UK. Your words ring so true when asking where there leadership is, and without wishing to be political, they just seem to be reflecting the current government.

[@DroneShowLive]

At last someone actually speaking up for us in the uk 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 unfortunately we are just a cash cow for the good old CAA 🤨

[@trojax01]

One thing we can all do is boycott the Operator ID on mass as gov depts only really do something when the money stops..........

[@revb0]

It seems the CAA are the DFT’s whipping boys and are clueless and are over regulating the hobby and industry out of existence. Well said Matt, I hope the listen and inject common sense into the whole debacle.

[@captandybee]

Hi Matt. Completely understand your frustration. I've been dealing with the UK CAA for over 40 years and not a lot has changed in respect of lack of clarity, inconsistency and internal contradiction; if anything it has got worse and let's not even mention the ridiculous charges and fees they demand. In comparison to the other aviation authorities I have had close involvement with over the years, they are by far the least communicative or responsive. Before I personally get into trouble with them suffice to say they could be a lot more competent if they simply knew more about the world of aviation themselves. They seem to be operate wholly by politically driven legal advice, making money and a fear of being revealed for the old-boys club they appear to be. (oops - that is me in trouble - See you in the Belgrano brig.)

[@Teckmarine1]

I’m in the middle of trying to complete my A2 CofC and my GVC certificate and I’m really struggling. There are so many overly specific rules, and yet so many gaping holes forming. I really appreciate this video and the hard work for all the training providers trying to figure this mess out. It’s a sorry state of affairs when the most effective way to drive change is a KZbin video directed at the CAA, but I agree this has got to a point where it’s just ridiculous

[@DroneHum]

I am relatively new to the drone world. Previously, I was rather deeply in logistics. Both sectors are under the Department of Transport, and I can see that the situation is very similar. People who never driven an HGV and people who never flown a UAV make rules and are in charge. Some rules are good by some are ridiculous. These organisations remind me of the Vorgons from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - they never understand the problem, can't really read with understanding, they just run things. I am truly sympathetic with you, Matt. I can see your frustration. Safety is one important thing, but it seems that they are simply trying to say - don't fly and you will be safe! Good luck, and I hope you will continue delivering excellent training online! 👏 👍

[@kevindennington1291]

Well said Matt. Speaking from a manned perspective this all started when we devolved to EASA. 4 or 5 years ago I was subcontracting to one department in the CAA and another was questioning my authority to conduct the tests the first department was sending me to do.

[@rongittings1257]

Hi Mat, I've only been flying drones (Mini 3 Pro) now for about four weeks and have had no need, yet, to deal with the CAA, other than registering. Consequently I've had no problems with them in that short time. However I have a friend who is also a pilot and he's told me of the problems he's encountered so there must obviously be a problem and thank you for standing up for us all. Like yourself I served in the military (army for over 30 years) and have been involved in conflicts where quite often the only solution is to take the fight to the enemy. So well done, I hope it works out well for us all and grateful for your efforts. My regimental motto was Aucto Splendore Resurgo (I rise again with increased splendour) so don't let the buggers beat you! Keep us all informed. Be lucky!

[@Droneking68]

I’ll not be renewing my operator ID now

[@hedge-hopperfilms]

Tremendous words Matt! You are 100% right. Very brave of you to make this video especially after your previous run-in with the CAA. Thank you for speaking up for us, the people. I think it’s time that the CAA should bite the bullet and have the balls to accept that the current system is not fit for purpose and constantly tinkering with it is counterproductive and exacerbating the appalling situation we are now in. The CAA must have the courage to agree with everyone else that the regulations simply don’t work. The regulations should be thrown out and we should start with a blank sheet. The CAA and DFT should copy and paste the system used by the DVLA and all around the world for the training and licensing of drivers of road vehicles - motorbikes, cars, LGV, PSV, HGV with a “Drone Highway Code” available in paperback form in all good high street stores and online, with a nationwide network of licensed drone instructors and separate independent drone examiners. A written exam, a minimum number of compulsory flying lessons with a drone instructor, and passing the drone flying exam would lead to a Drone Pilot’s Licence. The categories of drone and locations that the Drone Pilot could fly would be on their Licence. Just like on a Driver’s Licence. No need for anyone to be writing their own version of an OA, there would simply one standard “Drone Highway Code” that would apply to all. It would be a simple, clear, straightforward to understand, easy to regulate and enforce system because it would be similar to the Highway Code that everyone is already familiar with. No one has ever asked me if I have a permission or authority to fly a UAS / UAV / RPV or whatever acronym is current, but I have often been asked by members of the public if I have a licence to fly that drone. So, everyone except the CAA calls them drones and the public want and expect the people flying them to have licenses. This system would enable the remote flying of EVLOS, BVLOS, heavy lift drones, delivery drones, search and rescue drones, air taxis and the types and use of drones that are still futuristic. Until the CAA get off their nonsensical thirst for finding typos in OAs (the ones that shouldn’t be needed - can you imagine if every car, bus and truck driver had to write their own version of the Highway Code and drove according to their own OA?) and their insatiable hunger to change, revise and amend their guidance every 20 minutes, we are all doomed. All doomed! Keep it simple, I’m stupid, help me to understand what I can and can’t do, so that I can comply with the regulations and fly safely. Best wishes and thanks, John. (Drone Pilot)

[@lindsayheyes925]

Top comment, IMO 👍

[@philrains3659]

Thankyou matt, for this surprising insight to the powers that are the CAA. It seems and feels like a massive head ache, and if we don't laugh, we're gonna cry. It's a real joke, frustrating and confusing, but thankyou for all your time effort, blood sweat and tears, I and many others are so grateful THANKYOU!! 😊😊

[@lovemedoweddingfilms]

Well done and hats off Matt for using your position and power to call them out. We're all behind you!

[@IndiNiall.]

Can't thank you enough for all the effort you have put in for the community! I have recently completed the A2 course and highly recommend anyone looking to take a drone course to choose you guys

[@fonspez]

Like others have said, thanks for sticking you head up for this. I am only a hobbyist but it really is important to me, is there anything us ants can do? Is there anyway of showing our no confidence with the CAA, a petition or something. Just so frustrating, and pushes wrong message. even whilst being a sensible, careful and mindful flyer you really are truly limited in what you can do.

[@DavidOwensuk]

Thanks Matt - well said. Lets hope the CAA are listening and finally take some action.

[@CLLUK]

Thank you so much Matt for airing your views. Shame we don't have someone of your calibre leading the CAA. I have only been a UAV Pilot for three years and have done a number of UAVHUB courses which were truly excellent in every possible way and provided me with knowledge and professional ethics to be a mature, responsible and safe UAV pilot. However, I have been so disillusioned with the CAA (leadership and communication as you mentioned) and didn't expect this. Seems like our flying (hobby/Business) is becoming more and more restrictive and we can't be trusted!

[@DroneSeekersInternational]

Here here

[@Lee-zg3gx]

My Mavic 3 Classic will be my last ever drone I purchase, the CAA / DfT are making it increasingly difficult, and will probably continue to make it difficult until everyone gives up this much loved hobby! I’m sure once all the 250g> hobbyists have dropped off, the CAA will turn on the

[@lukegranger3458]

I’ve been saying the same thing for years. Zero comms from the caa and even after meeting with them the meeting was productive but zero follow up until the legal letters questioning fitness of character. Similar sorry to yours. That’s why I got out of training and I just focus on flying and now ignore all rules. Caa dont really care about flight safety, it’s a dept full of failed commercial operators with limited industry experience trying to change things to justify their over prices jobs.

[@andrewb5090]

I really get the feeling that the CAA wants to shut down drone flights. What I also find frustrating is that trying to be responsible, I've registered with the CAA, so they have my email address, and there have been no emails to say they're changing the rules.

[@steveoxley4374]

Thanks for all you are trying to do for us Matt, I’m purely a hobbyist and I’m getting worried that the only place I’ll be able to fly is on a deserted island somewhere.

[@bowman264]

Matt. Well said, we need to collectively get this sorted as a community, that's the issue, we are all individual RP small businesses and therefore have a broken voice. I am sadly losing the will with the CAA, change to change, restriction on restriction, more cost's for registration etc. Go back to Commercial and Non Commercial. Stay safe and Blue Skies

[@drone-G]

As the paper say it is the Wild West of the sky in the UK. I am going to think long and hard about paying the CAA my £10 this year to use my drone. I am still going to fly my mini 2. It’s going to take some time for the police to get up to speed in stopping this as they don’t even come out for anything anymore.

[@creativeskymedia]

Technology moves forward, our industry moves backwards. Good work, Matt.

[@raspberrypiploy771]

Your passion and eloquent delivery is admirable your frustration is so prominent as is ours. Drone hobbyists in the uk are lucky that firstly your training courses are excellent but as important is the fact that your knowledge and understanding of the rules and potential issues with new regulation is reassuring. It feels though that your efforts are falling on deaf ears with the authorities being so bloody minded and probably not understanding their own rules. They don’t care they don’t seem interested unless of course they can make even more money. Thank you and I for one would rather listen to you than the toffs at the CAA After 20 years working in the aviation industry todays examples of their incompetence and their total lack of engagement rings so many bells from my experiences working for a major airline.

[@roguepredator84]

Matt, this video is absolutely spot-on. Your passion of frustration has come through very clearly and I feel exactly the same way. I have already seen numerous friends who fly drones say they don’t care anymore as they can’t keep up and we’ll just fly where they want With safety in mind all times of course. This is obviously not what we want as we want the community to grow in the right direction and like you said how can we do this when we get all these changes and radio silence from the CAA. Keep up the fight brother.

[@dronecity1699]

Jesus Matt ...that took some massive Balls ..well done ..let's hope now Shaun will finally get off the fence and show some ..Well Done!!!!

[@bugsy742]

😂 fat chance 👍

[@dronecity1699]

@Land of Saints FPV ill bet no f@@kin chance

[@adamsmith6594]

Sean likes his fence 🙄 It's nice when those in positions of authority remove their filter. It's shows which side of the line they stand. My favourite was pushing sh%t uphill with a paper cone. New one on me and had to mop up the coffee from the phone 🤦

[@bugsy742]

@@dronecity1699 😂😆😅🤝 maybe after spending so much time with Calum etc he’s come to realise we are all doomed and he’s trying to grab every last drop of monetised revenue before the curtain falls! 😩😆

[@bugsy742]

@@adamsmith6594 same mate! 😅

[@kayberry6292]

What a lucid, intelligent and heartfelt monologue! I feel for you - but be careful what you wish for. As a mere recreational M4P pilot, I have been privileged to receive several comprehensive replies from the CAA to my questions…but they were all utterly depressing and ignorant of the real world issues and emergencies that drone pilots face all the time. One question I asked was about the legality of using my RC screen in an emergency to search for a safe unplanned landing site within VLOS where the ground was hidden from my line of sight by shrubs, a building or undulating topography. Absolutely not, they said and concluded threateningly: "any further admission of RPAS operations outside of the regulations can only result in an official investigation". I think there is no point in lobbying the CAA or responding to their sham consultations. Instead we should be talking to the DfT which is the only body that the CAA listens to.

[@twrmoor]

I started my A2 Coc with UAVHUB but the whole debacle with the "C" standard marks, VLOS rules & the other changes or lack of has thrown a spanner in the works. I am mainly a hobbyist but occasionally get asked to do odd jobs. The courses I did helped make me a safer pilot & I hope to get some sort of qualification. I hope these rules can get worked out before 2026 so we all know where we are. Thanks for the work you do Matt good to see you teaming up with Geeksvana.

[@dronecity1699]

Cannot wait for Shaun at Geeksvana's comments about this video. Or lack of is more likely as he seems pretty cosy with Calum and the CAA at the moment

[@twrmoor]

It seems like Shaun is trying to remain as impartial as possible and try to get information out there. At least there is some dialog with the CAA through Calum.

[@dronecity1699]

@Twr Moor yes I get that I'm a genuine fan of the Geeksvana channel but it unfortunately it comes a time when you put your own interest behind you and support the people that put you where you are on KZbin and stand up, grow a pair and be counted. Or does he have an alteria motive?

[@lostintransit5822]

@@dronecity1699 I think Sean has his own agenda and set of goals, he’s building a business! He’s sitting firmly on the fence and not rocking the boat

[@davidadams421]

Letter to MP sent. Complaint to CAA submitted. 100% agree with everything you have said, and very well done for saying it. Any reprisals from the CAA? Please ... pleeeaaassse let me know; they don't know yet what a snotagram is, but they'll learn.

[@davidadams421]

Complaint response received from the CAA: Thank you for completing our online complaint form relating to your concerns about the CAA and how we regulate the RPAS community. Having considered your correspondence, it is not something that is within the scope of our complaints policy, as it is the Department for Transport (DFT) who create new legislation to regulate drones, therefore we have not logged this as a formal complaint. However, we are of course sorry to hear of your frustration and appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns and feedback. Therefore, I did ask our RPAS team to review your feedback and provide us with a response, which is as follows: The CAA is committed to supporting a dynamic and innovative RPAs sector in the UK. However, we must also balance this commitment with our duty to maintain flight safety and protect the public from harm - which is our prime concern as a safety regulator. Given the rapidly changing nature of technology, regulations have had to adapt quickly to keep up with the pace of change. We appreciate these changes can be difficult at times for parts of the sector, but we are confident the measures we have taken to date have been necessary to ensure the safety of remote flight for all. However, that said, we do acknowledge and apologise for the significant failings on the CAA’s part with regard to errors in the recently published CAP722 series. We are working hard to address these shortcomings and rectify these errors. In addition, it is our intention to better involve the RPAs stakeholder community in future changes to our regulatory publications. We are in the process of developing new forums for the RPAS community to have their say and we are exploring options to ensure operators are better informed about our work. I hope this explanation offers some clarification on the direction of travel for the CAA’s RPAS work going forward. Once again, we appreciate you taking the time to contact us, as it is only with your feedback that we can improve services, and we look forward to your continued engagement in our work. For those interested, my complaint was simple: I am ashamed to admit that I am one of those drone operators that have become so disenfranchised with the CAA's direction of travel recently that I too have found myself saying 'stuff it' to the CAA's ever-changing regulations. As an avid drone operator with a truly embedded 'safety first' core value, this makes me hang my head in shame. Matt Williams over at UAVHub has said everything I want to say with regards to this complaint, and far more eloquently than I ever could. Please review his latest KZbin video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4eWnZeVmLdkgbc Please share your thoughts on how this formal complaint could or should be resolved. David Adams UAS Operator ID: XXX-XX-XXXXXXXXXXXX

[@davidadams421]

As they refer to elements of your video in their response, we can at least be sure that they've watched it!

[@briankeen5727]

I'm delaying converting my PfCO to GVC until the CAA pull their finger out and decide whether we can continue to overfly. If we can't, I'll be letting my OA lapse as I'll no longer be able to do the job. And, all this, as EASA has freed up flying in Europe with the new DJI Mavic 3 being C marked. An absolute farce.

[@P13DM]

Europe has its own silly laws too, some operators are literally having to put a parachute on a Mavic now.

[@tonylewis7660]

Excellent summary of the chaos and confusion at the CAA. Well said Mat 👏👏👏

[@WorldFun-xj9of]

Welcome back Matt, our leader they are on the take from elsewhere.

[@airtechimages]

Well said Matt, i just don’t understand how the CAA can get things this wrong for this long and ongoing …

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Well said Matt! Yup, the C.A.A. changes it’s policies and rules as often as the tides change. We are all confused every time a new rule comes out, then it’s changed, then it’s changed back, then revised. 🤷🏻‍♂️ We, as their employer should demand a restructuring of this seemingly disjointed / compartmented organisation. Tbh I don’t think they could run a bath at this point in time. Huge thank you’s for teaching me to pass my A2 C of C Matt. Keep up the good work. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@andrewhillphotosvideos2909]

Same old storey Matt in this country YOU ARE A NUMBER! not a person and all comunication from above is limitless. it will most defenetly turn into DO WHAT YOU WANT!. Guees what, I'm one of them.. Sick of the rules and regulations from places where rules and regulations don't appear to apply.

[@TheBeeryBoater]

Couldn’t have put it better myself.

[@obadger21]

It’s so refreshing to see this and thank you for putting your business on the line to stand alongside us all. I agree that now we all need to put pen to paper and write to our MP’s the DFT etc and make it clear that the current approach is not acceptable. I did love the mention of the Friday night good ideas club - so much of what I’ve seen absolutely has that feeling about it 😂

[@hedleythorne]

I get asked regularly about current regulations, in fact I am supposed to be giving a talk on them but I am going to refer to them as at a year ago before the confusion began. How would an officer know the regulations when dealing with an incident if the industry professionals don't?

[@B0M0A0K]

Agree with EVERYTHING you have said here Matt!

[@garycook5125]

I'll just keep flying responsibly on my own terms, like I have for decades. FAA (in America), is doing its best to completely stop us from flying; don't comply with any of their freedom-killing ideas. Tell them to take a hike.

[@johncarold]

I'm sorry that you have to deal with this, I live in the US, and been flying RC Airplanes since 1970, and I refuse to register until the FAA releases the RISK ASSESSMENT file for the reason for these rules. We know that the reason for these rules are changing because someone thought it would be great to have a flying delivery service. Now they want me to stop flying for someone can have their tubesocks delivered by drone. I just don't ever see this happening.

[@jimiraikkonen31]

Well done Matt, as always, you speak the truth. Frustrating as this is for everyone, we're lucky to have voices like you in the industry

[@lindsayheyes925]

Wow! I did not expect that! Well, I should have, because I am confused too. I fly my drone in Mark Harper's constituency. I'll copy this to his office when I have collected my own thoughts more clearly. Having done a few of your courses, I think I demonstrate the commitment to safety which I see from almost every UAS flyer I meet - frankly, wilfully way over-qualified for flying a Mavic Mini a few hundred yards, usually at about 50 metres altitude. Good luck. We appreciate your absolute sincerity and commitment.

[@DisenyDreams]

This was my hobby. I was going to upgrade to a mini 3, but now I find it's not worth flying my drone anymore. Always went by the rules and regulations but now just sticking to my camera. So sad

[@StreakyP]

lumping everything under one level of regulation is a bit like applying HGV driver regs to skateboard riders as they are both wheeled transport.

[@neildavies6197]

I feel your frustration Matt. Can't say I am surprised as I feel the drone community appears to be like a flee on an elephants back. The CAA obviously do nit feel that the drone matter. So will see if I get any response, alas I am not holding my breath!

[@combatwombat71]

CAA meddling is everywhere. Speaking even as a private (full size) pilot, they are often referred to as the 'Campaign Against Aviation', which is quite apt.

[@gimbalair]

Well played Matt. I have not seen you that red since you came out the gym one day and did a piece to Camera. You can sense your empathy with us RP's and angst at the CAA in equal measures. I have been a critic of the course material thinking it was lightweight at times, (but I now know it was based on the CAA agenda) but I am immensely proud to be an OA holder obtained through UAVHUB, and frankly I cannot imagine any other RAE gaffer having as much passion and drive to see the community is not dry bummed by some faceless incompetent halfwits. Thanks for sticking your neck out on behalf of all of us.

[@PaulWingfield]

I'm totally with you on this. If the CAA can't work it out then why not simply let EASA do the work and adopt their rules and specs. That way we don't even need the progress obstructing, CAA. The CAA clearly have zero interest in drones. They are happy to block all progress with anything to do with drones and watch as the EU forges ahead.

[@DroneSeekersInternational]

We are right by your side Matt

[@omaservicesltd]

I can't remember ever seeing you so drained and obviously down Matt. It needed to be said and you did so diplomatically. Thanks.

[@UAVHub]

Thank you... This has, very nearly, broken me... I won't lie! BUT, it's worth the fight and I've been through far worse. I've dealt with far tougher, FAR MORE DEALY enemies in the past. There's two ways to settle this one tbh... One that works out diplomatically and favourably for EVERYONE, which is obviously the preferred route... Or one which ends very differently. Thankful for your support and be ready to 'heed the call' if required! :) #FlightSafetyRevolution

[@iankynaston-richards5239]

A number of comments have suggested that the CAA have an unspoken policy against drone use. My view from having dealt with many arms of government over the years is that organisations like CAA end up not knowing where they are going or what they are doing and just reacting to situations. At the same time they are often led by people who have arrived at their position via the Dilbert Principle - being promoted beyond their level of competence.

[@sylvanlight120]

You're bang on. I'm thinking about not re registering this year after hearing about the CAA considering remote ID... Uncrewed Aircraft have been flown for about a century with no serious injury to anyone... Where's the risk!!?!

[@NatJones-sy9mt]

Thank you Matt for releasing your frustration on behalf of the UAV commuity. Its not as if the people at CAA don't fly drones, is it ?

[@borgqueen100]

Welcome to the club. I have been flying drones for about 6 years,and it's been an up hill struggle to find out the rules and regulations .I see your genuine frustration. They are not interested in what we want they have their own agenda. Good on you for sticking up for your principals and saying it like it is. But in my opinion we don't come together and so they get away with it. GOOD LUCK.

[@DonJoyce]

Full support from Canada, Matt. The Drone Pilot Association of Canada (DPAC) was formed out of the same sort of frustration. Too early to tell if we'll make significant headway.

[@tyorkshurtuber9365]

Well said Matt. Needs saying. Your frustration is palpable. What hope have we of ever getting to a position to fly BVLOS on a routine basis? Not with the red tape gang. Still think there is a General Aviation mafia behind all the negative overbearing rules for UAS. Keep fighting.

[@beyondthequaydocumentaries]

Thanks Matt. You and team have been valued by the community. Thank you 👍

[@104rubberducklanigan9]

Hey Matt, haven't been on here for over a year and can't believe you're having to put a video out like this, sorry to see you like this, you trained me up about 4 years ago and the rules were changing felt like daily. Then thought I would persist it can only get better, did my A2cofc to basically re qualify but with limitations. Unfortunately after investing about 5k on drone and training I lost the will to carry on pursuing a career within the drone sector of which I was initially so excited about. CAA is a sham and it is a disgrace to treat people with so much contempt. Haven't flown in a year simply because I lost the love of the industry. Hope you get the respect from them you and the team deserve 👏

[@stevenmilton4482]

Unfortunately unable to make your livestream this evening Matt. I wonder if it’s going to be recorded at all so as I can watch later? Thank you for speaking out about the lack of clear guidance and communication from the CAA.

[@UAVHub]

Hey Steven! Thanks for dropping by... :) Yep; the recording will be available here on KZbin - we're aiming to make as many people as possible aware of the consultation, so we can make our voices heard! Catch up soon, Matt

[@bigbellyflyer]

Here in the states, the FAA says they are under funded . We recently had some very close calls at several airports. How are the FAA and CAA going to handle watching little drones flying when they can’t even keep up with the manned aircraft flights . They need to stay focused on actual manned flights.

[@rickainsley6895]

Well said Matthew I’m unsure the CAA are actually working effectively for the drone industry or us with an interest in the hobby or as commercial operators. Keep it up and thank you, rest assured, your integrity is very much intact.

[@VRStudio6969]

We have a big problem with this drones business, because too many people who are not understanding what we doing, all the time when they see us to fly some were and they started:I will call the police I will smash your drone even your face....bla bla, I can't believe but will keep going anyway 💪😎✌️ Thanks Matt regards Boyan Izbishtaliev

[@rashburner]

Fustratingly this is the time we need strong leadership and common sense from the CAA, drones are only going to become more accessible and more affordable. To keep everyone safe the CAA needs to start making rules people can actually understand and follow. It's clear the regulations are unclear as local councils and landowners consistently incorrectly refer to CAA regulations as restricting flights in places where flight is actually allowed.

[@arcadeusops]

Let it rip, mate! The CAA is difficult to deal with, on a good day. You're right to criticize them. Well done, boyo!

[@MrApolloTom]

I was very keen to follow the rules when I started, but I have no idea what the official rules are anymore. None of it makes any sense and everyone on Facebook has their own opinion on why every flight is illegal. There's no point even bothering anymore. The only rational strategy is to take off as far away as you can from what you want to film, and hide while your drone completes a flight plan. If anyone sees you looking at it, it using a controller, or sees the drone when it's near you, is the only possibility of trouble regardless of rules, as no one knows them anyway.

[@timoryan4441]

Thanks for this Matt. Lots of chatter online about these changes. As a hobbyist, and someone who completed the A2COC via your organisation, I take safety seriously and even do a preflight safety check of an area before I fly. Thought I was safe but these changes will have a negative impact on my flying. Feel your frustration.. keep at it….

[@illusion1361]

Just ignore them lot all they want to do is control you

[@subsea77]

What a bloody legend 👊🏻 Thanks for everything you do for the industry Matt. Sort it out CAA let's not forget you're a Public Cooperation 😒

[@CJW-Media]

I'm about done with drones as a business. Been having a bit of hassle with my OA renewal application, mainly due to having to make changes to my OM due to the new rules and recent changes. It's becoming too much hassle, and at this point I'm looking at getting rid of everything except my Mini 3 Pro. I suppose, like a lot of people, I'm just fed up, and possibly lacking the motivation to keep on top of all the shit that's going on. It's a bad state of affairs. It's good of you Matt to take the CAA to task over the lack of....everything. Hopefully it won't come back and bite you on the ass again. Thanks for speaking up for the little people, it's appreciated.

[@nxu5107]

Thank you for honesty and being brave to talk about this on our behalf. But where in this country are things working well? The place is broken. It’s being intentionally done to serve some narrow agenda and we the leisure / hobby users are canon fodder.

[@webreakforsquirrel4201]

Often...when people don't know what they are doing usually don't know what to do.

[@clintrdog1]

Anyone around here old enough to remember the poll tax riots of 1990? When the British people on mass said no we're not standing for that the government have no choice but to accede. The same applies here if an authority wishes to apply draconian rules in an effort to put an end to a hobby and indeed a professional enterprise willing to abide by the rules the only response will be dissent. And of course like any other authority in this country they do not have the manpower or resourses to stop free thinking and responsible people from doing what they want.

[@allaboutdrones8070]

The industry is a mess because of the CAA right now I agree and its cluster ferckle for sure....

[@DelDredd]

Everybody should have stood up to the fools with no clue years ago, we would not be in this predicament now.

[@carolineg5974]

Thank you thank you thank you Matt for all you do.

[@ClanLawrence]

Your frustration is obvious Matt, and I'm in complete agreement.

[@dalecurtisdroner]

Hi Matt. Great video. I agree with many on here who think that 'the powers that be want to get rid of small operators and hobbyists. Just makes me more determined to jump through whatever hurdles they impose to keep my OA and cause them annoyance.

[@andrewhillphotosvideos2909]

Since when have we ever been listend to Matt. what ever you do next Im with you Mate... And well said my friend....

[@dingbat19]

I recently won a DJI mini 3 - it is my first ever drone. I have to be honest, I'm a law abiding citizen and I'm actually pretty worried that somehow just innocently flying this thing will make me unwittingly a criminal because I can't wrap my head around the regs changing etc. I have an operator ID, have read the manual, THINK I understand most of the rules, but I'm worried - I have the kind of job where a criminal record would be problematic so I have to try to ensure I will fly within the law at all times - thank you for this video - I share your frustrations - what are the CAA doing? I agree there seems to be an agenda to try to curtail a lot of drone flyer, especially hobbyists

[@El_Smeghead]

Did anyone else see the vein on Matt's head growing throughout the video? I thought it was gonna burst 🤣

[@richiebricker]

--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government. -The U.S. Constitution

[@timgreen2773]

Any interface between the private and public sector will be tough for all the reasons you so articulately put. I hope that your public statement will promote some sort of professional engagement with them that after all can only benefit all parties including the entire population who they are supposed to be serving and protecting.

[@gravyboatdrone4060]

Im a hobbyist that flys sub 250g but undertook Matt's A2CofC because I wanted to fly safely and confidently. The course material was so useful, a real eye opener. I can now fly safely but all the changes being made by the CAA are so confusing and that must make the A2CofC difficult to deliver if they aren't getting support from those that mandate the rules. Keep going Matt, a heartfelt video and it's all about safety and doing what we enjoy! 👍

[@MartinWhitehead]

Agree with this. I also only fly sub 250g and the A2 CofC course was a great learning resource. I passed with 100% and feel it helps to fly with a better awareness. Matt, keep up the great work!!

[@DibDutta]

Hello Sir, I am a bonafide student of your institute and a regular member of your OM monthly subscription. I have learnt from you that the compliance imposed by CAA and always have followed them, FLY SAFE AND BLUE SKIES. Recently many RAF zone applications are not looked after. My recent renewal application was also put on hold due to the Operator ID, not being in my company name. I am grateful to you and the UAV HUB team for making the noise 🙏

[@shorefishingfilms]

All I can say is thanks Matt, I renewed my OA just before Christmas, I am sticking currently to what I know and understand, hopefully this will get sorted out before I need to renew again but please keep trying for us, having to explain to my work that they just spent £6000 on a new safer setup won’t be very easy if I am not legally allowed to fly it come next Xmas, keep in touch Matt we need you 👍

[@pmcasella]

you and other hubs plus the BMFA should make up the rules , for us to follow, then tell the CAA. It is us and them. most pilots fly good.