Can I fly with FPV Drones with an A2 CofC

Yes, but you need to use a competent observer

Flying FPV is possible within both the Open and the Specific category.

You will need a competent observer next to you, as the remote pilot (RP) at all times to maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with the aircraft at all times.

If your drone is under 250g, you can fly these drones in the A1 Subcategory - which means that you can fly over uninvolved people (as long as you do this safely) and you need to affix an operator ID to the drone. You'll also need to read and understand the user manual of your drone and read the drone code.

Until 2023 (250g-500g Drones in A1 Transitional Category of the Open Category)

If your drone is between 250g and 500g and you want to fly in congested areas (areas used for recreational, industrial, commercial and residential purposes) and is classed as a 'legacy drone' (drones with no class marking) then you will need to do an A2 Certificate of Competency. However, the below provisions are only valid until 1st January 2023.

With an A2 CofC you can fly 'close to people' as long as you don't intentionally overfly uninvolved people.

Without an A2 CofC, you will have to fly in the A3 subcategory which means you have to stay 150m away from congested areas and a minimum of 50m away from uninvolved people.

Until 2023 (500g-2kg Drones in A2 Transitional Category of the Open Category)

If your drone is between 500g-2kg and you want to fly in congested areas (areas used for recreational, industrial, commercial and residential purposes) and is classed as a 'legacy drone' (drones with no class marking) then you will need to do an A2 Certificate of Competency. However, the below provisions are only valid until 1st January 2023.

With an A2 CofC you have to stay 50m away from uninvolved people.

Without an A2 CofC, you will have to fly in the A3 subcategory which means you have to stay 150m away from congested areas and a minimum of 50m away from uninvolved people.

C1 Class Drone (A1 Subcategory of the Open Category)

If your drone is a C1 class drone (it has the official C1 marking) you need an Operator ID and you need a free Flyer ID from the CAA.

You can then 'fly close to people' in congested areas as long as you don't intentionally overfly them.

if you want to fly FPV with a C1 Drone you need to ensure you have a competent observer standing next to the RP to maintain VLOS.

C2 Class Drone (A2 Subcategory of the Open Category)

If your drone is a C2 class drone (it has the official C2 marking) you need an Operator ID and you need a free Flyer ID from the CAA. You then also need to get an A2 Certificate of Competency if you want to fly in congested areas.

With an A2 CofC you then have to stay a minimum of 30m away from uninvolved people in normal speed and at least 5m away from people in low-speed mode.

If you want to fly FPV with a C2 Drone you need to ensure you have a competent observer standing next to the RP to maintain VLOS.

Drones up to 25 kg (A3 Subcategory of the Open Category)

If your drone is up to 25 kg and it doesn't fit into any of the above, then you need to stay 150m away from congested areas (areas used for recreational, industrial, commercial and residential purposes) and at least 50m away from uninvolved people.

You need to ensure that your drone has an Operator ID and you have a free Flyer ID from the CAA.