CAP 1763 - Air Navigation Order 2018 and 2019 Amendments

[electrotor]

I don't think there is anything in it we didn't already know. However it does add another paving stone on the way to the coming registration and testing. Following the 2018 amendment some people seemed to think that registration and testing was required immediately. This was NOT the case and the latest amendment also makes this clear. The relevant articles state "This article does not come into force until 30 November 2019".
NOTE :  the CAP does not come into force until 13 March 2019.

https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP1763%20New%20UAS%20guidance.pdf

Inevitably there will be some confusion around Flight Restriction Zones. You can check these via the link on page 5 of the CAP. The reason for the potential confusion will likely be due to the usual misleading headlines, eg "Drone 'no-fly zone' around UK airports to be extended to 5km". Article 94B on page 6 of the CAP properly explains what the CAA means
"The dimensions of the runway protection zone – a rectangular portion of airspace measuring 5km long by 1km wide extending from the surface to a height of 2,000ft above the level of the aerodrome. The zone extends away from each runway threshold (which is a surveyed point) on an aerodrome, into the approach 'lane' for that runway."

[urbanfpv]

No requirement to register in the following circumstance:

(a) small unmanned aircraft with a mass of less than 250 grams without their  fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to     the aircraft at the commencement of their flight, or

Unless I've read this wrong, then that implies the drone can be up to 250gms without batteries.  What is their definition of "fuel"?

[Loopdreams]

No, the fuel would be the energy that you put into the batteries.  The batteries themselves are still there when you land.

[urbanfpv]

The mass is the same when you hit something either way.  Until they specifically define "fuel", anything else is speculation.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fuel

1. combustible matter used to maintain fire, as coal, wood, oil, or gas, in order to create heat or power.
2. something that gives nourishment; food.
3. an energy source for engines, power plants, or reactors: Kerosene is used as jet engine fuel.
something that sustains or encourages; stimulant: Our discussion provided him with fuel for debate.

Ie: energy source includes batteries.

[electrotor]

Let's be sensible now chaps.

In the case of solid, liquid or gas fuel, this is something which is added to the aircraft in order to provide the energy to power said aircraft. These types of fuel would be stored in containers, aka tanks. At the end of the flight the fuel has been consumed, the tanks are empty and require refilling for further flights.

In the case of electricity, this is something which is also added to the aircraft in order to provide the energy to power said aircraft. This type of fuel would also be stored in containers, aka batteries. At the end of the flight the fuel has been consumed, the batteries are discharged and require recharging for further flights.

In terms of mass, the only difference is that electrically powered aircraft do not get measurably lighter as the energy source is used up. Also in terms of mass, it would be less injurious to be hit by a non-electric powered aircraft at the end of its flight due to the decreased mass. The difference I suspect would be academic though.

[Loopdreams]

Until they specifically define "fuel", anything else is speculation.

Well I'm sure that they would clarify the obvious for you if you were to ask.  Alternatively take your loophole to court and see how that goes.  :+

[BigT]

Let's be sensible now chaps.

In the case of solid, liquid or gas fuel, this is something which is added to the aircraft in order to provide the energy to power said aircraft. These types of fuel would be stored in containers, aka tanks. At the end of the flight the fuel has been consumed, the tanks are empty and require refilling for further flights.

In the case of electricity, this is something which is also added to the aircraft in order to provide the energy to power said aircraft. This type of fuel would also be stored in containers, aka batteries. At the end of the flight the fuel has been consumed, the batteries are discharged and require recharging for further flights.

In terms of mass, the only difference is that electrically powered aircraft do not get measurably lighter as the energy source is used up. Also in terms of mass, it would be less injurious to be hit by a non-electric powered aircraft at the end of its flight due to the decreased mass. The difference I suspect would be academic though.

I had never thought of it that way but now I check the BMFA specs for the Basic Profficiency test it states the the model must weight less than 1kg with batteries installed . So following your logic the quad must be weighed with the battery on board not without? Just weighed  my BabyHawk with the pack on and it's 160grams. All my ZMR 250 are over by about 20 grams. But it's irrelevant because I fly all sorts that weigh up to 18 kg so all it means to me is the babyhawk doesn't need my reg number on it.