FPVUK Insurance

[g4uvz]

If a member decides NOT TO REGISTER on the CAA DATABASE and continues to fly craft >250gms

This is as I understand it illegal  and therefore bringing into doubt the validity of any insurance policy.

I know that the BMFA are considering this ...have PPVUK insurers been asked the same question??

[BigT]

If a member decides NOT TO REGISTER on the CAA DATABASE and continues to fly craft >250gms

This is as I understand it illegal  and therefore bringing into doubt the validity of any insurance policy.

I know that the BMFA are considering this ...have PPVUK insurers been asked the same question??

BMFA have made it quite clear in the news bulletin  I think:  https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2608/An-update-on-the-UK-regulations-for-model-flyers

"However, it is important to note that the insurance cover provided to members covers 'lawful and recognised activities' and as such cover could only be assured for those operating lawfully (which includes participation in the DRES where required from the 30th November) which members should consider when deciding how to proceed.  We are still working with insurers to clarify the final position in terms of members and clubs."

[FPVSteve]

Yep - you cannot insure illegal activity.

[g4uvz]

So the choices are:-

£20 with£5M insurance

£38 BMFA with £25M insurance

Plus whatever the CAA finally decide they need to cover their £3M annual operating cost for the data base!

Reading the latest CAA guidelines it would still appear that you need special permission if you are not operating in visual

range of the plane ...no mention of a spotter ...so goggles are definitely out!

It was fun whilst it lasted..just a very great shame that ordinary RC Plane flier has got tarred with DRONE BRUSH  and

all the adverse publicity which goes with it!

[FPVSteve]

In reality the only thing that has changed is the requirement to register and the ability to prosecute is much more apparent.

Very few FPV pilots flew with a spotter, and those who did I'd be surprised if they'd be able to take over the controls when needed anyway - it was a bullshit rule then and it is now.

I personally am thinning my fleet - I've bought a nice photography-style quad that will hopefully arrive shortly, my Skywalker is shelved because it's too big and "dangerous looking" to the lay person - my MiniTalon is being replaced with a SkySurfer so it looks like a plane eather than a child killing drone if Mr Can'tKeepMyNoseOut comes walking by.

And then I mostly plan on flying during early hours or late at night as I have always done, to minimise the probability of anyone meandering past me, Best time of day anyway when it's misty :)

This year I've taken a bit of a hiatus - the whole rules thing was getting me down, I needed to adjust my mental and physical health because I've been struggling over the last few years.

But no way am I going to be beaten by those people at the DfT who know nothing about the hobby.

[Drone 5]

Well put Steve.

[BigT]

I still love the idea of rth. The EASA should have put this into the 2020 mix instead of the not available yet transponder item we are all supposed to be fitting along with geofencing being promoted by Peter Bloody Jones and DJI.

[simondale]

In reality the only thing that has changed is the requirement to register and the ability to prosecute is much more apparent.

Very few FPV pilots flew with a spotter, and those who did I'd be surprised if they'd be able to take over the controls when needed anyway - it was a bullshit rule then and it is now.

I personally am thinning my fleet - I've bought a nice photography-style quad that will hopefully arrive shortly, my Skywalker is shelved because it's too big and "dangerous looking" to the lay person - my MiniTalon is being replaced with a SkySurfer so it looks like a plane eather than a child killing drone if Mr Can'tKeepMyNoseOut comes walking by.

And then I mostly plan on flying during early hours or late at night as I have always done, to minimise the probability of anyone meandering past me, Best time of day anyway when it's misty :)

This year I've taken a bit of a hiatus - the whole rules thing was getting me down, I needed to adjust my mental and physical health because I've been struggling over the last few years.

But no way am I going to be beaten by those people at the DfT who know nothing about the hobby.

There has never been a requirement for a competent observer to take control of the aircraft at any point.  The competent observer's role is to maintain a lookout and notify the pilot of traffic.

Our insurance broker has said that registration does not affect the insurance.  To directly quote the email:

Hi Simon

We've had nothing come through from insurers on this subject, so at this stage, it doesn't appear that it would affect your insurance.