# CAA Drone Code - 2016

**URL:** <https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41>\
**Category:** Legal & Privacy\
**Created:** [10 August 2017 21:17 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41 "2017-08-10T21:17:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 9\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![callum](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/callum/32/19816_2.png) [@callum](https://greyarro.ws/u/callum)\
**Post date:** [11 April 2018 11:08 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/21 "2018-04-11T11:08:16Z")

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From CAP 722 (6th edition) [CAP 722](https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP%2520722%2520Sixth%2520Edition%2520March%25202015.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiLhLPSirLaAhXpI8AKHTvBDVwQFjABegQICRAB&usg=AOvVaw1oNx75l0oZ30c4whsIsHSD)

Operations  
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)  
3.11 Operating within Visual Line of Sight means that the Remote Pilot is able to  
maintain direct, unaided (**_other than corrective lenses)_** visual contact with the UA  
which is sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons,  
vessels, vehicles and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions. Within the  
UK, VLOS operations are normally accepted out to a maximum distance of 500  
m horizontally and 400 ft vertically from the Remote Pilot. Operations at a greater  
distance from the Remote Pilot may be permitted if an acceptable safety case is  
submitted. For example, if the aircraft is large it may be justifiable that its flight  
path can be monitored visually at a greater distance than 500 m. Conversely, for  
some small aircraft, operations out to a distance of 500m may mean it is not  
possible to assure or maintain adequate visual contac

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**Author:** ![callum](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/callum/32/19816_2.png) [@callum](https://greyarro.ws/u/callum)\
**Post date:** [11 April 2018 11:10 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/22 "2018-04-11T11:10:54Z")

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It’s defined in a few other places but that’s the first CAA document I came across.

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**Author:** ![Carl](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/carl/32/1786_2.png) [@Carl](https://greyarro.ws/u/Carl)\
**Post date:** [11 April 2018 11:15 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/23 "2018-04-11T11:15:38Z")

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Well that’s a pretty decisive answer! Thanks Callum 🙂

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**Author:** ![Sweetbaboo99](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/sweetbaboo99/32/44150_2.png) [@Sweetbaboo99](https://greyarro.ws/u/Sweetbaboo99)\
**Post date:** [30 May 2018 09:44 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/24 "2018-05-30T09:44:15Z")

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I am sure I am not the only one, it has been touched on in previous comments but drones these days are so small how is it possible to keep them in sight beyond 100 - 200m?? I have never flown beyond 800m (usually a lot less) and rely on the camera to confirm position. My interpretation rightly or wrongly of VLOS is to ensure that you are always aware of the airspace around the drone so that any appropriate action can be taken if there is a need to reposition for safety. Although I have had the Mavic since Mar last year I have limited experience which is why my flights are of the non adventurous kind! (So far anyway) However, even flying just a couple of hundred yards can make the Mavic difficult to spot. I work on the basis that as long as I maintain visual and situational awareness of the airspace around me and the drone then I am very unlikely to wreak havoc!!! Do other drone pilots work on similar thought processes?

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**Author:** ![PingSpike](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/pingspike/32/7393_2.png) [@PingSpike](https://greyarro.ws/u/PingSpike)\
**Post date:** [30 May 2018 10:37 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/25 "2018-05-30T10:37:36Z")

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> [@Sweetbaboo99](#):
>
> However, even flying just a couple of hundred yards can make the Mavic difficult to spot

Especially if you look down at the screen, then back up again - it’s gone?! 🤣

[Strobon CREE](https://greyarro.ws/t/those-cree-strobes-are-sooo-bright/1803) lights can help here 👍

> [@Sweetbaboo99](#):
>
> I work on the basis that as long as I maintain visual and situational awareness of the airspace around me and the drone then I am very unlikely to wreak havoc!!!

Probably safe there mate 🙂

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**Author:** ![Sweetbaboo99](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/sweetbaboo99/32/44150_2.png) [@Sweetbaboo99](https://greyarro.ws/u/Sweetbaboo99)\
**Post date:** [30 May 2018 11:12 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/26 "2018-05-30T11:12:50Z")

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Thanks for that. As a novice it is nice to know that my understanding of VLOS is perhaps shared by others!

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**Author:** ![callum](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/callum/32/19816_2.png) [@callum](https://greyarro.ws/u/callum)\
**Post date:** [30 May 2018 12:38 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/27 "2018-05-30T12:38:17Z")

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Everyone has their own interpretation and might make us feel a bit better but the CAA’s definition is only one that counts at end of day.

We all assess the risks and push the boundaries. I’m a firm believer in that if your flying safely, away from people and not making a nuisance of yourself your unlikely to encounter any trouble.

The new incoming regulations will probably make things clearer with guidance and competence test.

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**Author:** ![PingSpike](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/pingspike/32/7393_2.png) [@PingSpike](https://greyarro.ws/u/PingSpike)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2018 18:50 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/28 "2018-08-05T18:50:24Z")

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Closed on 5 August 2018 18:50 UTC



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**Author:** ![PingSpike](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/pingspike/32/7393_2.png) [@PingSpike](https://greyarro.ws/u/PingSpike)\
**Post date:** [5 August 2018 18:51 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/caa-drone-code-2016/41/29 "2018-08-05T18:51:07Z")

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Unpinned on 5 August 2018 18:51 UTC



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