CAAC Drone Laws for FPV Pilots in China: 2026 Compliance Guide
China’s drone regulatory environment, governed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), has undergone significant transformation since the implementation of the Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management in January 2024. As the world’s largest drone manufacturing hub and home to a massive FPV community, understanding CAAC rules is essential for anyone flying in China or using Chinese-manufactured equipment abroad.
UAS Classification Under CAAC Rules
The CAAC classifies unmanned aircraft into five categories based on weight and operational characteristics. Micro UA (under 250 grams, maximum speed under 100 km/h) has the least regulatory burden — no registration required, no pilot certificate needed, but must comply with basic safety rules. Light UA (250 grams to 4 kilograms, or micro UA exceeding 100 km/h capability) requires real-name registration and operator compliance with flight rules. Small UA (4-15 kg), Medium UA (15-150 kg), and Large UA (over 150 kg) have progressively more stringent requirements. Most hobbyist FPV quads fall into the Light UA category and must be registered.
Real-Name Registration System
All Light UA and above must be registered through the CAAC’s Unmanned Aircraft Real-Name Registration System (UOM) accessible via the CAAC website or the UOM mobile application. Registration requires your national ID number, contact information, and the drone’s serial number or a self-assigned identification code for custom builds. Upon registration, you receive a unique registration code that must be displayed on the drone. The registration process is free and is valid for the life of the drone. Foreign visitors can register using passport information, though the process requires Chinese language proficiency or assistance.
Airspace Restrictions and No-Fly Zones
China operates one of the world’s most comprehensive geofencing systems. Airport clearance zones extend in a funnel shape from runway thresholds, with an 8-kilometer radius at ground level and expanding to 20 kilometers at altitude. Military installations, government buildings, and critical infrastructure impose no-fly zones that are enforced through both regulatory and technical means. Major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have extensive urban no-fly zones. The UOM app provides real-time airspace status and is the authoritative source for checking where you can legally fly.
FPV-Specific Regulations
The CAAC’s approach to FPV flight has become more structured over time. Under current rules, FPV flight with goggles is classified as flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and requires additional compliance. In practice, enforcement varies regionally — major cities and sensitive areas are strict, while rural areas may have more flexible interpretation. Many FPV pilots in China fly at designated flying fields affiliated with the Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC), where organized FPV activities are explicitly permitted with safety protocols in place.
A key 2026 development: the CAAC has begun requiring Remote ID capability for all newly registered Light UA and above. This follows the international trend and uses a broadcast protocol compatible with both the Chinese national standard and ASTM F3411. For FPV builders, this means integrating a compatible module if the flight controller does not natively support the required broadcast.
Pilot Certification
For Light UA operations, the CAAC requires completion of an online safety training course and passing a knowledge test through the UOM platform. This is free and covers basic aviation safety, airspace rules, and operational procedures. For Small UA and above, a formal UAS Operator Certificate is required, involving practical flight testing at an approved training organization. Commercial FPV operations — such as film production or inspection — fall under the more stringent commercial operator requirements and require business licensing in addition to pilot certification.
Penalties and Enforcement
China takes airspace violations seriously. Unauthorized flight in restricted zones can result in detention, confiscation of equipment, and fines ranging from 2,000 to 100,000 RMB (approximately $280 to $14,000 USD). Cases involving national security implications can result in criminal prosecution. The public security apparatus has increasingly sophisticated drone detection and countermeasure capabilities, including RF detection, radar, and electronic jamming systems deployed at sensitive locations.
For official information, visit the CAAC website and use the UOM platform for registration and airspace verification. If you do not read Chinese, fly with a local pilot who can navigate the regulatory environment.