CAAC Drone Regulations in China: FPV Flying Requirements for 2026

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) oversees the world’s largest drone manufacturing industry and an increasingly regulated domestic airspace. For FPV pilots in China — whether residents, expatriates, or visiting pilots — understanding the registration requirements, flight restriction zones, and recent regulatory tightening is essential for legal operations.

Drone Classification and Registration

China’s “Interim Regulations on the Administration of Unmanned Aircraft Flights,” effective from January 1, 2024, established a comprehensive framework for all unmanned aircraft. The regulations classify drones by weight and operational characteristics, directly affecting FPV pilots:

• Micro: Under 250 grams, maximum speed under 50 km/h, maximum altitude under 50 meters. Registration required via the UOM platform (Unmanned Aircraft Operation Management system) but no real-name authentication for the drone itself.
• Light: Under 4 kilograms (excluding micro). Requires real-name registration with the CAAC via the UOM platform, and the drone must display the registration QR code.
• Small: 4-15 kilograms. Requires registration and a drone pilot license.
• Medium and Large: Over 15 kilograms. Full certification and operational approval required.

For FPV pilots, the critical threshold is 250 grams. Most 5-inch freestyle builds exceed this and fall into the “Light” category, requiring real-name registration. Registration is completed through the UOM platform (uom.caac.gov.cn) or the UOM mobile app, which requires Chinese ID verification. Foreign nationals must register through an alternative process involving passport verification at a CAAC regional office — a significant administrative hurdle for visiting pilots.

The Real-Name Registration Requirement

All drones in the Light category and above must be registered with the operator’s real identity information. The registration generates a unique QR code that must be affixed to the drone in a visible location. This QR code is linked to the operator’s identity in the CAAC database, enabling authorities to trace any drone to its operator.

The registration system is enforced. Police have the authority to demand proof of registration during spot checks at popular flying locations. Operating an unregistered drone in a Light category or above can result in fines of 200-2,000 RMB (approximately $28-280 USD) and confiscation of the drone for serious violations.

Flight Restriction Zones and Geofencing

China implements the most extensive geofencing system of any country. DJI’s Aeroscope and geofencing systems are deeply integrated with CAAC requirements, but all drones — regardless of manufacturer — are subject to flight restrictions. Key restricted areas include:

• Airport clearance zones: All flight operations prohibited within 8-10 kilometers of airport boundaries, expanding to 20 kilometers for major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
• Military facilities and sensitive areas: Absolute prohibition on any drone flights. These zones are not always publicly mapped, but violations carry severe penalties under state security laws.
• Urban core areas: Most cities prohibit drone flights within the urban core without specific authorization. Beijing’s municipal drone prohibition covers essentially the entire city within the 5th Ring Road.
• National borders and coastal defense zones: Strictly prohibited without military and CAAC joint approval.
• National parks and protected areas: Flying generally prohibited without park-specific permits.

The UOM app provides real-time geofencing information for registered users. However, many sensitive zones are not displayed publicly — the pilot bears the responsibility for not flying in prohibited areas even if the location is not shown in the app.

Pilot Qualification and Licensing

China requires drone pilot qualifications based on the operation type and drone category:

• Micro drones (under 250g): No license required for recreational use.
• Light drones (250g-4kg): Completion of CAAC-approved theoretical training and passing an online examination. The “Light UAS Operator Certificate” covers airspace rules, safety procedures, and basic aviation knowledge.
• Small drones and commercial operations: Full drone pilot license (UAS Operator Certificate) requiring in-person training at a CAAC-approved training organization, including flight testing.

For most recreational FPV pilots flying 5-inch builds, the Light UAS Operator Certificate applies. Training is available through CAAC-approved online platforms and costs approximately 300-500 RMB ($42-70 USD).

Visual Line of Sight and FPV Observer

CAAC regulations require the remote pilot to maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times during recreational operations. FPV flying with goggles must include a visual observer — CAAC refers to this as the “dual operator mode.” The observer must:

• Be co-located with the pilot and maintain unaided visual contact
• Be capable of assessing the drone’s position, altitude, and flight direction
• Be able to alert the pilot to hazards and other aircraft
• Be specifically designated for the observation role

Unlike some Western jurisdictions, China does not explicitly require the observer to hold a pilot certificate, though this is recommended in CAAC guidance documents.

Frequency and Equipment Regulations

FPV pilots must ensure their equipment complies with Chinese radio frequency regulations. The 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands commonly used for FPV control and video links are generally permitted, but transmitter power limits apply:

• 2.4GHz control links: Maximum 100mW EIRP (significantly lower than FCC limits)
• 5.8GHz video transmitters: Maximum 25mW (extremely restrictive compared to international standards)

Enforcement of these power limits is inconsistent at the hobbyist level, but pilots using high-power VTX equipment should be aware they are technically outside compliance. Imported equipment from international manufacturers (TBS, ImmersionRC, Caddx) frequently exceeds Chinese power limits.

No-Fly Zones in Practice

China’s approach to drone enforcement combines technological and human methods. DJI drones include mandatory geofencing that prevents takeoff in restricted zones. For custom-built FPV drones without built-in geofencing, enforcement relies on Aeroscope detection (DJI’s drone identification system that detects drone signals), police patrols at known flying locations, and public reporting.

Several cities have designated drone flying parks where recreational flight is permitted and encouraged. Beijing’s Chaoyang Park and Shanghai’s Dishui Lake area are known gathering spots for the FPV community. Flying at these designated locations reduces the risk of regulatory issues significantly.

Visiting Pilots and Equipment Import

Foreign pilots visiting China with FPV equipment face additional considerations. Customs may scrutinize drone equipment, particularly FPV goggles and high-power transmitters. It is advisable to carry:

• Proof of purchase for all equipment (receipts)
• Printed copies of CAAC registration (if completed in advance)
• Equipment specifications showing compliance with Chinese frequency and power regulations
• Travel insurance that specifically covers drone operation liability

Chinese customs has confiscated drone equipment that appeared to be for commercial import without proper documentation. Traveling with a single personal drone and clearly recreational intent is unlikely to cause issues; arriving with multiple drones in pelican cases may attract unwanted attention.

Enforcement Trends in 2026

China has significantly increased drone enforcement since 2024, driven by security concerns around major events and critical infrastructure. Penalties have escalated, and the use of counter-drone technology (signal jamming and drone capture systems) around sensitive sites is routine. Several foreign nationals have been detained for flying drones near prohibited areas and subsequently deported — a severe outcome that far exceeds typical fines.

The regulatory environment in China is less forgiving than in Western countries. Pilots should assume that any flight near a sensitive area will be detected and acted upon. The safest approach: fly only at designated drone parks, maintain visual line of sight, and keep your documentation current and accessible.

Source: Civil Aviation Administration of China. Regulations change rapidly; verify current requirements through the UOM platform and local authorities before flying in China. This article provides general guidance and does not constitute legal advice.