CAAC China Drone Regulations 2026: FPV and Model Aircraft Compliance

Introduction

China has the world’s largest drone manufacturing industry and a rapidly maturing regulatory framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). As of 2026, the CAAC has implemented a comprehensive set of drone regulations that classify unmanned aircraft by weight and operational risk, with specific provisions that affect FPV (First Person View) and model aircraft pilots.

This article covers the CAAC drone regulatory framework as it applies to FPV pilots — both domestic operators in China and international visitors who want to fly — including the critical distinctions between the various weight classes, registration requirements, and airspace restrictions that define legal FPV flight in Chinese airspace.

The CAAC Regulatory Framework

The CAAC governs drone operations under the Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aircraft Flights, which took full effect on January 1, 2024, and has been supplemented with additional guidance through 2025-2026. The regulations classify unmanned aircraft into five categories based on weight:

Most FPV drones fall into either the Micro (sub-250g whoops, 3-inch builds) or Light (standard 5-inch quads) categories. This is fortunate, as the Light category has relatively accessible compliance requirements.

Source: CAAC Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management — http://www.caac.gov.cn

UAS Registration (Real-Name Registration)

All drones in the Light category and above must be registered through the CAAC’s UAS Real-Name Registration System (无人驾驶航空器实名登记系统). The registration process requires:

• Owner’s real name and Chinese national ID number (or passport number for foreigners)
• Drone make, model, serial number, and weight
• Upload of a photo of the drone showing the registration QR code affixed to the aircraft
• Registration is free

Once registered, the system generates a unique registration QR code that must be printed and affixed to the drone. This is where 3D printing becomes useful — a small TPU or PETG bracket with a slot for the printed QR code sticker protects it from weather and wear while keeping it visible for inspection. Registration must be renewed every 2 years.

For FPV pilots: Home-built FPV drones without a serial number can be registered by describing the build components and assigning a self-generated identification number. The registration process accommodates custom builds, which is significant given that most FPV drones are self-assembled.

Pilot Qualification and Licensing

The CAAC has established a tiered pilot certification system:

• Micro category (under 250g): No pilot qualification required for recreational flight
• Light category (250g-4kg) recreational: No formal pilot license required, but pilots must complete the CAAC’s online safety training course and pass a short knowledge test
• Light category (250g-4kg) commercial: Requires a UAS Operator Certificate (民用无人驾驶航空器运营合格证) and pilot qualification
• Small category and above: Requires formal pilot license (UAS Pilot License, 民用无人机驾驶员执照) obtained through CAAC-approved training organizations

For recreational FPV pilots flying standard 5-inch quads, the requirement is manageable: register the drone, complete the online safety training, and carry proof of completion while flying. No expensive in-person exam is required.

FPV-Specific Regulations

Visual Observer Requirement

Like virtually every national aviation authority, the CAAC requires drone pilots to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with their aircraft. FPV goggles break VLOS because they prevent the pilot from directly observing the drone. The legally compliant solution is the same as in other jurisdictions: fly with a visual observer (spotter) who maintains unaided visual contact with the aircraft.

The CAAC’s guidance specifies that the visual observer must:

• Be physically present alongside the remote pilot
• Maintain continuous unaided visual contact with the drone
• Have a direct, reliable communication link with the pilot
• Not be engaged in any other task while observing

Altitude and Distance Limits

• Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 feet) AGL in uncontrolled airspace
• Horizontal distance: Within unaided visual line of sight of the observer
• Higher altitude operations: Require Special Flight Authorization from the local CAAC regional administration

Airspace Restrictions and No-Fly Zones

China maintains one of the world’s most extensive networks of drone no-fly zones. Critical restrictions include:

• Airports: No flight within 8 km of any airport boundary (extended from 5 km in previous regulations)
• Military installations: Absolute prohibition — flying near military facilities carries severe penalties including criminal prosecution
• Government buildings and sensitive facilities: Extensive no-fly zones around government compounds, power plants, dams, and critical infrastructure
• National borders: No flight within 500m of any international border
• Beijing and major cities: Nearly all of Beijing and central areas of Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other tier-1 cities are restricted or prohibited airspace
• Temporary restrictions: No-fly zones are frequently imposed for political events, VIP movements, and national holidays

The CAAC maintains an online UAS management platform (无人驾驶航空器管理平台) where pilots can check airspace status and file flight plans for authorized operations. Some Chinese drone manufacturers (DJI, etc.) integrate geofencing that automatically prevents flight in restricted zones — but custom FPV drones lack this automatic enforcement, placing the responsibility entirely on the pilot to know and respect airspace boundaries.

Insurance Requirements

In 2026, the CAAC requires third-party liability insurance for all drones in the Light category and above operated for commercial purposes. While recreational FPV pilots are not explicitly required to carry insurance, doing so is strongly recommended — a drone impact causing property damage or injury can result in substantial civil liability under Chinese tort law, and the flight itself may be retroactively classified as commercial if any form of compensation is involved.

Import and Export Controls

China classifies certain drone technologies as dual-use items subject to export controls. For FPV pilots bringing equipment into China:

• Personal drones for recreational use generally enter without issues, but you may be questioned about commercial intent at customs
• Drones with cameras capable of high-resolution imaging may face additional scrutiny
• Radio transmitters (VTX, radio controllers) above 25mW may technically require type approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) — though enforcement for personal equipment is inconsistent
• Flying near sensitive facilities with a foreign passport is particularly risky and may result in detention and equipment confiscation

Enforcement and Penalties

The CAAC, Ministry of Public Security, and local police all have enforcement authority over drone violations. Penalties include:

• Flying an unregistered drone (Light category or above): fines from ¥500 to ¥5,000
• Flying in restricted airspace: fines from ¥2,000 to ¥20,000
• Endangering public safety: up to 15 days administrative detention
• Interference with aviation safety: criminal prosecution — sentences of up to 7 years imprisonment for serious violations
• Equipment confiscation is common for serious violations

Conclusion

For FPV pilots in China, the path to legal flight is: (1) register every drone over 250g with the CAAC real-name system, (2) complete the online safety training, (3) affix the registration QR code to your drone (print a TPU holder for durability), (4) always fly with a visual observer, (5) stay below 120m and well clear of restricted zones, and (6) check airspace status before every flight. Flying sub-250g micro quads provides the most regulatory flexibility — no registration, no training requirement, and fewer airspace restrictions — making them an attractive option for FPV pilots operating in China. As with all international flying, if you’re visiting from abroad, research the specific requirements for your destination city and comply strictly — the consequences of a violation in China can be far more severe than fines in other jurisdictions.